An interview with musician Justice LaBrave on new EP and more!
New York City based musician Justice LaBrave chats with us about his history as a musician, his latest EP titled HEART, and more!
Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, queer Boricua Rock N’ Roller Justice LaBrave has been around the block for a while now. From powerful rock vocals to soulful serenades and funk-dance anthems, Justice is quite a force to be reckoned with on the scene.
Justice attended the heavily awarded Edward R Murrow High School for music and performance and followed through their college education graduating from CUNY Hunter College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Theater Performance.
Even while a full time college student, Justice worked in multiple bands across 10 years amassing a plethora of experience as an entertainer, performer, songwriter, producer. He was the lead singer of multiple rock bands in the NYC circuits including The Fierce Jones and Mad For Justice.
Post-pandemic, Justice officially stepped into their own as a solo artist. Influenced by R&B, Pop, and Rock while also being driven by a rebel spirit, the music of Justice’s debut EP HEAT was created. Justice then performed at at the legendary venue Bitter End NYC to a sold out crowd!
Since then, Justice has returned to form, rocking out the nightlife circuit with multiple live show appearances and releasing more singles and projects that spread across several different genres. I had his house song JOY on repeat when it came out, it’s such a powerful and dance worthy bop!
Justice has just released his most recent EP titled HEART that dives into so many emotional topics through rock and soul inspired instrumentals. Every song on this project showcases his ability as a vocal mainstay in the community as a musician, and as a lyricist as well.
The EP opens with Glory, and Justice immediately enamors us with his powerful vocal prowess. Starting softly and leading into an extremely moving performance vocally and lyrically too, it’s hard not to feel moved after your first listen.
The second song titled Loyalty brings us in immediately with its dreamy instrumental and his vocals carry us through the track. The chorus and hook are catchy, and the guitar floats eloquently behind him. This song is definitely a highlight to me on the project.
The third song Manipulating Me carries some powerful emotions in the lyrics, and you can feel that in his voice too. I felt a bit of catharsis just listening to it myself, so I can only imagine how it felt for Justice to create this song let alone perform it live.
The fourth and final track titled By Myself feels like a perfect closing track for the EP. A true combination of heartfelt vocals and lyrics, the track really stands alone by itself in a really powerful way. I really need to hear this one live, because I know it will move me even more than it did just from listening to it at home for the first time.
Check out the interview I did with him below about the EP and more!
Bryce: Hey there, Justice! Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. How are you feeling now that your EP is released for the world to hear?
Justice: I’m so excited and relieved in a way. This project has been such and exhale of emotions which is why its entitled HEART. The subject matter of the songs all pull on my heart strings and were part of my healing journey, so I hope my listeners will receive that.
Bryce: I have listened to each song and have to say, you’re an insanely talented vocalist. Each track feels so personal, but if you could pick one from the EP, which would be your favorite?
Justice: I would say my favorite part of the EP is the halfway point where there’s an epiphany and realization of self worth, so Manipulating Me would have to be one of my favorites.
Bryce: Let’s take a step back in time, when did you first fall in love with music and how did you get into making it?
Justice: I come from a very musical family. My father was a percussionist and my mother has always been a fan of really authentic storytelling through music, novels, and history so music was a huge part of that in our home. My brother and my mother both have beautiful voices too.
Bryce: I could tell you were a trained vocalist from the moment I first met you a few years ago, you seriously blow me away every time I hear you live. For those that have never seen you perform, what could they expect to see from you at a show?
Justice: I love to pour my heart into my live shows. Sharing my voice with a crowd feels empowering and like its what I am meant to do. If you’d like to hear me live, I perform once a month usually at DJ Chauncey D’s FREAK OUT at The Stonewall Inn. I love doing that variety show, its a community of amazing talent and folks who just love art. I’ll be performing at Phoenix Bar and Metropolitan Bk bar on January 28th too, so you can check out all the info for my upcoming performances on Instagram @justicelabrave!
Bryce: As a musician myself, this is always one of my favorite questions. What is your method of creating a song, where does the idea begin and how do you translate that into a finished product?
Justice: It depends. For me, each song has its own “coming to life” moment in a way. My songs have their own flow of being told or finding melody or meaning in lyrics. There is so much that goes into making music, and I feel I enjoy any avenue of creating it. Sometimes its a poem or lyrics or a melody or particular instrument that sparks the ideas. I’m just the conduit to relay it all into music. It’s happening in my head but I have to build it.
Bryce: I hope to one day get into the studio with you someday, but for now, can you tell us what an average studio session looks like for you?
Justice: Usually i’m heading in prepared, with writing and song direction already in mind. The fun part is figuring out if the ideas translate or if they need to be changed on the fly. Time is money so we make it work where we need to.
Bryce: On this EP, the instrumentals are insanely good, you have a full band backing your vocals! How did you go about getting all of these songs specifically recorded?
Justice: Well, a few years ago I submitted my music to a music studio near Boston named Plaid Dog and they took on the project as a fundraising experience to help me retain ownership and rights to my music. I got to work with a team of excellent producers and project managers to raise the funds to build out the project based on those demos I sent. Sometimes believing in yourself is worth the gamble, and now we have my third studio EP. Thank you Plaid Dog Records!
Bryce: There is grit and soul in your vocals and lyrics on this EP, and we can feel it in each song. Is there a track on this album that specifically gets you super emotional?
Justice: Yes, of course it’s the lead single Glory. It’s dedicated to my mother whom I love dearly. It speaks to her upbringing and how despite her hardships as a single parent, she was able to raise my brother and I by sacrificing her dreams to make sure we could dream. My mother is the hardest working person I know, she was a home aide for decades and supported us in all our decisions. That song always reminds me of the kid splitting a Mcdonald’s breakfast platter 3 ways with my mother and brother and being so happy to just be there. I come from very humble beginnings, and I know that my listeners hear the grit in the love and respect I have for her in this song.
Bryce: I love asking this question because I’m always hungry, and I’m always curious about what other people say; what are some of your go-to meals, snacks, or restaurants?
Justice: I’m simple, I love a cheeseburger or chicken sandwich with fries. Just give me bread, protein and potato I’ll be fine haha! I do love dessert though, I LOVE ICE CREAM!
Bryce: Do you have any exciting plans for performing live this year that you can share? What can we expect next from you?
Justice: Yes, I’m doing a few upcoming shows, two on the 28th in Manhattan then Brooklyn as I mentioned before, but I’m always around so you never know where I’ll be! The best way to keep up is on my Instagram.
Bryce: Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today! Is there any advice or words you’d like to leave with our readers?
Justice: Just continue to lead with love, it’s what’s missing in this cold landscape. Don’t be afraid to feel something. Thank you all for reading and keep an eye out for me, I’m already working on new material! 2026 will be fun and I’ll see you at Pride!
Be sure to give Justice LaBrave a follow on social media to see what he’s doing next, show some love, and stream his latest EP titled HEART on all platforms now!
Justice LaBrave’s Links
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