Interviews: Justin Lamer

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock artist, Justin Lamer from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea to be a solo artist, you planned it or came out just like that?

I’ve been in multiple bands for the past 18 years or so and whilst I’ve worked with some amazing people there are always problems and I’ve decided it’s time to try it my way or the highway. If you’re on board that’s great and if you’re no that also fine. Now I get to work with everybody who want to do something and if they want to move on at any point it doesn’t mean the project falls apart. I’ve always liked artists such as Yngwie Malmsteen where the band changes on a regular basis and he can keep moving on his own. That’s the model I’ve now accepted.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

It’s just something I’ve always loved the energy/intensity of. Even when I was really young and Michael Jackson was one of my favourite artists it was songs like “Beat It” that stood out to me. The love for hard rock and melodies has never left me. Once I picked up the guitar it came really easy to me. I was playing Iron maiden tracks including solos after only a year. I love other genres as well but Rock and metal is what naturally comes out. 

3. Did you know each of the members before the project started?

In varying degrees yes. I’ve been in bands for many years with Gazz Evans on drums. His style sits perfect with my playing and we’ve become very good friends through the music. I played all the guitars and bass. For the singers I’ve known Joe for a long time being in a band with him and Gazz before this called “Grand ultra”. That’s where his 4 tracks have come from. They were too good to not have on record. Jonny Sparks who did the title track for the album I met from playing with ‘Todd Michaels and the screaming hearts’. I saw him years ago with his band ‘Lovebite’ and asked him if he wanted to sing on a track and he agreed. With Jane, my previous band with Joe supported her then band ‘Iconic Eye’ and kept in touch. When she left that band I asked her if she wanted to work on some tracks and she agreed so ended up on 2 of them. With Elisha I was in an Ozzy Osbourne tribute band with her dad and he was saying she was looking to write original music and I needed singers for my album so it was a perfect match really. We started working on some tracks and she ended up on 2 of them.

4. Who are your favourite bands?

That changes all the time. When I was younger I was massive into thrash so Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, Slayer etc. Also all the big NWOBHM bands like Iron maiden, Judas Preist, Deep Purple. I also like the heavier more technical “glam” like Dokken, Whitesnake and Motley Crue. Solo players like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen. Too many to mention really. More modern bands I would say Winery dogs and Raging Speedhorn are worth mentioning.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Usually, it’s just getting a drum beat on and feeling the groove. Usually a riff will appear from just jamming over it and then I’ll start adding layers and develop it from there. It’s kind of like practicing creativity rather than inspired writing if that makes sense. I’ll try learning a new chord or technique and then I’ll try to incorporate it somewhere. Once that’s done Ill find a suitable singer to work with to finish it off.

6. Where was your last gig?

As this project we haven’t had any. I can’t actually remember what my last gig was. It feels so long ago since I played one because of lockdowns. The last one I saw I think was Raging Speedhorn. I’m just as much a fan of seeing bands as well as playing gigs myself.

7. Where would you like to play?

The main stage Rock City would be the one for me. I’ve seen so many big bands there. Just to grace that same stage as so many of my heroes would be amazing. 

8. Who would you like to support?

I think a George Lynch project. Probably Lynch Mob. Or Black Label Society. Both Ideally. That would be dream come true.

9. Who not?

I don’t know. I’m not into putting anyone down. There’s enough negativity in music without me adding to it. I suppose anyone who music is so wildly different it would just be bizarre if I was there.

10. Have you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Very early on when I first started play live I did a bit. One tip is do not drink alcohol because that only makes you feel worse. The best tip is to be so practiced that you are so confident in your ability that there’s no reason to doubt yourself.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I would say band like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden because of the longevity of what they doing and the fact they don’t compromise their style. Bands that don’t conform and just play what they want to. It’s the only honest way to play. It’s easy for me to tell “fake” music, as in who is putting on an act and who is genuine. If it’s real then it’s inspiring.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

I’ve yet to have any weird requests. I’ll consider myself lucky that I’ve not started attracting weird people at this point.

13. What do you think of your fans?

If anyone takes the time to listen to my music considering the endless amount of music that is out there then I’m extremely grateful. Nobody is ever obligated to listen to anything so anyone who considers themselves a fan of my music I would treat with the same love I would treat a friend.

14. What do you think of our site?

I’m going to be honest I’m very new to it but it looks like my kind of place. I’m always looking for new music. It looks like you’ve got your stuff together in an organised fashion so I’ll be on the lookout for my next musical addiction.

15. Something to add?

I have a single out already out from my upcoming album “Hot and Dangerous” with a couple more before the full album release so find me on your preferred media platform and hit that follow/like button. Come and have a chat. We can discuss music, guitars, the nature of the universe, The meaning of existence. Anything you want.