San Diego, California-based band Jus Goodie just released a brand-new single, “Thing to Do,” as an appetizer for their forthcoming album, slated for release in September. According to the band, “‘Thing to Do’ tells a story, left to the listener to paint their own picture of what it means to them. This is a story of a mission and a pressing matter that cannot be executed alone. It’s mysterious, captivating, inspiring, and leaves you wanting more, with an open-ended twist at the end.”
Chock-full of cashmere reggae textures and soft, shiny harmonies, “Thing to Do” rolls out the perfect soundscape for the beginning of summer. Piloted by Jus Goodie, aka Justin Goodman, and Zan, Jus Goodie blends contemporary and old-school reggae elements with savours of rock, Motown, soul, and R&B into sonic confections radiating blushes of love and freedom.
Renowned for their grand live shows and their smooth as silk harmonies, Jus Goodie has toured across the U.S., sharing the stage with Luciano, Gregory Isaacs, Morgan Heritage, Anthony B, Damian Marley, Matisyahu, and Tribal Seeds, among others.
XS Noize spoke with Jus Goodie to find out he got started in music, how the band got together, and who is in the band.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
Justin Goodman (Goodie) is a multi-talented artist, combining the elements of modern and vintage reggae, rock, Motown soul, and classic R&B. His material is rooted in the message of liberation and love, a crucial component of the vibrant reggae scene worldwide. Goodie grew up in a Jewish household surrounded by Hebrew music. This, along with a life-changing trip to Jamaica at the age of 14, helped evolve Jus Goodies original style.
How did Jus Goodie get together?
The band came together through a series of great connections that led to the band members joining the project. Goodie and Zan started singing together while Goodie was working with a few other projects and touring nationally. It became clear rather quickly that Goodie and Zan needed to give the Jus Goodie project their full attention. They started writing music, producing, building the fan base through digital engagement and releasing singles. Comprised of some of the most sought-after San Diego reggae musicians, each band member brings a different flavour to the table, fully encompassing the diversity of the Jus Goodie sound.
Who is in the band, and which instrument do they play?
Justin Goodman aka “Goodie” – Lead vocals and guitar
Zan – Backup and Lead Vocals
Austin Richards – Drums
Felix “Gato” – Bass
Benjamin Guzman – Keys
What’s your favourite song to belt out in the car or the shower?
This changes daily, however this morning, it was “Big Iron” by Marty Robbins.
Which singers/musicians influenced you the most?
For Goodie, musical influences include James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, Whitney Houston, The Weeknd, Bob Marley, Jah Cure, Alberosie, Romane Virgo, and Luciano.
For Zan, musical influences include Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley, Gregory Issacs, Lady Saw, Lady Gaga, Etta James, Patsy Cline, and Janis Joplin.
Which artists, in your opinion, are killing it right now.
The Weeknd and Lil Naz are doing an amazing job making bold moves and constantly reinventing. Sensi Trails, Zeekeeceely, and The Movement are doing a great job in the Reggae industry, making waves in our industry, touring, and generating a great buzz.
How do you keep your sound fresh and avoid coming across as derivative?
We compile our many broad influences when writing music while adding our creative twist to form a truly unique sound. We also don’t try to limit ourselves to one genre.
What is your songwriting process? Do the rhymes come first, or the music?
Typically, the music comes first, but we write in many different ways. We also create melodic concepts and add rhymes/lyrics later.
What was the inspiration for your new single, “Thing to Do?”
Writing this song was fun because it took its own shape. As the lyrics started to flow, what would unfold next was unknown. This song just spilt out with true inspiration. We really enjoyed writing a short story with this song.
Looking to the future, what’s next for Jus Goodie?
As venues start to open up, we’ll be on the road touring extensively. We’re also working on our 4th studio album scheduled for release in fall 2021.
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