Looking forward to seeing John Frusciante play with Chili Peppers this week, Justan Conn shares what’s inspiring him, what he’s reading and his preferred place to be.
Hailing in from Newcastle, singer-songwriter and multi-medium artist Justan Conn has utilized his musical talents to explore in-depth themes of mental health and overcoming drug addiction. He grapples with personal experiences within these difficult themes and uses them to navigate his way through reflection, acceptance and peace. His latest EP, Everyday Living features three incredible tracks that venture through these hard-hitting topics.
With a little chat with Justan, who seems to be secure in what he values and what inspires and guides his way of living, Happy got the opportunity to get to know the types of people and concepts that Justan enjoys embracing. Have a read below to see some recommended books, artists and places to venture into if you’re interested in expanding your mind away from unhealthy vices and deepening your understanding of mental health.
HAPPY: Hey Justan, great to be chatting with you! What are you looking forward to this week?
JUSTAN: This week I’m looking forward to seeing John Frusciante play live with RHCP.
HAPPY: Tell us about your suburb, what do you love/not love about where you live?
JUSTAN: The suburb I live in is in the wetlands area across the road from my house there is no houses and as far as the eye can see is country landscapes it’s a really great place to be creative.
HAPPY: Indica gives off such a daydreaming, lucid thought process. It’s calming but it’s filled with anxious thoughts. Did you write down the thoughts, feelings and concepts you were grappling with that inspired Indica or was it easy to tap into those feelings while writing?
JUSTAN: Yes I had the music and first and concept then wrote down my thoughts after going for walks sitting down and writing things like that was hard at first but it helped me develop my writing and it comes a lot easier now
HAPPY: We’re interested in hearing what past films and books inspired the character for Even If I’m not Known and what kinds of Haitian Voodoo facts that interest you that you could share with us!
JUSTAN: Some of the films I was watching include There will be blood by Paul Thomas Anderson and the book I was reading was Mumbo Jumbo by author Ishmael Reed
HAPPY: We’d love to hear the artists and songs that inspire and influence your music as well as just music that you love listening to.
JUSTAN: Some artists that inspire me include Barney Kessel Chet Atkins Curtis Mayfield Jimi Hendrix Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan
HAPPY: You’ve told us before that your writing style is gonzo style, what writers have inspired you to write like this?
JUSTAN: Hunter S Thompson
HAPPY: Describe your writing and recording process.
JUSTAN: My process beings by conceptualising and sourcing out sounds consuming as much art as possible and having Deep conversations recording is different every time
HAPPY: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
JUSTAN: If I could go anywhere it would be India and Shir Lanka
HAPPY: What would your ultimate day involve?
JUSTAN: My ultimate day would be playing music being around people I love
HAPPY: Which book or tv show are you currently watching?
JUSTAN: Currently I’m reading Just Kids by Patti Smith it summarizes being artistic and I’m really loving it.
HAPPY: What did you read last that opened your eyes and mind to a new perspective?
JUSTAN: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
HAPPY: What’s something someone has said about your music that you’ll never forget?
JUSTAN: I make music for myself and because I love the process compliments usually go over my head because I don’t know how to take them aha.
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If you haven’t dived into the EP yet, check it out on Spotify below and immerse yourself in the soundscape of Justan’s journey.
Interview by Olivia Adams.
Photos supplied.