Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin C. Gilbert .
Thanks for sharing your story with us Justin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started on a cold wintry December night. My musical journey began at two years old. I was a “choir baby”. My Mom was one of the directors of our church choir. I would constantly hear music, as she was learning the songs that she was preparing to teach the choir. This led me to my first “gig”. I was the part-time rehearsal drummer. Part-time meaning whenever someone was late, or pulled a no show. That progressed to me being the Bible study drummer, only under similar circumstances. Eventually, that led me to playing for actual services. At age six, my Mom insisted that my siblings and I began taking piano lessons. This created tension. Remember, I was focused on being the best “part-time” drummer I could be so naturally I rebelled the most. After several years of annoying both my Mother and my teacher, Ms Middlebrooks, my mom allowed me to end piano lessons and take up drums full time.
Later, I rediscovered the piano on my own, and I began to attempt to play songs I’d heard on the radio and at church. At age 11, I began to play at the church my Father pastored. Those services created a path of discovery into the joy of music, and the importance of having a vast repertoire, and playing the appropriate song for every moment. After that, things began to progress and I began the local music scene grind. Parties, restaurants, jam sessions, weddings…etc. That’s where I cut my musical teeth, so to speak.
After a solid seven years of establishing a reputation as a trustworthy young gun, locally, I was invited to tour with a few plays. After several successful tours, I was invited to join Jill Scott’s band in 2008. While working with Jill, I spent considerable amounts of time in Philly. This time was pivotal. My time in Philly taught me how to work effectively, and the importance of preparation. It taught me how to do the necessary actions to get desired results. From that time on, I was a regular in both the ATL and PHL scenes. I played gigs and built relationships with artists and trusted industry hands, both nationally and abroad. In 2013, I accepted the invitation from Justin Timberlake to join his “Tennessee Kids” band. This aggregation of singers and musicians became sort of a home base for me professionally. After being in the industry for just under a decade, I began to explore my own artistry. Fast forward to today, I’ve been blessed to play gigs from the Waffle House to The White House, Super Bowl 52, record three solo albums and produce and provide musical direction for the stars. As my resume grows, so does my gratitude and love for this gift of music.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve certainly experienced what I call the “Up and Coming blues”! This is the point in an individual’s career prior to them finding their “sweet spot”. In the “sweet spot” everything you do advertises everything else that you do, so work is consistently flowing. I can remember having to make tough decisions early on. Should I pay my light bill or cell phone bill?! Should I sub out one gig for a higher paying situation across town?? I remember the “by faith” debit card swipes that sometimes went awry! Situations like these, build character and integrity as well as enhance your hustle because you remember those humble beginnings.
We’d love to hear more about Niche Publishing.
Niche Publishing LLC is a one stop music production firm that specializes in music direction for live events and television as well as in-studio musical arrangement, production and recording. Our versatility and attention to detail and are just two of the reasons we have repeat clients. We believe in our clients and we are committed to helping them bring their vision into fruition.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was mild mannered, fun loving and maybe just a little mischievous. My interests were primarily music based. I knew early on that I wanted to do what I’m doing. I’ve always enjoyed balanced convos.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justingilbertnow.com
Image Credit:
Dantly Wyatt
Mark Nguyen aka Mark LA Shark
Dave Bertram
Evan Doheny
JT & The Tennessee Kids by Mark Nguyen
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