By Joey Yazell–

Local Artists and U of L graduate Justin Paul Lewis and Ben Sollee collaborate to create Lewis’s upcoming album “Rinse, Repeat, Rewind.” Lewis is a self-taught singer-songwriter who started off his career in local coffee shops and open mics around town and has now climbed his way to the top of Louisville’s music scene. He has performed on the road playing at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas and trekking down to Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee with other stops in between.

Q: What sets you apart from other artists and musicians?

A: “I am performing now with a trumpet player named Michael Felker, we work as a duo. We definitely have a connection on stage that creates a lot of passion for what we do. There is a lot of positivity, it’s just different. I feel like people can really latch on, we feel good about it and I feel that other people feel good about it too. It’s not a matter of being totally different from everybody else; we just have our own version of doing it.”

Q: What does 2013 hold for you?

A: “A ton of different possibilities at this point, I recently released the song “Salt” and had a lot of people reach out to me from it.”

The opening track of “Rinse, Repeat, Rewind” is titled “Salt” which includes the album title.

“Salt” is about taking what you’re feeling and throwing it out there, rather than hiding it.” It’s about being brave,”said Lewis. “This is about somebody throwing a fake emotion out there to make the situation better and then taking it back and saying that’s not what I’m feeling, this is what I’m feeling.”

Lewis is a terrific songwriter who puts meaning behind each word.

With support from 91.9 WFPK and other local and regional artists, Lewis is on his way into the music world. He is a true Louisvillian and wants to keep it that way.

“I enjoy Louisville, I don’t want to be on the road for years and years,” said Lewis. “Playing in different cities has really helped me understand how Louisville stands out from the others.”

Future plans for Justin include tours through New York, Chicago, Indianapolis and other music-driven cities. His album has been unofficially released locally and  is sold at his live performances. The official release has not been set but is expected to come out towards late February or early March of 2013.

You can find more upcoming shows and news on Justin at:

Lewisliveshere.com and facebook.com/justinpaullewis

[email protected]
Photo courtesy Mickey Winters