Artists
Justus West
Justus West is one of the hottest guitarists working today and a longtime supporter of PRS. Rising to prominence in 2016 following his performance during Guitar Center’s “OnStage with Vince Gill” contest, the then seventeen-year-old Justus was ultimately encouraged by Gil himself to seriously pursue a career in music. A native of Kansas City, Justus did just that, relocating to Nashville at eighteen where he has established himself as an in-demand session player, live sideman, and producer. Justus’s resume already boasts collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest names including Mac Miller, Beyonce, John Legend, Alicia Keys, and Ariana Grande.
PRS: You’ve collaborated with a wide range of high-profile artists. Is there any single lesson you’ve learned that’s been universally valuable through all of these experiences?
Justus: One of the most important lessons I've learned is how powerful belief in self is when paired with consistent hard work! If you show up even on the hard days and put the work in you see progress, then when an amazing opportunity comes your way, you feel prepared and qualified! But it first starts with believing you are capable of what you have set out to do in the first place.
PRS: What (or who) initially motivated you to pick up the guitar and what inspires you today?
Justus: My mother started it all for me. Charmelle is an amazing songwriter and singer. When I was around 7 years old, I watched her write a song from start to finish on her old beat up acoustic and that's when I first became curious about guitar. I taught myself that song by ear from memory and the rest is history.... nowadays, I am more excited about the sonic exploration of guitar. We all have the same notes...I'm known to play a lot of them at times.... but now it’s like, how special can I make one singular note sound?
PRS: You’ve acquired a number of PRS guitars over the years, including a stunning custom-built swamp ash 408. Is it safe to say that one is your favorite?
Justus: Without a doubt, the swamp ash is my favorite PRS I have ever owned! Perfectly fits my style sonically and visually.
PRS: What do you love the most about your PRS guitars in general?
Justus: PRS guitars feel ready to play at all times. The guitar also communicates with me. It's easy to build a relationship with each instrument because they have been handcrafted by people who clearly deeply care about the craft of making guitars and it seems that fact gives the guitar a soul of its own. There must be some special magic fairy wood dust in the factory bringing these amazing instruments alive!
PRS: What’s next for you? Are there any new projects in the pipeline that we should keep an eye or ear out for?
Justus: I will continue to drop new singles this year as an artist. I have been collaborating as a producer with other amazing artists. Lucky Daye, Ambre, and a few names I sadly can't mention on record just yet. Let's just say there’s an exciting near future awaiting!