Justene

Singer/songwriter Justene Whyte is at the forefront of a new wave of artists that combine both style and substance. Her first single, “Gone” featuring Nijah, was released on the 9th of May and is causing a stir in the Urban music scene. She is currently playing numerous dates around the UK. The official video for “Gone” will be released on the 23rd of May. She is also writing her debut album with Soulace Music.

Justene comes from a very musical family and she learnt to sing in the Church with her brother, Aearon, one half of the renowned producer/songwriters, Soulace Music. This has enabled her to develop a unique vocal approach that combines intricate harmonies with highly emotional melodies.

Justene has very eclectic tastes in music, listening to songs from artist across a wide range of genres, this is reflected in her approach to song writing and performance. When all these elements are infused with her poetic observations of life and love, the result is engaging heart felt songs. These characteristics are also evident in her enticing performances, which draw the audience into her world whilst also entertaining.

Justene Acoustic Set by SoulaceMusic

Trivia

Started singing at the age of 7 at school and also at church with my brother (half of production duo The Soulace) Aearon.

Is the 4th child of 6 children (1 sister and 4 brothers) from a single-parent family

Very musical family- all either (or used to) sing, rap or play an instrument

Also loves to dance

Love to spend time having ‘B.T’ (Bonding Time) with her girls

Enjoys reading. Favourite books include ‘Cupcake Brown’ and ‘Gifted Hands’

Favourite magazines are RWD/Look/More

Favourite genre of film is comedy/romcoms ie Superbad and anything with Michael Cera or Jack Black

Loves Friends- Favourite character=Ross

Loves The Inbetweeners and Pete Versus Life

Values loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness and a good sense of humour

Can’t live without tea

3 essential items in my make-up kit= mascara, concealer and Vaseline

Favourite snack= mini cheddars followed by peanut M&Ms washed down with a can of black grape KA

Hates green peas and brussel sprouts

Favourite colour= Purple

ABSOLUTELY LOVES high heels! Heeeey lol!

Favourite soap – Eastenders

Favourite British comedian – Ricky Gervais

When I’m not busy, I spend my time dancing around my room to music in my heels and pretend to be performing at a concert/ or in a music video (everyone does it..no?ok)

Influences

Growing up in a Christian home, I listened (and sung along!) to various Gospel artists such as Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond as well as some of the greats like Dorinda Clarke-Cole and Vanessa Bell-Armstrong. My mum listened to artists like Sade, Toni Braxton, Deborah Cox and Whitney Houston so they were all a part of my ‘vocal lessons’. She was also into the timeless legends and was forever listening to Barry White.

In my early teenage years I began listening to more RnB music, my favourite group being B2K (heeey! Girls you know what I’m talking about wink wink)

Always very mature for my age (yes I was) my taste in music was also and I LOVE the Motown and the Disco eras (Aretha Franklin, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Earth, Wind & Fire). My favourite singer of this time is Beyonce-I LOVE HER! I sing along to all her albums everyday studying her riffs, tone, emotion, phrasing, pronunciation -just everything!

As a songwriter I love how artists/groups like Coldplay, The Script and James Morrison write their songs. More recently I’ve become a huge fan of Jazmine Sullivan who writes very emotional lyrics but is able to execute them every time whether it’s on CD or a live performance. My all time favourite artist has to be Michael Jackson who had lyrical content, an amazing vocal range and the best dance moves (people have told me I dance like him!) – the ultimate performer.

The artists that I listen to regularly at the moment ranges through from Hip-Hop (Kano, Drake) to RnB (Beyonce, Jazmine Sullivan, John Legend, Ryan Leslie) to Indie/Rock (Kings of Leon, Coldplay, Keane, The Script, James Morrison) to Jazzy Soul (Corinne Bailey-Rae) and the list goes on..