JUSTIN LUTE
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It's a time-honored cliché to say that an artist doesn't fit neatly into a single genre. The obligatory follow-up question: "Well, who do they sound like?" In the case of Justin Lute, the answer is, "That depends."
There's the way Lute sounded fronting the 50s-flavored rockabilly act, The Southern Diplomats; the way he sounded fronting the 60s-flavored power-pop garage band, The Whilers; the way he sounded on the eclectic solo album that he released in '03; the way he sounds when he's performing with just his guitar; and the way he'll sound the next time he puts a band together.
If forced to choose, the catch-all bucket that is the Americana category comes in handy–most of Lute's work could find a home there.
Lute was very active in the Columbus, Ohio roots rock scene from 2001 - 2004. A lot of the highlights from that time came from opening for a lot of his heroes when they rolled through town–Todd Snider, Scott Miller and The Commonwealth, Tim Easton, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, and Hammell On Trial, among others. His band, The Whilers, landed a spot at Twangfest 8 in St. Louis. He submitted 'No Need To Say It Again' to the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, which named it a finalist and invited him to perform it in a showcase at MerleFest in Wilkesboro, NC.
With help from borrowed drummers and guest star accompanists he recorded and released an album, Adventures of Lori Lou, which received enthusiastic reviews from No Depression, Comes With A Smile, PopMatters, and others. However, though he was getting a little traction in his fledgling music career, he decided on a different path and hung it up after The Whilers performed at ComFest in Columbus in 2004.
That was then; this is now. Turns out, it wasn't the end; just a long sabbatical. Over the past several years Lute has been writing with a vengeance and pulling together arrangements in his home studio (aka the basement). In the short term, he's currently prepping a solo acoustic set and expects to be back on stage in winter 2024. For the medium term, he's in the planning stages for recording an EP of new material. Also under consideration is a remaster/rerelease of Adventures of Lori Lou. Stay tuned.
praise for
Adventures of Lori Lou
"...it's Lute's vocals that initially disarm and charm. He sounds on the brink of jubilation..."
- No Depression
"Lute's music and lyrics are sophisticated and refined... simply a great debut."
- Alt Country Tab
"...impressive debut... such engaging songs and spirited performances... an infectious urgency and vibrancy..."
- Comes With A Smile
"...captures the charm and simplicity of '50s and '60s country-flavored rock 'n' roll... terrific songs..."
- Miles of Music
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