We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Cohn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I live while I work and I work while I live. I used to think that “work” was the drudgery of non-creative wage labor and “life” was all the good stuff: making art, hanging out with friends and family, eating, drinking, sleeping, and dreaming. Now, I’m not so sure. What I really think about now is the give-take balance. How much am I giving to the people around me, and how much am I taking for myself?

On a practical level, though, I spend much less time on non-creative wage labor than I used to—and much more time making art, hanging out with friends and family, eating, drinking, sleeping, and dreaming.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up it felt like I was being told to listen to a very narrow band of American music. I always liked venturing outside of that. But I also felt a pull toward accepting what my taste was expected to become. As a result, I’ve always made music that tries to strike a balance between conformist and non-conformist, pop and experimental, body and head.

I got to where I am with the blessing of a stable upbringing, a financial safety net, good friends, good teachers, and good luck. Any professional successes I stumble across are thanks to these things.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in San Pedro, which is technically in Los Angeles, but at least half an hour away from most of the parts that people usually visit when they come here. I’d definitely take them around town: Sunken City for sunrise/sunset, Chori-Man for a heavy breakfast, Busy Bee for a heavy lunch, and the Sardine for a heavy show.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother, father, brother, and partner—all for supporting me when I need pulling up, and pushing me when necessary.

Website: jrcjrcjrc.com

Instagram: @jrc.jrc.jrc

Image Credits
Taryn Perez

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