LA Music Review | Art, stories and advice
Edgy, anthemic and full of fire!
The newfangled Rock n’ Roll track from Justin Payne & Co. is set to be a grunge love anthem.
“Together As One” is full of lively energy and touching lyrics. Payne describes how his life is changing throughout the song, but no amount of fame or distraction could deviate him from the one he loves. The tender lyrics contrast in the baddest way possible with Justin Payne’s gritty delivery.
Much of his discography has been centered around themes of devotion, love, community, angst towards corrupt institutions and people, as well as various flavors of social commentary all wrapped up in instrumentals typically pulling from the rock tradition. With Payne on vocals and guitar, Dave Cerelli on bass guitar, and Eli Simon on drums, the instrumentals included in the song give it the rock and roll edge that we are all craving
Start streaming “Together As One” here:
Justin Payne is best described as a musician, composer and performer…
although he would describe himself as a “natural born underdog.” With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Payne has a wealth of musical and life experience that contributes to his depth and complexity as an artist. He studied music composition and classical violin at Bowling Green State University and graduated with degrees in History and Philosophy with both disciplines heavily influencing his lyrical and thematic style. Much of his discography has been centered around themes of devotion, love, community, angst towards corrupt institutions and people, as well as various flavors of social commentary all wrapped up in instrumentals typically pulling from the rock tradition.
His first self-released and self-produced EP, “Interstellar Vagabond,” was released in 2014.
It was a solo acoustic EP that led to his first major signing with a booking agent, two regional tours and two national routes. With the first incarnation of his band, Justin Payne & Co, a six song self-released and self-produced EP was released in 2016, titled “High Water”. This led to a regional solo tour and a co-tour with songwriter Zach Wilson. Payne started the next incarnation of his band in 2018; during this run, the band performed as headliners at the Black Swamp Arts Festival and recorded a full-length vinyl LP, “Season of Loss”, as well as securing a writeup in American Songwriter Magazine and a regional major-city band tour.
Their newest full-length LP, “underrated/overstimulated,” is currently in the works. Payne has performed all over the United States over the years; some of his favorite venues include The 5 Spot in Nashville and Space in Evanston, IL. Live shows are fun and high energy, with a constant momentum and little time between tracks to keep that vibe going.
