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WXPN's Free At Noon: Justin Nozuka

Presented by WXPN at World Cafe Live - Philadelphia

April 23, 2010

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It may suprise you upon first listening to Justin Nozuka's soulful and soft-spoken reflection that he is only 21 years old. The amount of maturity in his work can be deceiving, but considering that the Toronto based musicain has been writing songs since his early teens, it only seems natural that his neo-soul and folk style suits him. After compiling some of his best written works between ages 15 and 17, Nozuka released his first album "Holly." Named after his supportive mother, the debut album embodied incredibly soulful and fluid vocals matched by powerful and introspective songwritng. His winning combination of soul, folk guitar, blues and pop often grants him comparisons to artists across the board, from Ray LaMontagne and Jeff Buckley to Lauren Hill. Without a doubt, it is his all encompasing style and passion for music that explains why he fits so well performing with a variety of acts such as Ziggy Marley, John Cale and Sam Roberts. By the time he was 19 years old, Nozuka was already being featured on VH1,late night talk shows,and receiving Juno Award nominations for New Artist of the Year. 2010 seems to hold just as much promise with the release of his sophomore album, "You I Wind Land Sea." His approach to the album focuses on highlighting a bit more soul while infusing a lot more warmth, and as the title suggests, the album sounds every bit natural, especially with is warmer and rounded production. As Nozuka states, the album has "more of a vision" and holds true to what comes natural to him as a musician. Playing tunes off of his new album YIWLS, check out what Justin Nozuka has to offer at this Friday's Free at Noon concert.