Maybe you are one of his collective five million YouTube views, and therefore have already peeped Justice Carradine singing his soul out. Maybe you were wooed when his debut single as a Chosen Music/Atlantic Records artist, ‘Dangerous Love,’ was released with a beautifully artistic video produced by Lowfield (IYKYK). Maybe this is the first time you’ve heard of him – pinky swear, it won’t be the last.
Whether for his magnetic energy, smooth yet lively tone that ranges from sing-me-to-sleep to get-up-and-dance, or his unassuming interest in extraterrestrial life, Justice is just easy to like. As is his latest release ‘Limbo,’ which tells a coming of age story about transitioning from one phase of life to another. He shares that for him, letting go of his teenage identity was scary because it came with uncertainty and anxiety and this song was his way of dealing with that.
Do yourself a favor and give it a listen (or twenty-seven). Then keep reading to get a little glimpse into the life, mind and breakfast plate of Justice Carradine.
Most random thought you’ve had lately?
That we are on a floating rock in space – like a bunch of space monkeys on a floating rock.
Social cause or organization you support?
Wildlife Warriors Worldwide
The “Limbo” video looks like it was shot in the Salt Flats, right? What was the reason behind shooting there?
Yeah that was the Bonneville Salt Flats near Salt Lake City. I’m from Utah and I’ve always wanted to shoot a video there just cause it’s so weird to me, like an alien planet. It’s so trippy. And while we were out there I saw Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite thing [Starlink] – I thought it was aliens but I found out later it wasn’t.
What would your superpower be?
Ooooh, I would teleport!
You had a substantial YouTube career singing covers for three years [2015-2018] before you started sharing original work. How did you know you were ready to make the transition?
When I wrote “Okay”… before that I kind of had songs I liked but this one really hit home and I was like whoa, this is me.
What are you binge-watching while sheltering in place?
I honestly don’t watch shows that much. But I have been reading a lot. Right now I’m reading “The Untethered Soul.”
First album you ever bought?
Avril Lavigne’s first album, Let Go – so good.
What do you value most about yourself?
My playfulness. I don’t really take life too seriously.
“Dangerous Love” really hits. Why do you think it’s so hard to let go of what we know isn’t good for us?
For me, I feel like I was afraid of change. I think we get so used to something being so consistent that it’s just hard to let go.
Do you have a personal mantra that you live by?
It’s not really a mantra, but throughout the day I remind myself that, “Hey, you could literally die today or tomorrow.” Maybe that sounds kind of dark, but I use that to not let fear hold me back. I try to live my best life by that.
“I’m the space between the walls,” the opening line in “Limbo,” digs deep (and is my favorite lyric in the song). What does it mean to you?
It’s kind of the best way I could describe how I felt like I was in between some things and I just felt nothing – it was the easiest way for me to put that feeling into words. It’s kind of melancholic…
Someplace you’ve never been that you can’t wait to visit?
Bali or Australia, even Montana sounds dope. I heard they have really cool ass mountains and I’d love to go see them.
What’s the one song you never get tired of hearing?
“Lights Up” by Harry Styles.
Favorite breakfast food?
Waffles!
Plans for this dystopian summer?
I’m really bad at planning, or even thinking ahead. But I hope I get to go chill in nature when it’s safe – hang out in the mountains.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you eat?
I would love to have pasta with Stevie Nicks.
Best quarantine purchase?
I bought a really bright blue light and it just really sets the vibe.
Although “Limbo” was not written about current times, it sure is a relevant time to release it. What can we expect next from you?
I hope everyone loves “Limbo” as much as I do! There’s another single being released after this one that I’m really excited about – it’s a little more personal.
What’s a question you wish I would ask?
What’s your favorite color?
[Smile] And what is your favorite color?
Blue!
CONNECT WITH JUSTICE CARRADINE
INSTAGRAM // TWITTER // SPOTIFY // YOU TUBE
photos / courtesy of the artist
story / Eve Simonsen
