A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Joel Justin

For Joel Justin, music has never simply been a hobby or career choice — it’s the passion that has guided many major decisions in his life.

Justin has built a career as a singer, songwriter and producer in the Region by following his creativity, embracing unexpected opportunities and remaining committed to his craft through decades of change in the music industry. Growing up, Justin balanced two lifelong interests: motorcycles and music. While he earned an associate degree in auto mechanics and briefly worked as a motorcycle mechanic, he quickly realized that his future belonged in music.

“Music has always been my true passion, starting at a very young age,” Justin said. “At one point, I was even offered a motocross racing sponsorship, but I turned it down because I knew the risk of a serious injury. Even something as simple as a broken arm could have derailed my music career just as it was gaining momentum.”

At 14 years old, he purchased his first guitar with money he earned working as a busboy. After buying the instrument, he quit his job the next day and immersed himself in learning to write songs.

Justin’s first original song, titled “Wet Smoke,” was inspired by watching low fog drift past his window. Although he laughs about its quality today, he feels that writing this song sparked the passion he carried with him for performing.

His first band, Ruth Baxter, quickly attracted attention from the industry. After recording a demo, the group was being considered for a major label release, making that decision one of the most defining moments of his life. It opened a door for Justin to fully dedicate himself to his musical craft.

The band gained attention from Columbia Records, leading to the recording of “The Mass for Shut-ins.” Justin learned what makes timeless songs resonate with audiences, along with the experiences that shaped him into becoming a songwriter and producer.

“I began performing cover songs in bands, which taught me how great songs are built and why they connect with audiences night after night. I create emotionally driven music for film, television, and advertising,” Justin said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to record with professional musicians in the studio, while also reshaping classic rock songs for a new generation of listeners and visual media. I’ve never been easily compared to other recording artists, which can make it harder to categorize, but it also means I don’t fit into a lane. I build my own.”

Throughout his career, Justin has experienced opportunities that few musicians could have predicted. One of the most memorable came during what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation in Brazil.

While writing songs in a hammock, Justin caught the attention of someone with connections in the Brazilian music industry. That unexpected encounter led to him recording his second solo album, “4/4.”

Two songs from the album reached the top 20 in Brazil, and it introduced his music to an entirely new audience. Justin has also placed numerous songs in films, television shows, and advertising campaigns throughout his career. Among those accomplishments, he wrote and performed the theme song for White Castle, allowing his music to reach listeners in another unique way.

Despite opportunities that have taken him around the world, Justin has found a home in Valparaiso.

“Valparaiso has been an ideal fit for me because of its strong sense of community and appreciation for the arts,” Justin said. “I’ve had the pleasure of performing at Popcorn Fest for several years, sponsored by Meditrina Market Café on Washington Street, and I also perform regularly at Meditrina and other local venues. It’s become one of my favorite places to perform, because the people of Valpo are incredibly supportive. They’re receptive to new ideas, open to original music, and genuinely appreciate artists who bring something unique.”

Outside of performing and producing music, Justin enjoys spending time with friends discussing current events, solving problems and exploring different perspectives on the world. He also enjoys supporting fellow artists and has recently developed an interest in studying military history to better understand the events and decisions that have shaped society.

Another source of pride for Justin is the creation of his independent record label, Mandrill Records. The label gives him complete creative freedom to release his own music while also serving as the foundation for future growth.

“My vision for Mandrill Records is to grow beyond my own music. Having produced recordings for several talented local artists and bands, I plan to expand the label to include their releases as well,” Justin said. “Supporting independent musicians and helping them reach new audiences is something I’m passionate about.”

Justin believes success rarely comes quickly, reminding others who want to pursue a career in music that persistence can often make the difference.

“The important thing is to keep climbing,” Justin said. “Every setback teaches you something, every step forward builds experience, and every opportunity comes from continuing to show up.”

To stay updated on the latest news for Justin and his music career, you can visit joeljustin.com.