In an exclusive interview with Alicia’s Studio, we sat down with artist Justin Nech — a voice carving out space not just in music, but in what it means to create honestly. Justin’s journey isn’t about chasing perfection or bending to trends. It’s about finding the balance between the craft and the person behind it, learning to let the art and the emotions that fuel it breathe together. What comes out is a sound that feels raw, intentional, and alive — the kind of music that speaks less to performance and more to truth.

For years, Justin admits, he was caught in the cycle so many artists know well: creating without pause, always chasing the next song, the next idea, the next version of himself through music. On the surface, it looked like progress, but underneath it all, something was missing. The very feelings that once drove him to write and record were being pushed aside in service of constant motion. What once felt like discipline eventually began to feel like avoidance — an endless chase that left little room for reflection.

Now, he’s learning to move differently. Justin talks about giving equal space to his own growth as a person and as a musician, allowing real-life emotions to shape the work instead of silencing them. It’s not about forcing vulnerability, but about letting it show up naturally. You can hear it in the way his recent music lands — the weight in the lyrics, the patience in the arrangements, the way his delivery feels less polished for perfection and more rooted in honesty. His sound has taken on a deeper resonance, one that lingers because it reflects where he is right now, not just where he’s trying to go.

Throughout our conversation, Justin spoke with the same sincerity that comes through in his songs. He doesn’t overstate his journey or frame it as if he has everything figured out — he shares it as it is, in the middle of unfolding. And that’s what makes it compelling. The strength of his music lies in that honesty, reminding us that the most powerful art doesn’t come from separating the artist from the person. It comes from letting both exist in the same breath.

Diving In

Alicia: How’s your heart these days—with everything going on, music and life?

Justin: Honestly, I love this question! I feel like people often only talk about music and forget about real life, or how they actually feel—at least I did for a long time. In terms of music, I’m definitely going through a big growth period right now. I’m really just trying everything, staying open-minded, and seeing what comes my way. I think it’s going to be one of those times I’ll look back on and thank myself for later. In terms of life, I’m doing pretty great! I started taking my health and fitness seriously, and it’s made a huge impact. I realized that everything you feel literally comes from within, so I stopped looking outward and just focused on myself—and I’ve never been better.

Alicia: Do you remember the moment you first saw yourself as an artist—not just someone who makes music, but someone with something to say?

Justin: Oooh, I like this question. I think that realization was pretty pivotal for me. It happened at summer camp in 2018—I was 14 at the time. I had played a lot of instruments, sung, and written music up until that point, but it was just a hobby in my mind. One day, my friends at summer camp referred to me as an artist—and something just clicked. That was the same summer I realized my purpose and began dedicating my whole life to music.

Alicia: What made you fall in love with creating music in the first place?

Justin: If I think back to when I was really young, I always had big dreams. I think it really comes down to the artists I listened to—they inspired me. I felt heard by the musicians I listened to, whether I was happy or sad, and that really made an impact on me.