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Area musician sets his sights on mainstream
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EYES ON THE FUTURE: Justin Joseph Edwards recently released his second album. He will be performing at Salty Grogs in Boardman on Saturday night.
Justin Jason Edwards generally does things ahead of schedule.
At age 15, he graduated from Struthers High School.
At age 18, he received a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University.
These days — at 19 — he is back at YSU, pursuing a master’s.
Will his pop-music career also get such quick results?
He’s already got a head start. Edwards has music in his blood. He is the son of Joe Edwards, former dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts at YSU, and Karen Edwards, a music professor at YSU. He has already been in two local rock bands — the Denial Stage and Lyrical Shakedown — and has since gone solo.
Edwards self-released his second CD, “Justin.Joseph.Edwards.” earlier this year. He wrote all the music and lyrics, played all the instruments, and recorded it in his home studio. His first CD, “Peace.Love.Music,” was released in 2009.
His goal is to make a living with music, and he’s aiming straight for the mainstream.
“I want to make music that is radio-friendly,” said Edwards, whose musical influences include Jason Mraz, Owl City and Michael Buble.
He also wants his music to make life better for those who listen. “I’ve had a great response so far,” he said. “Some have told me my music helps them get through the day.”
Edwards’ musical indoctrination came at an early age. He gave his first piano recital at age 4 before an invited group of professional musicians at his home.
How to explain his phenomlike accomplishments? Edwards attributes it all to the Suzuki Method, a memory-based music-education system that also translates into other types of learning. Edwards’ parents taught him music via the Suzuki Method at a very early age.
But musical and academic achievement aren’t his whole life. Edwards was a member of the varsity bowling, golf and tennis teams when he was at Struthers High. “I was taking a break from music,” he explained.
So, can the young man who took calculus at age 12 repeat the pattern of overachievement?
Amazingly, Edwards said he’s in no rush.
“I’m just going to play shows around Youngstown for now,” said Edwards. “I’m not going to play a lot of bar gigs, and I’m not going to play in Pittsburgh or Cleveland.”
Getting his music out locally is his goal for now. He’s booked a record-release show Saturday night at Salty Grogs in Boardman.
if you go
Who: Justin Joseph Edwards (opening for Acoustic Juggernauts and Unmerited Favor)
When: 10 p.m. Saturday; 18 and over
Where: Salty Grogs, Boardman