When Justin Garner woke up on Feb. 12, his album I Am had debuted on iTunes Japan R&B/Soul charts at #19. By the middle of that same day, it had surpassed Beyoncé’s self-titled project to grab the #1 spot. “It speaks volumes when you have an entire country that believes in you and your music that much, to where you’re number one,” says Justin. “That in itself is just completely unbelievable.” But with Justin’s talent, nothing really is unbelievable. From the moment before the small town, Plaquemine, LA born singer steps onstage, the audience can feel that something big is going to happen. His stage presence beckons the crowd to sing and dance along, while he croons with a crisp voice in a variety of pitches. With a vocal prowess influenced by singing in the church choir and studying the harmonies of musical greats as a child, Justin captivates listeners. “I want people to see and feel who I am – a singer, songwriter and musician. When I’m on stage or in the studio, I can just be myself – I just want to make great music.” Making music is in Justin’s genes. His father, Ernest “Oldie” Garner, performed as a percussionist with the soul/funk band The Rockin’ Imperials. Ernest passed when Justin was only two years old, but he left to his son the gift of music and determination to continue his legacy. Justin has been a tribute to that legacy ever since, especially when he returned to his hometown to perform a special concert in the old rehearsal space of his late father’s band. “My dad passed when I was two, and all that I was left with were photos and old recordings of his band. This concert served as a chance for me to connect with him musically, by standing where he stood, and performing music where he once performed.”
Justin Garner – Cross the Line
Holding a Bachelor’s in marketing, Justin has been able to work the ins and outs of the music industry. His knowledge of business coupled with his musical ability has landed him many mainstream opportunities, including highly coveted chart positions on iTunes and other storefronts. He has performed around the United States as a supporting act for recording artists Trey Songz, Big Sean, Fantasia, Keri Hilson and many more. Other huge accomplishments for Justin have certainly come from his marketing skills, as he has been able to expertly place his voice in all the right places. From YouTube, he received millions of views for his series of covers and remixes to songs by Beyoncé, Katy Perry and other top artists. The success of his cover videos led him to creating original music, leading to a bevy of musical achievements. In 2012, Justin was listed as Amazon.com’s Artist on the Rise and as New & Notable – triumphs typically reserved for artists signed to major labels. Through the social media network MySpace, Justin was a featured new artist, catching the attention of music enthusiasts and industry heavyweights. In 2013, he was listed as New & Noteworthy and Artist to Watch on iTunes. Justin has two full-length albums, I Am (2014) and Year One (2013). His next project 7, a seven-track EP, will be released in the spring. “I wanted to record seven songs in seven days. I locked myself in the studio and just wrote about everything that came to my mind. Instead of focusing on industry sounds, I went in a more organic direction and incorporated live elements. Lyrically and vocally, I wanted this body of work to be more passionate, heartfelt, and soulful.” With no intention of slowing down, Justin intensely records and performs with only one priority – his fans. Justin’s evolution as an artist, songwriter and vocal arranger is remarkable. His drive and ambition for creating music is unrelenting. – Leslie D. Rose.
Justin Garner – Cross the Line Lyrics:
(1st Verse)
Like wild horses running wild
Like two lovebirds going out
She and I, undivided
It’s time we cross the line
Been here since forever
I remember when you had your first date
Mr. so and so
He was so blind
But now I got you
(Chorus)
And we run, we love
Like it’s do or die
She and I
And we fight, we cry
Tonight let’s cross the line, tonight let’s cross the line
You and I
(2nd Verse)
Walking down a crowded street, then we meet
It’s been so long, since I felt
Your hair, your lips on me, every part of me
Is feeling like I’m on the sea
Sick with it, how you killing me
I still see you got that body that you threw on me
So many times
Repeated, memory repeated, got ya boy heated
And I can’t seem to calm down
(Chorus)
And we run, we love
Like it’s do or die
She and I
And we fight, we cry
Tonight let’s cross the line, tonight let’s cross the line
You and I
Felt so alone when you left, had me waiting forever and ever
So many other girls came my way, the couldn’t equate to you
I swear’d if I saw you again, we would run away, never to return
Second chances await
(Chorus)
And we run, we love
Like it’s do or die
She and I
And we fight, we cry
Tonight let’s cross the line, tonight let’s cross the line
You and I.
