Interview With Justin Lanning,
(Model/Singer/Songwriter)
(added June 18, 2008)
The interview below may be reprinted
with permission. The interview must contain the links and photos
including the credit posted at the bottom of it. Please contact
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[Wendy at Dreamish.com]
I came across the music profile of Justin Lanning and decided to
hang out and see all that he was up to. He seems to be real attached
to his fans, blogs and does videos as well as keeps in touch. To
me, this is rare that the actual person, with lots of fans, would
keep up with their own profile and actually care what the fans are
thinking. So, I decided to ask Justin for an interview and he agreed...
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com]
You transitioned through several different
music genres since you started playing music at around 10 years
old. What seemed to cause the change from hard rock punk songs to
music with a melodic pop rock sound? Was it your fans? Your life
experiences?
[Justin Lanning] I am on a creative journey.
My soul wanted to express different things at different times in
my life. I had a lot of angst during my schooldays... I was just
so eager to get out and do what I really wanted to do... MUSIC!!!
So, I took my frustrations and poured them into the sounds. I grew
out of that phase and now am in to making sophisticated music that
touches people.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] When
did you set up the music studio in your home? How long did it take
you?
[Justin Lanning] I'm still setting it up!!!
I feel like a mad hatter sometimes... ALL THE TIME. There are so
many cables, knobs, buttons, etc... it's so easy to get lost and
usually something always goes wrong. This particular studio has
been a work in progress for 4 years. It is a fully functional logic/pro
tools rig.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] Did
you ever take any lessons for singing or playing any of the many
instruments that you perform with?
[Justin Lanning] Yes,
I still take voice lessons twice a week.. but lately I've slacked
a bit on them... I've been doing vocal lessons for years. I never
really had formal instrument training. I was shown how to play chords
and started writing songs immediately.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] What
has been the hardest part about working in the music industry?
[Justin Lanning] The politics
of record companies and how it's so hard to break through all of
the market saturation out there. There is not a lot of room for
new artists these days. Being a new artist, I have to push harder
than most of the already well established people, in terms of getting
a break or making an impact.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com]
Who
has made a positive impact on you to keep you going... to keep creating
music... and getting it out there?
[Justin Lanning] My
mother. She is responsible for my success and best work. There
have been many times I wanted to just throw in the towel. To be
an artist is not an easy job. My mom taught me to NEVER GIVE UP.
That is her greatest message to me. She has been my golden supporter
throughout the years and I'm very proud to have her as my mother.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] I
noticed that you appeared on MTV. What kind of results came from
that experience? Have you appeared on other television programs?
[Justin Lanning] I got a lot of Ryan Cabrera fans on my
page now... LOL. I have appeared on CSI, Boston Public and many
other TV spots.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] You
have quite a spot on MySpace.com. Did you set it up and run it
yourself?
[Justin Lanning]
I set it up and have been running it personally ever since its
inception.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] I
have watched the episodes of your "Justin's World" videos,
which you uploaded to YouTube and display on your Myspace. What
kind of feedback have you gotten from them? Do you seem to hear
from fans through both MySpace and YouTube as well? Who films
and edits the episodes?
[Justin Lanning] Various
directors co-produce and edit the vids. I have gotten great feedback
from JW and plan on shooting many more episodes.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] How
do you keep up with your fans? Obviously you have a lot of fans
where messages and comments can build up.
[Justin Lanning] I
have a very strict schedule. I spend at least 2 hours or more
a day responding to all of the fan mail. I still cannot get to
it all!!!! I want all my fans to know how much I appreciate the
love and support and I will always do my best to get back to messages..
But I am only one person and I do have a lot going on.. but somehow,
I make it work. Iits all for the fans, they make it worthwhile
and they really are responsible for making it all work.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] I
see you are using an "Events" request for fans to show
where in the world they would like to have you play your music.
How is that tool working for you? What are some other useful online
tools you've used to help with promoting your music?
[Justin Lanning]
Nothing is more effective than being real and connected
to the people. Knowing what they want is key... and by listening
closely, I get some good clues. VIRAL
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] There
are a lot of causes you passionately support and promote. Have
you had any problems with fans or visitors who don't agree with
you?
[Justin Lanning] Yes I have. I don't ask
or require anyone to agree or even listen. I just state my views
and some people love it and some don't. That's life.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] You
are working on a CD, where I just read your blog about how you
pawned your car? That is quite a sacrifice. How many CDs would
you have to sell to get your car out of the pawn shop?
[Justin Lanning] LOL.. good Q~!!!!! I'd
have to sell about 2500 copies.
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] I
think it is great that the internet opens up new doors for independent
musicians, filmmakers, authors, and more. Where would you like
to see yourself a year from now?
[Justin Lanning] I'd love to be doing more
production for other artists. I just enjoy so much being creative
in the studio. I also am going to be making lots and lots more
videos... clothing, merchandise, web content and much more!!
[Wendy
at Dreamish.com] Thanks
Justin!
You can visit Justin's
MySpace spot to hear his music. He also has an official website
located at JustinLanning.com
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Wendy Shepherd is the owner and
creator of a multitude of websites on the internet since 1997.
To learn more about Wendy Shepherd, please visit the website
at www.wendyshepherd.com
.
This interview
may be reprinted with permission. The interview must contain the
links and photos including the credit posted at the bottom of
it. Please contact
Dreamish.com
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