New Music From Canada The acclaimed Canadian artist, Justin Nozuka has made his long-awaited return with the release of his new single, “No One But You”. The track arrives as a collaboration with the Brit Awardnominated and BBC Sound Poll-tipped UK artist, Mahalia. Nozuka has drawn praise previously with a duo of JUNO nominations in Canada, as well as winning an NRJ Award in France. Alongside this, he has toured internationally, appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show and Good Morning America, as well as pulling in well over 100M streams to date. “No One But You” marks Nozuka’s first release since 2018 with the artist once again looking to push the envelope of his sound, shifting from the folk-minded approach of his previous album, Run to Waters, into a world of warm, analogue R&B and smouldering, down-tempo soul. Mahalia’s vocals act as a spellbinding addition to the aesthetic of the track, weaving throughout and positioning as a weighted call-response to Justin’s soft vocal. Speaking about the new track, Nozuka says: “Feeling pretty emotional that it’s finally out there. This song is a special song for me. Don’t know, I just have a really special connection to this one. It’s a song about my real experiences, and I can place it to a specific time and place. And to share it with Mahalia just really brings it home. The way she sings on ittruth, beauty and love in her voice.” “And really happy to be sharing the music video for this song. This visual was directed by Julia Hendrickson and shot by Catherine Lutes. Couldn’t be more awed and moved by the work they did. Was an honour to work with them. So, we hope that you enjoy what we’ve been putting out, and excited to keep sharing. Lots and lots of love.” The son of a Japanese father and American mother, Nozuka was born in New York City as one of seven children before relocating to Toronto following his parents’ divorce. Nozuka began writing music at the age of 12, playing shows in Toronto on the burgeoning folk and singer/ songwriter circuit before attracting the attention of British indie label, Outcaste Records (Joss Stone, KT Tunstall) who signed him early on in his career. Nozuka went on to join Glassnote in the US for his 2010 release, You I Wind Land and Sea, before developing his sound further, experimenting with his techniques and selfproducing at his home studio which was built by himself. “No One But You” marks the exciting return of one of Toronto’s most
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Photo Cred: Henry Nozuka
Justin Nozuka ft. Mahalia Shares “No One But You” Single + Live “After Tonight” Video, Out Now Via Black Box, Look Out For New LP Next Year In 2021 prevalent artists, it also hints towards a larger project which will materialize throughout 2021. Justin Nozuka began writing his own songs at the age of 12. His debut album “Holly” was released in 2007 to critical acclaim when Justin was 17. Since his debut, Justin has received an NRJ Award for “Duo of the Year,” two Gold albums (“Holly,” and “You I Wind Land Sea”), and over 100MM global streams. He was also nominated for two JUNO awards (most recently being in 2011 for Adult Alternative Album of the Year, a category he shared with Neil Young.) He has toured the world extensively. Justin’s musical influences are soul, gospel, folk, and blues. Playing support slots for world renowned artists such as Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, John Mayer, and Jason Mraz, Nozuka continues to demonstrate his
ability to impress and inspire on a global level. “Justin Nozuka makes an official comeback and debuts a buttery single with vocal queen Mahalia.” - SPIN “At first glance, it’s an unlikely pairing, but Nozuka and Mahalia’s soulful stylings complement each other perfectly, coalescing over top a bubbling instrumental radiating with the butterfly feelings of a first date.” - Complex “ Lush keys and gently strummed guitar set up the melody while Mahalia and Justin lay out the song’s sentiment in the lead up to the emotional chorus.” - SoulBounce
LISTEN/WATCH & SHARE: Justin Nozuka - “No One But You” Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/7LSypGB8lN2LbdizzUzzgL?si=eT6tphOmRJWdgd5z-fqNiA YouTube - https://youtu.be/5KGPpgT0R44
WATCH & SHARE: Justin Nozuka - “After Tonight” Live YouTube - https://youtu.be/IlFGgQjiGaY Rock and Blues International • December 2020
