Artist Bio

Just a schmuck with a guitar. If you want to hear other samples of my work, please check out the Soundclick page above. I also have a Soundcloud page with songs that aren't on Soundclick.

https://soundcloud.com/user-831068061

I'm in the middle of transitioning because I realized that Soundcloud's compression was monkeying with the sound quality. Either one will be good for an introduction. :)

FYI, I'm not big on "tit4tat" comments. Believe me, I'm all about sharing the wealth, and I do what I can to support other FAWM artists, especially those who support me. No need for the pretense of obligation. :)

Soundboard

    Leave a message. Log in to FAWM or sign up first!
  • @kahlo2013  Apr 2022

    Would LOVE that!

  • @katestantonsings  Apr 2022

    Thank you so much, Justin!! I hope this spring provides loads of inspiration for your songwriting! :)

  • @ambroise Mar 2022

    Just came here to say thank you for mentioning @rosedeschamps in the recomandation thread.
    Made me discover your work too. That's two nice discover in a row. Great !

  • @greengrassgirl  Mar 2022

    Justin, I am touched by your compliments on both Friendship Hurts and My American Hero. I'm so glad these songs resonated with you. And thank you, too, for your suggestions on Friendship Hurts. Yes, the triple repetition of the hook was in the original lyric (posted higher on my page.) I thought Colleen did a wonderful job of translating my words into music. I don't know that we will revisit the song, but your suggestions are very insightful. Thank you.

  • @paulharrison  Mar 2022

    Thanks for your nice comments on Something Better!

  • @crisp1  Mar 2022

    Thanks, Justin, for your kind comments on Silencing the Candle and @cheslain's version of Somewhere East of Nashville, two great collabs with two great collaborators!

  • @sunnymae  Mar 2022

    Hey @oswlek thank you so much for your insights on Ghost in the Window. You're such a great musician and I'm pleased you enjoyed the listen.
    Sunnymae :0)

  • @musicsongwriter Mar 2022

    Thank you so much for your moving comment on The First Valentine. Kate has amazing, great talent. She brought true emotion into each song she sang so beautifully. Thank you again.
    Nadia

  • @siebass  Mar 2022

    No problem, @oswlek ! Four tracks is a bite-sized amount, and I really enjoyed your production on the tracks, so I wanted to listen to them all. Great work this year!

  • @katestantonsings  Mar 2022

    Thank you, Justin!! I LOVE Bill's words. He is an amazing writer with unique and refreshing perspectives. Nadia's piano always moves me too--she plays straight from the heart. Your comments made my day! I appreciate you listening!

  • @billwhite51 Mar 2022

    a species evolves poses the question of whether there are variable rates of mental evolution within a species whose members evolve physically at the same rate

  • @standup  Mar 2022

    Thanks forlistening to Sisyphus. Guitar and vocal were recorded with one mic to one track at the same time. It took some practice for sure. Drums were recorded with one ribbon mic about 1’ away between the shell of the snare and kick. That seems to work pretty well .

  • @jamkar Mar 2022

    Try it now on SoundCloud.

  • @sheslin  Mar 2022

    Thank you Justin for you lovely feedback and careful listening to my songs! I can't tell you how much it means to me to know that you felt the emotion in my songs. I also agree about Doug's lyrics - this is my second Doug collab - and his lyrics read like songs to me. I have really enjoyed listening to your songs as well. You inspire me!

  • @musicsongwriter Mar 2022

    Thank you so much Justin. I appreciate your support.

  • @kristi  Mar 2022

    Justin...thanks for your lovely comments on Little Dreamer. Nadia & Michelle have great musical instincts. That was so nice of you to add it to the Recommendation Thread! I should get over there and listen to some of those songs!

  • @colgoo  Mar 2022

    Hey, Justin!

    Feel free to shoot me an email: [email protected]

    Would love to keep in touch and share music between FAWM and 50/90!

  • @kristi  Mar 2022

    Hey Justin....thanks so much for your kind comments on my writing & collabs. It's great to hear feedback on how things strike people. (That "Goodbye" lyric is absolutely true...most my stuff is not, or contains only a seed...but that one happened to me at work). Anyway, yes, I write/collaborate whenever! And I'd be delighted to work on something with you anytime! Just let me know. I often need a push! Ha

  • @andrea  Mar 2022

    Thanks For your thoughtful suggestions on Sticky Fingers. I appreciate the ideas for improvement. I ran them through my head and agree they work well. I will leave it up to @tuesdaygray whether she wants to do a retake :)

  • @musicsongwriter Mar 2022

    You are very welcome. Thank you for all your support and listens.

  • @andrea  Mar 2022

    I'm so happy that you liked In a Perfect Family. My day just got better! Since I wrote it for a skirmish it will most likely need some rewriting and refinements, but I would love to collaborate on that when your time permits. I think it has potential to be a very moving song. Thank you so much :)

  • @katestantonsings  Mar 2022

    That would be lovely!! Or even during 50/90? Or may I suggest a 3-way collab with Nadia @musicsongwriter too? I think our vocals combined with her piano could inspire something...think on it!

  • @sheilerk  Mar 2022

    Thank you for looking at my ghosts skirmish lyric. I’m totally open to having you take a run at it. In fact, I’d be delighted! I’d love for it to have music!

  • @crisp1  Mar 2022

    You're being too nice. I'll send you an email with some thoughts about The Ruins.

  • @richaaaay  Mar 2022

    Justin, I’m intrigued by what you did on the bridge on Tiny Grass. I was curious if you’d be willing to educate me a little about how even to accomplish something like that. The production on your songs is so good. Feel no pressure but if you are game shoot me an email at [email protected]. No rush either…Thanks for considering. - Rich

  • @davidtaro  Mar 2022

    Haha, thanks Justin! I suspect Judy is very flattered by all your attention :)

  • @musicsongwriter Mar 2022

    Hi Justin, unfortunately due to my set up I'm not able to add the piano to the other instruments. I can create a piano track to a given mood/lyrics or if you would like to listen to something and create lyrics to a piece I don't have a collaborator or I could compose something and send your way if you are happy to listen to. No rush, I'm happy to collaborate whenever you have the time/chance/interested. Thank you again.
    Nadia

  • @jeff9  Mar 2022

    Very kind of you, Justin, to comment on my last two numbers.

    I hope you get the attention from listeners your body of work this year deserves, because you have some superbly written and performed songs here. "Tiny Grass" is almost too good to be legal.

  • @katestantonsings  Mar 2022

    Likewise, Justin!! Thank you so much for your encouraging words about my music. It means a lot to me! Have a lovely spring! Keep singing and writing!!

  • @crisp1  Mar 2022

    Any part I played pales in comparison to the talent you displayed! Thank you for your music, Justin!

  • @musicsongwriter Mar 2022

    Thank you so much for your amazing comments. Your support is very meaningful and inspiring. I'll be back soon for more listening. I hope one day we collaborate, if you are interested.

  • @mishykatz  Feb 2022

    re: Living a Dream Gosh, I am feeling very appreciated :) Thank you so much I have always really loved Cat Stevens and since you mentioned him, I can feel the influence in that song (and some others this year), never really thought about it but yah. The uke is definitely my go-to instrument for writing and this year I started putting together some more produced demos but opted for the simple ones cuz I like them better.

  • @mishykatz  Feb 2022

    Wow, thank you for the thoughtful listen and comments on All Wound Up, that made my day and it's been a good one! Much appreciated :-)

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    Hey…thanks for pointing out the meter change. I had to go back and listen to Tiny Grass again. I think that’s my fourth listen and it won’t be my last. I’m so curious about things like meter changes, modulations and such…A guy like me could learn a lot from a guy like you. I’m not schooled enough to have picked up on that without you pointing it out but I can tell I could pick up on how good it sounded and how it really kept my attention and engagement with the song. You got the goods! It’s cool. Plus you are super nice and generous with your comments to others. That’s what makes me a big fan!!!

  • @actualjulian  Feb 2022

    Awesome tracks this year! Really happy to hear from you again. May the FAWM be with you ALWAYS!

  • @andrea  Feb 2022

    Justin, you are so kind. I love the rewrite of the lyrics and the way you brought them to life. I listen to our song everyday :) I hope to collaborate again in the near future. See you in the Muse.

  • @davidtaro  Feb 2022

    Dude, don’t be silly. You’re a legend! Caped Crusader is one of my highlights of the month, thank you!!

  • @lyricslinger  Feb 2022

    Hi Justin,
    Thanks for your comments on my No Fly Zone lyrics. Yes, I think it would make for a real fun song. Was pleased to write a duet as well as it's not something I do very often!

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    Not yet, you’ve got too much music to make first!

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    So glad you posted another song. It was worth the wait…You killed it. I’m so impressed. Great work!

  • @greengrassgirl  Feb 2022

    Justin, Thank you for the lovely compliments on Ghost of a Chance. Your opinion means a lot. I thought that Gwyn did a marvelous job capturing what I had in mind, and delivering a beautiful song.

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    Hopefully you’ve got something up your sleeve…Would love to hear you post another song.

  • @sunnymae  Feb 2022

    Wow..thanks Justin for your feedback on Every Shade of You. I'm so glad you were moved by this piece. I'll definitely take adding an instrumental and 3rd chorus into consideration. Thanks so much for bringing that up. Much appreciated!

  • @cleanshoes  Feb 2022

    Thank you once again for your kind and thoughtful comments, Justin!

  • @quoththellama Feb 2022

    Hey Justin! Thanks for your comment on Drag Me Down :) I'm really glad you liked it!

  • @andrea  Feb 2022

    Thank you Justin! Absolutely :)

  • @colgoo  Feb 2022

    Loved your comment on “It is Raining”. Honestly, Justin, I am a huge fan of your voice and musical sensibilities. Would love to collab with you sometime!!!

  • @colgoo  Feb 2022

    Live in Boston…

  • @hbusse  Feb 2022

    Wow Justin, thanks so much for all the extremely kind comments and the recommendation! It means so much to hear that the music impacted you. I truly appreciate it!

  • @mikeb  Feb 2022

    Thanks for the listens and comments on 'Madness' and 'Selfish'! Maybe I should work on an album of songs with one-word titles, but wait ... Todd Rundgren did that already...

  • @bethdesombre  Feb 2022

    I didn't know "After the Bombs" by the Decemberists (though I do know some of their work), but I'm happy to have been pointed there (listening now). Thanks for your comments on After the Storm.

  • @gm7  Feb 2022

    Thx for the kind works on Prairie Prayer..Kate just nailed it..as always.

  • @sheilerk  Feb 2022

    Thanks for the nice feedback on I Hope I Never Learn. I'm up for doing something after FAWM. I'm also not married to the structure of the chorus, so could change things around a bit if you have a meter in mind. :)

  • @james10 Feb 2022

    Thanks for the awesome comments and feedback

    Believe it or not I wrote the rough lyrics for this song on a trip I recently took through country that's a mix of frozen water and snow covered fields.
    I stopped several times to jot them down.
    Everything you could see except the road was different states of water from liquid to ice to crystal so it really was all about the water

    I was also thinking about my brother and the " mud against the wall" advice I once gave him that changed his life

  • @katestantonsings  Feb 2022

    You have a very pleasant voice--it's technically so so good and also pleasant to listen to! Andrea has an endearing writer's voice with the quirky things she taps into. Solid collab. I hope to hear more music from you whether during FAWM or after. Have a wonderful, productive week!

  • @jeff9  Feb 2022

    Very kind of you, Justin. And you're right that there are actually four chords on "It's the Water". Can I remain credible if I claim figure of speech?

  • @kristi  Feb 2022

    Thanks for your input on my "wish" lyric! Hmm...it's very wet ink so I haven't stood back from it long enough to know what I think about that idea! I just wrote that bridge tonight so ya know...who knows. I appreciate your feedback!

  • @greengrassgirl  Feb 2022

    Justin, Thanks for your comments on Somethin’ Better. I think Alex nailed the genre and the delivery. Glad you enjoyed it,too.

  • @davidtaro  Feb 2022

    Wowzers, Justin, thank you for those comments! Too kind. Looking forward to digging into your stuff shortly :)

  • @paulharrison  Feb 2022

    Thanks for your kind comments on No No. Yes, my vocal range kind of forces me to keep melodies simple; a capo is my best friend in trying to find a key that works for my voice. Guitarlele, eh? I'd like to hear what you played around with if you have an easy way to share.

  • @crisp1  Feb 2022

    Thanks for your comments on Not Even Close, Justin. When you get a chance, give a listen to what cheslain did with it. Also thanks for what you wrote about Daddy Don't. Just one of those flash ideas, but it did worry me a lot, since it's not a "fun" topic, to say the least. Leah did an amazing job on it, finding exactly the right tone.

  • @arthurrossi Feb 2022

    Thank you very, very much for your that kind and generous words on "legacy"! I was so happy to read it... post-FAWM-project? - sounds great! I would look very forward to it! :-)
    Please, let me know if/when you like me to add you as collaborator.
    Once again, thanks so much for dropping by and leaving such a lovely comment.

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    Justin, thanks for all the comments. I’m not much of a singer or lyricist so collaborations have a particular appeal. Plus it is just fun to share the process with others. My favorite thing about FAWM is establishing relationships with some of the other FAWMsters. The community is so great in that regard. Before FAWM last year I had never collaborated with anyone. It’s so nice to share with others.

    BTW, you’ve got serious chops and talent my friend. I’ve been so impressed with each of your songs. I just played Caped Crusader for my wife. After listening she gave me “that” look…I just smiled and said, I know, it’s so good! True story…

  • @jeff9  Feb 2022

    Bless you, Justin, for the nice comments on "Somewhere East of Nashville". It was really fun working out how to craft a melody for that structure and not get too fancy. Not that I really could have anyway. You know all too well that I only know four or five cowboy chords on guitar and that all the others are like Chinese jazz to me. ;-)

  • @kristi  Feb 2022

    Hey, thanks for all of your kind comments. Sure, let me know anytime if something I put up strikes you to work on!

  • @lyricslinger  Feb 2022

    Just noticed your comments on Abracadabra Land and This Is How It Ends. Thanks for the lovely comments on the former - it was a real thrill to see that one come to life.

    I would love it if you're able to work on This Is How It Ends. No rush. Excited to see how it could work out!
    Simon

  • @lyricslinger  Feb 2022

    Hi Justin,
    Yes, 2nd FAWM and am enjoying it a lot. Last year was ok but felt like I was still working out how FAWM works, whereas this year I've been much more actively involved in the forums and checking out all the great songs and lyrics that others are doing

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    I busted your ZONG!!! So glad I was right there to be the first listen to that awesome song. So good. Totally worth the wait...

  • @jeff9  Feb 2022

    Thank you sincerely, Sir Oz, for the very nice compliments about @donna 's and my "The Waltz".

  • @andrea  Feb 2022

    Thanks for your comments on Sticky Fingers. @tuesdaygray rocks. I sent her an email :)

  • @greengrassgirl  Feb 2022

    Justin, Thank you for your praise on My Man of Few Words. I think sheslin gave this the treatment it was waiting for. So glad you liked it.

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    Still waiting to return the love… Thanks for the thoughtful comment.

  • @tamsnumber4  Feb 2022

    Thanks for your kind comments on "Be There for Me"!

  • @tamsnumber4  Feb 2022

    Thanks for your kind comments on "Winter Early Morning"!

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    Hey...Thanks for the note...When are you posting your next song? I'm anxious to hear what you've got up your sleeve!

  • @greengrassgirl  Feb 2022

    Thanks, Oswlek, for your compliments on My Man of Few Words. I love the way sheslin wrapped herself around those lyrics. It got me!

  • @katestantonsings  Feb 2022

    Thank you for your comment on 'Know Nothing'! I like to try new things with music. I hope to hear some more sounds from you soon!

  • @colgoo  Feb 2022

    Thanks for your comment on “T-shirt Therapy”.

  • @andrea  Feb 2022

    Thanks for checking out my skirmish write. Loved your witty comment.

  • @mikeb  Feb 2022

    Thanks for the listen and comment on 'Something Wicked'!

  • @dabirks  Feb 2022

    Thanks for the nice comment on my song, Head Cold. I appreciate that you listened!

  • @mikegtz  Feb 2022

    Hi Oswlek, no my guitar is not a Takamine although they are singularly gorgeous guitars. My guitar is a Godin made from Canadian wood, part of the Richmond family of guitars. I love my guitar and I am probably getting another one very shortly.

  • @colgoo  Feb 2022

    Thank you so much for listening to my music and leaving such kind and thoughtful comments. WOW!

  • @jeff9  Feb 2022

    Thanks, champ. Unfortunately, that AI on the lead guitar work is me. Ran out of gas.

  • @colgoo  Feb 2022

    Glad to discover you through a shared lyricist. Love your voice and guitar work!!!!

  • @sheilerk  Feb 2022

    Fawm first! Then you can send me the uke tune. I'm a patient woman ;) And I'd rather hear more of your FAWM songs than rush you on something that could wait till March.

  • @katestantonsings  Feb 2022

    Thanks so much Justin! I appreciate your comments, too!

  • @andrea  Feb 2022

    Thanks for your thoughtful comments on Full Throttle Ahead. Thanks also for all your positive vibes and support this FAWM.

  • @jeff9  Feb 2022

    Thanks, pal. Your comments on "The Window To Your Soul" are generous beyond measure. And coming from a talent such as yourself, I do blusheth a wee bit, although I know you're aware that my backing band is actually an AI. No crazy girlfriends; no ODs; no drama at all with this one. And the pay is below scale.

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    Thanks for the comment on The Collapse. I had to look up the definition of ritardando. Got myself a new SAT word!

  • @bethkille  Feb 2022

    I sure appreciate all of your kind words on my tunes! Thanks for the encouragement and support!

  • @jeff9  Feb 2022

    Thanks mucho, Justin, for the listen and for your input on "I Should Have Seen It Coming".

  • @mikeb  Feb 2022

    Thanks for the comments on 'Burnt Orchid'. No midi - and if I had a week or so to practice it, I could play the piano part all the way through. But, as I wrote it this morning and played it only a couple of times, I recorded the intro, first verse, first chorus and into the 2nd verse before my fat fingers flubbed a note - this was after about a dozen takes where I messed up the intro! So I just copied the parts to complete the song. I sang the whole song once before recording 2 vocal takes (used most of the 2nd one).

  • @andrea  Feb 2022

    Thanks for the heart touching review of Shangri-La. I was very lucky to find such amazing collaborators.

  • @cleanshoes  Feb 2022

    Thank you so much for your kind comment on What the Body Knows!

  • @mikeb  Feb 2022

    Thanks for the listen and comment on my Groundhog Day song!

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    Not to date myself but I graduated from UVM in 1985. Phish came afterwards. Certainly same stomping ground though. Great band.

    Funny story you told about showing up to an empty lot. Classic!

    Are you in MA?

    Thanks for listening to my songs. Really enjoyed what I’ve listened to of yours. Looking forward to hearing more.

  • @richaaaay  Feb 2022

    You are way more than a schmuck with a guitar. You are a talented dude! Your song Together and some stuff on SoundCloud makes that very apparent. Loved listening to your music.

    I also wanted to thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging comment on Shangri-La. Really nice to read what you said...

  • @musicsongwriter Feb 2022

    Thank you so much for your beautiful comments.

  • @johnnyjustice Feb 2022

    You are the best Oswlek, sorry that you keep checking and we haven't posted yet, I apologize we just did 3 we were really slow to start :(