Raised in Minnesota on rock and roll, singer-songwriter Justin Roth picked up the guitar in 8th grade, taking lessons from a heavy metal guitarist. As his teacher started playing with an acoustic trio, Justin became more interested in playing unplugged. His path to acoustic music was solidified at 17, when he went saw innovative guitarist Michael Hedges open for Crosby, Stills & Nash. He had gone to see the famed headliners, it was Hedges’ music that truly spoke to him. Justin was enthralled by Hedges’ expressive playing and inventive compositions, and from that moment on, he knew that acoustic guitar music would be the root of his musical world. He began experimenting with alternate tunings and exploring the two-handed tapping technique he learned from acclaimed finger-style guitarist and composer Billy McLaughlin. From there, Justin added more layers to his playing, using partial capos to create more flexibility to his compositions and live performances.
"Fans of Leo Kottke or Michael Hedges will find themselves right at home with the intricate guitar work...beautifully written lyrics."
- San Francisco Art MagazineInspired by the singer-songwriters he saw perform in his college home of Duluth, Justin began honing his craft as a writer, marrying his accomplished guitar playing with his already strong singing voice. By his senior year, he had recorded his first album Up Until Now. Not really intending to pursue a musical career, Justin thought he would go on to get a regular day job. But, following graduation, he was encouraged by his friend Chris Cunningham (of acoustic/pop duo Storyhill) to drive out to Colorado to attend the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest. Keeping company with other musicians and swapping songs around late-night campfires, Justin realized that being a touring musician and recording songwriter was really all he wanted to do. An epic moment in his young life, it would later inspire the title track of his 2003 release Shine.
In 1998, Chris Cunningham invited Justin to join him on a cross-country tour. While they were on the road, they would often play on each other’s songs, working out harmonies and two-part guitar arrangements. One night when they were playing at a church, Justin saw a djembe drum left by the church band. During the soundcheck, Justin began drumming, backing up Chris. They both enjoyed the sound so much, Justin played percussion that night and every night thereafter. Justin has been playing the djembe ever since and has backed up such musicians as Ellis Paul, LJ Booth and Tom Prasada-Rao.
In 2000, Justin recorded a live duo album with Chris Cunningham called 2 Forms of ID. That same year he released his second solo album In Between and contributed four original compositions to the solo guitar compilation Lifescapes – Solo Guitar, produced by Billy McLaughlin. Sold exclusively at Target stores, the album went on to sell 70,000 copies nationwide.
Since then Justin has gone on to wow audiences across the country, performing at such renowned venues as the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, The Ark in Ann Arbor and Saint Paul’s historic Fitzgerald Theater, home of Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. He has toured with Red House recording artist John Gorka and has shared the stage with some of the finest acts in the acoustic music scene, including Shawn Colvin, Martin Sexton, Lucy Kaplansky, David Wilcox and Richard Shindell.
"Justin Roth was a smash when he opened at The Ark for John Gorka last fall, selling out a big stack of CDs and nearly stealing the show."
- The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI
Shared the stage with:
John Gorka
David Wilcox
Martin Sexton
Shawn Colvin
Lucy Kaplansky
Ellis Paul
Richard Shindell
Susan Werner
LJ Booth
Patty Larkin
Cheryl Wheeler
Tracy Grammer
Richie Havens
Peter Mayer
Billy McLaughlin
Brooks Williams
Martin Zellar
Tom Prasada-Rao
Antje Duvekot
Amy Speace
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2007 Songwriter Showcase Honorable Mention
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
2006 NewSong Honorable Mention
Mountain Stage NewSong Contest
2005 Best Songs Winner, "Shine"
Indie Acoustic Project
2005 New Folk Finalist
Kerrville Folk Festival
2005 Troubadour Honorable Mention
Telluride Bluegrass Fest
2004 New Folk Finalist
Kerrville Folk Festival
2004 Songwriter Showcase Honorable Mention
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
2004 Troubadour Contest Alternate
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
2004 SMAF Songwriting Competition Finalist
Susquehanna Folk Festival
2003 Emerging Artist Showcase Finalist
Falcon Ridge Folk FestivalA dynamic live performer, Justin has won fans over with his intricate guitar solos, heartfelt songs and spontaneous delivery, often composing songs during his shows with the audience’s help. His growing popularity has led to performances at some of the top festivals including Kerrville Folk Festival (TX), Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (NY) and the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest (CO).
Gaining recognition as a songwriter as well as performer, Justin has won numerous songwriting awards. He has twice been a New Folk Finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival and has won the Indie Acoustic Project’s award for Best Song of 2005 for his song “Shine,” the title cut to his most recent release.
"One of the best singer/songwriter/guitarists I've heard in ages...Justin Roth is a flat out talent. Roth rivals a young Willy Porter...His vocal delivery is smooth. His guitar playing is extraordinary."
- The Journal Times, Racine, WI
When not traveling the country, performing at clubs, theaters and festivals, Justin lives in Minneapolis, where he is currently at work on a new album.
Here's what others are saying about Justin:
“Roth’s rich and intricate acoustic guitar solos leave crowds somewhere between a peaceful dream state and 'How’d he do that?’” - The Coloradoan, Fort Collins, CO
"Fantastically gifted songwriter...an eye popping performance...a Swallow Hill favorite!" - Swallow Hill, Denver, CO
“Justin Roth’s music is wonderfully melodic and rich, brimming with life and passion.” - Ellen Stanley, Red House Records
“It is nothing less than a delight to watch a guitarist of Roth’s caliber perform.” - The Statesman, Duluth, MN
“An evening with the music of Justin Roth is not soon forgotten.” - On The Map House Concert Producer, Paula Bryn Benson
RECORDINGS FEATURING COMPOSITIONS BY JUSTIN ROTH
(for more info on these recordings, visit discography)"Shine" - Justin Roth/Rothirric Music (2003)
Justin's brand new album featuring his best material to date. Shine also features a previously unreleased instrumental written by guitarist Billy McLaughlin. The album was mixed by Ben Wisch who has worked with Marc Cohn, Jonatha Brooke, Patty Larkin, David Wilcox and others.
(8 with vocals + 2 solo guitar instrumentals)"2 forms of ID" - Justin Roth & Chris Cunningham (2000)
Recorded live at Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe in Duluth, MN on November 3 & 4, 2000
featuring 11 songs written by both Roth and Cunningham, 4 cover songs and 1 audience song"in between" - Justin Roth/Bus Records (2000)
Justin's second solo release featuring 10 original songs (8 with vocals + 2 solo guitar instrumentals)Lifescapes: "Solo Guitar" - Compass (2000)
A compilation of 10 solo acoustic guitar compositions by Justin Roth, Dan Schwartz and Benjamin Woolman, and produced by Narada Recording Artist, Billy McLaughlin."Up Until Now" - Justin Roth/Bus Records (1997)
Justin's debut release featuring 8 original songs and 1 cover song (8 with vocals + 1 solo guitar instrumental)
© 1997-2010 Justin Roth / Rothirric Music (ASCAP)
