Here's a song off my album that I released last year called, "The Acoustic Diaries: Fight". Give it a listen! And if you like it, head over to I-Tunes and help me fund my trip to Australia this summer!

I'd like to extend my thanks to Chris (from SunnyCreek Audio) for executing the main producer role: his duties included recording, editing, effecting, and mixing. Thank you to Siegfried Meier for mastering. Finally, thanks to Samantha Le Grand for the beautiful artwork. Much appreciated!

There Beside Me - Justin Maki

Here's a song off my album that I released last year called, "The Acoustic Diaries: Fight". Give it a listen! And if you like it, head over to I-Tunes and help me fund my trip to Australia this summer!

Thank you, Chris Erb for featuring on this track. I'd like to also extend my thanks to Chris (from SunnyCreek Audio) for executing the main producer role: his duties included recording, editing, effecting, and mixing. Thank you to Siegfried Meier for mastering. Finally, thanks to Samantha Le Grand for the beautiful artwork. Much appreciated!

LOVE SUCKS - Justin Maki

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLN2kByY3LU

Introducing my newest original song, Simplicity. This is the audio from a live take on the beach in Grand Bend, ON. We were lucky enough to organize a video shoot in the most perfect location on the most perfect summer day. Please enjoy as I paint a picture of my ideal "happy place", where all of my tensions ease, and I embrace simplicity in its purest form. 

Big thanks to the following for making this happen:

Julian Leeke - Drums

Alex Triolese - Bass

Alex Foster Roman (Lilac Media Group) - Videography, Editing, Mixing, Mastering.

Alex Barber (Lilac Media Group) - Videography

Municipality of Lampton Shores - Stage Rental

Lydia Wilton - Lyric Editor and Co-Producer

Josh Ellison - Co-Producer

Simplicity

Why don't we skip the small talk and jump right into the topic of Love Languages - I think we'll be able to love each other with a little more empathy and impact that way. 

Credits:
Songwriter: Justin Maki
Producer: Matthew Johnston
Vocals: Justin Maki
Guitar: Justin Maki
Bass: Alex Tirolese
Drums: Dean McKey
Saxophone: Richard Frank
Synths: Matthew Johnston
Mastering: Dan Weston
Album Art: Brendan Beamish and Josh Ellison

Love Language

Despite mine and other's reservations, I will confidently "be who I wanna be".

"Well I’ve been lookin’ at all the people
That are walkin’ down the street
And to my surprise, the look in their eyes
Oh they’re not happy
What did they do?

Did they have a bad day
Or a bad week
Or a bad year too?
You know that those decisions in life
Which matter the most
Determine what you’re gonna do
But if you don’t want to, no
Did you really choose?

Cause I can be who I wanna be
And say what I wanna say
And do what I wanna do
Any way that I want to…

(And) when you’re workin’ the commoner’s grind
You might feel troubled to find
The purpose in your heart
But the second that you decide
Reservations aside, go and follow your star

You’ll come across the trickster
And the wiseman
And find boulders on your way
So paddle ahead and ride the wave of your own anxiety
Remember, your inner glow
Is all that you need to know

To be who you wanna be
And say what you wanna say
And do what you wanna do
Anyway that you want to
As long as your stars are aligned right
And you can hold back every single increment of fright
And you know in your heart that you’ve been precise
There’s no way that you’ll faulter
It’s not a role of the dice
Hmm, I’m living my life"

from Long Time Coming, released November 26, 2017
Justin Maki: Songwriter; Producer; Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Matt Haché: Co-Producer; Recording and Editing Engineer; Electric Guitar; Bass

Mike Klassen: Drums

Chris Erb: Recording, Editing, Mixing, and Mastering Engineer

Samantha Le Grand: Album Artwork

I Can Be

Like an abusive relationship, university can feel oppressive and inescapable. For the future benefit, I must overcome my mental obstacles in the direction of graduation.

"My life was carrying on as planned
And then you walked in, stated your demands
Is this where I should be
How much longer will it take for me to see what is right for me

Cause I
I can't keep up
And every time I try again
I feel like giving up
And every second I put in
Is not enough
So I'm breaking down
But no, I can't breakdown
So I guess for now
I'll have to live my life devout

It's been a couple weeks and I've just given in
She said, for her whole life, she's wondered where I've been
I feel overwhelmed
This arranged engagement begets insanity
But I know it is right for me

Cause I
I can't keep up
And every time I try again
I feel like giving up
And every second I put in
Is not enough
So I'm breaking down
But no, I can't breakdown
So I guess for now
I'll have to live my life devout

This ever-tiding fight or flight
It won't subside
Unless I evade these crashing waves
The custom to which I've subscribed
It hates my kind
But I'll molt if I stay

Cause I
I can't keep up
And every time I try again
I feel like giving up
And every second I put in
Is not enough
So I'm breaking down
But no, I can't breakdown
So I guess for now
I'll have to live my life
I'll live my life
I'll live my life devout"

from Long Time Coming, released November 26, 2017
Justin Maki: Songwriter; Producer; Vocals

Matt Haché: Co-Producer; Recording and Editing Engineer

Brian Cho: Piano

Amanda Quick: Cello

Chris Erb: Recording, Editing, Mixing, and Mastering Engineer

Samantha Le Grand: Album Artwork

Devout

Unrequited love is a painful game, especially when playing the "pursuer"; on the other hand, it can be satisfying to play the "pursued".

"Standing naked in the rain
Watching mental pictures break
I recall the sick charades
That left my heart locked in a trance

You let my fingers sail your hair
The soft embraces that you’d share
Yet I’m playing solitaire
Misperceived romance

I do not regret attempting your affection
Just tell me what went wrong
Crippled, bruised, and bent
I plead for some direction

Oh, one-sided love
I have had enough
Of hard to get

Different story, different girl
I gladly watch the tables turn
See the lantern light the mirror
And show a seed carelessly thrown

I recall that dance floor kiss
Felt the tremor in your lips
Caught you buried in your bliss
And you were all alone

I do not regret tempting your affection
A trial is all is was
Crippled, bruised, and bent
You plead for some direction

Oh, one-sided love
Dates have come and gone
Vague pursuits we follow through
And yet we're always on the run
I have had enough
Of hard to get

If you leap
She’ll drift beyond your reach
She’ll appear the low hanging fruit
And in time, as you chase
Your love will lock the gate
And that’s when you start anew

Oh, one-sided love
Dates have come and gone
Vague pursuits we follow through
And yet we're always on the run
I have had enough
Of hard to get

Vague pursuits we follow through
And yet we're always on the run
I have had enough
Of hard to get"

from Long Time Coming, released November 26, 2017
Justin Maki: Songwriter; Producer; Acoustic Guitar; Bass; Vocals

Matt Haché: Co-Producer; Recording and Editing Engineer; Electric Guitar

Mike Klassen: Drums

Chris Erb: Recording, Editing, Mixing, and Mastering Engineer

Samantha Le Grand: Album Artwork

Hard To Get

It's the afternoon and delightful activities await.

"Slip the profane off your toes
Join me for a midday dose
Snuggle up; let’s lounge the day away

I want to nibble on your ears
As you trace your nothings in my beard
Let’s not go anywhere today

Under the covers
Limbs intertwined
All improvised
Surprise, Afternoon Delight

You know baby, you’re a dream
Savoury and saccharine
Exclusive feature on my camera roll

I sure can’t tame these butterflies
I can’t conceal these googly eyes
By this point everybody knows
That we’re

Under the covers
Limbs intertwined
All improvised
Surprise, Afternoon Delight

Baby, let’s take a stroll
Wandering lovers in the dark
Watch paint drops splatter the sky
And maybe we’ll dance
Reignite the spark
Banana ice cream for our way home
If we get caught in the rain
You play Cathy, I’ll play Don
Throw on a little Myles for the ambiance
And I must confess
I hope tomorrow we press
Restart

**Whistles**

Under the covers
Hearts intertwined
All improvised
Surprise, Afternoon Delight

(And I must confess
I hope tomorrow we press
Restart) x2
I don’t wanna spend
A day
Apart"

from Long Time Coming, released November 26, 2017
Justin Maki: Songwriter; Producer; Electric Guitar; Bass; Vocals

Chris Hubley: Lead Electric Guitar

Matt Haché: Co-Producer; Recording and Editing Engineer

Mike Klassen: Drums

Chris Erb: Recording, Editing, Mixing, and Mastering Engineer

Samantha Le Grand: Album Artwork

Afternoon Delight

I wrote this song for my grandmother for her birthday. Her hard work, commitment, and selflessness are just a few of her qualities that make her a role model in my eyes.

Do you remember
Out on the farm
You’d scavenge the forest
To keep winter warm
Your parents would pester
Please gather the eggs
No time for amusement
Feed cattle and pigs

Work hard
Press on

Convey your wisdom built from numerous trials
Display your endless love
Teach me the substance of the ticking dials
Let’s celebrate your potent memories

Do you recall
That pleasant October
You married quite quickly
And laid out your future
And even now
Forever more faithful
You ask the almighty
To join in his scepter

Commit
Shun Sin

Convey your wisdom built from numerous trials
Display your endless love
Teach me the substance of the ticking dials
Let’s celebrate your potent memories

Shall I remind
The meals you’d prepare
Not just for your good
Generous enduring care
And often I’d find
That you’d tend to your garden
Unyielding routine
Nature’s nurturing guardian

Loving, motherly Spartan

Convey your wisdom built from numerous trials
Display your endless love
Teach me the substance of the ticking dials
Let’s celebrate your potent memories
credits
from Long Time Coming, released November 26, 2017
Justin Maki: Songwriter; Producer; Acoustic Guitar; Electric Guitar; Bass; Vocals

Matt Haché: Co-Producer; Recording and Editing Engineer

Mike Klassen: Drums

Chris Erb: Recording, Editing, Mixing, and Mastering Engineer

Samantha Le Grand: Album Artwork

Potent Memories

Establishing a life plan isn't easy. Sometimes, when, despite your fear, you move, the path will open and you will find clarity.

"Looking down at the road ahead
Can’t say I’ve got no where to go
Should I take this road instead?
Locate destination unknown
Perhaps I have a place in mind
But I won’t tame this wheel tonight

But what am I to do
When I can’t decide
A plan for my…

Life, a drive with no direction
I’d like to exercise volition
I long a prosperous future
I fear this briefcase is doomed
I’ll try to plan for my life
I need to plan for my life

Engine set on cruise control
Coffee tames my wandering gaze
The button’s stuck and I’m unsure
Exactly where this road is to lead
The gas light startles as it chimes
Looks like I don’t have much time

What am I to do
When I can’t decide
A plan for my…

Life, a drive with no direction
I’d like to exercise volition
I long a prosperous future
I fear this briefcase is doomed
I’ll try to plan for my life
I need to plan…

Wait, I know how to desert this terrain
A radio message has lifted my spirit
I’ll follow a path aimed at wishes obtained
My heart is my guide
It won’t misguide
So long as my efforts address
And do not resign
Ooooooooo

Life, a drive with no direction
I’d like to exercise volition
I long a prosperous future
I fear this briefcase is doomed
I’ll try to plan for my life
I need to plan for my life
And now I have a plan for my life"

from Long Time Coming, released November 26, 2017
Justin Maki: Songwriter; Producer; Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

Matt Haché: Co-Producer; Recording and Editing Engineer; Electric Guitar; Bass

Mike Klassen: Drums

Chris Erb: Recording, Editing, Mixing, and Mastering Engineer

Samantha Le Grand: Album Artwork

Plan For My Life

Justin Maki is a Pop/Easy-Listening Artist based out of London, ON. Justin aims to create music that is beautiful, groovy, and thoughtful, and with it, enrich the lives of those who listen. He wields a rich voice and uses lush arrangements to transmit his messages of love, loss, adversity, mental health, global crises, and future musings. Japan born and Canadian bred, Justin has been sharing his diverse story through music from age 11.

          Since officially committing to his solo career in 2012, Justin has played over 1,000 shows, released 2 albums ("The Acoustic Diaries: Fight" and "Long Time Coming"), and has gone on 3 Cross Canada Tours. He has also competed in several competitions, and won in Western University's Battle of the Bands in 2015, as well as the campus wide Western Voice competition in 2016.

          Justin has shared the stage with industry heavy-weights like Monster Truck, The Mudmen, and The Sheepdogs. 2019 was a big year for Justin, as he secured a series of high-profile performances in Ontario, including opening for the Mudmen through the Grand Bend Summer Sunset Sounds series, playing at both Sea Otter Canada and Peak To Shore at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, and at the closing party for Ontario Contact 2019 in St. Catherines.

          Justin is currently working with producer Matthew Johnston on his next record, which shifts his stylistic focus from Folk-Pop to the “Easy-Listening” spectrum; this time, he delves into Jazz, Funk, R&B, and Soul, while also infusing a “Pop” sheen. Throughout 2020, Justin will release a series of singles, which will eventually complete his next EP, details TBA. Check below for upcoming tour dates, contact information, and more!

Justin Maki

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