To help get things kicked off for the upcoming CMR III "From On Extreme To The Other" CD, I have decided to do some interviews with bands who will be appearing on the disc. Starting things off will be Justin Murr, who basically IS Liberty N Justice. LnJ, incidentally, will be the only band to have appeared on all three CMR CD's. Anyway, enough blabbering...here we go...

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Arttie) First off Justin, thanks for doing this interview. You just released a "greatest hits" package for your band, Liberty N Justice. How is "4 All: The Best of LnJ' doing for you?

Justin) Really good...the distro has been great. Its kind of weird walking into a Wal-Mart or Best Buy and seeing your CD. We were working on a new CD that was gonna be called "Rage" and had a few songs done for it when Jake from Versallis came calling about licensing a "best of" CD. It just made sense. I thought I would do this for the future of LnJ, and it gave me some time to rest as well. With this CD we have now released new music the last three years, so I was looking forward to some time away, plus I still got the chance to get four new songs out there for people who dig LnJ.

A) I realize the market doesn't really scream for this style of music any longer, but are you getting some interesting airplay and/or requests due to the "comeback" of so many of these artist?

J) More than you think. "Mullet music" is making a big comeback and with the music industry being what it is, a lot of classic rock bands are not really releasing new material. But, fans still want to hear the voices, so we give them new music with a little twist. We have sold over 40,000 units, so I say someone is screaming for this style of music, don't you?

A) How did you come up with the All-Star idea?

LnJ (the band) was all but done, but I, as a songwriter, was still writing and needed an avenue for my music to be heard. I called my buddy, Jamie Rowe (Guardian), and asked him to sing. I then called Dale Thompson (Bride) and asked him, and it kind of snow-balled into what it is. Plus, I can not sing, so what else was I gonna do?

A) Who was the very first artist you contacted? Was it a tough sell?

J) Jamie was first. We knew each other from him coming to Peoria, IL. We had opened up for him, plus I promoted a concert with Jamie, so our friendship just blossomed, and it was an easy sell. Jamie has done more than anyone to help LnJ, from hooking me up with David Bach (G-Man Records), to getting me in touch with Michael Sweet, to writing and recording a lot of "Welcome To The Revolution".

True story. I called Michael Sweet and told him my idea for LnJ. He said, "I wish you the best, but I will pass". I thought, "Ok, that was a huge loss," because I needed Mike to be on this CD because Stryper is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, Christian hard rock bands ever. I called Jamie and told him what Mike said. Jamie said "hold on," and 15 minutes later, Mike called back and said, "ok, give me the details, I will do it." That is why Jamie always has a place on my CD's as long as he wants.

A) Have you ever encountered an artist who simply said, "Thanks, but no thanks" based on this being a Christian project?

J) Honestly, no. A few wanted to hear the song and read the lyrics first, but no one said no because of my beliefs or the Christian message. I really believe a good song is a good song, no matter the subject. I am just writing about something that I love.

A) Anyone you are still dying to work with? I know a lot of people have thrown out names like Don Dokken, Tom Keifer (Cinderella), Joey Tempest (Europe), and some others.

J) Don was supposed to sing "Meet My Monster", but it was my fault. I could not wait until his schedule would allow him to do it. I am sure we will see Mr. Dokken on a future LnJ CD. I would love to work with Keifer, if his voice would allow, Steve Perry, Marq Torien (Bulletboys), Steven Tyler, Paul Stanley, Sammy Hagar, Scott Stapp (ex-Creed) and so many more.

A) Anyone you will flat out NOT work with again?

J) Shawn Pelata...enough said.

A) You stated earlier on the CMR tha tyou have moved close to 45,000 units. Does that number surprise you?

J) It does compared to the SoundScans of the bands of that era. We are doing well, plus, despite being independent, we out sell a lot of peers that are more well "known". It shows that the fans want their bands of the 80's and 90's still recording and making new music. Just look at the new Journey CD; it moved 105,000 units its first week!

A) Where did the idea of the semi-acoustic "Independence Day" record come from?

J) I thought about this question and wrote it out three different ways, but I wanted to be as forth coming as possible. I always wanted to do an acoustic CD, but that was not my major motivation. It all starts with "Soundtrack Of A Soul". "SOAS" was released by LNJ Records in North America, with distribution by Oarfin (secular) and Wescott (Christian), MTM doing the distribution in Europe/Asia, and Silent Music in Brasil. The CD cost over $45,000 to record and, through some bad decisions (signing some deals we shoudln't have, and not doing some deals we should have), the CD has been a huge financial disaster. We have CD's not accounted for through distros, we were never paid by one of the labels, and one label filed for bankruptcy. Its just been a mess. So, in saying that, from a business standpoint, I could have done one of two things. I could have packed it up or stood behind this dream that I believe God has put in my heart, and use some of the wisdom and make up for some of the loss. "I-Day" was recorded for just under $8,500 (including singers) and the songwriting was some of the best we have ever recorded. "SOAS" shows one side of me, but "I-Day" shows all of who or what I am and is me not hiding anything. This CD has blessed me on so many levels. I thank God, as it opened my eyes to "trust Him more", because at the end of "SOAS", I was emotionally spent and was about to walk away from music again.

A) Of the three All-Star discs, and the "4 All" hits disc, which features 4 new tracks, are there any real stand-out songs for you? Any that are your absolute "pet" songs?

J) LOL! This is a funny question, because every time we record a song, I promise my wife, "its the best thing I have ever done!" I listen to "Thy Will Be Done", "Devil In The Details", and "Monkey Dance" the most right now, but I am proud of what LnJ has done as a whole.

A) What took you so long to get Jack Russell on an album?! LOL! I've been begging you for how long now?

J) Ask Obi, his manager. He was the hold up! It was a package deal for Jack and Jani Lane, so we had to make sure it worked for both of us. And, speaking of Jack, he delivered!

A) Perfect world scenario...if you could take LnJ on the road, what band members and vocalists would you take?

J) Jamie Rowe, vocals...Justin Murr, bass...Vic Rivera, guitar...Ted Poley, drums (and he can sing!). LOL...this is doable, actually.

A) Have you ever toyed with the live idea?

J) I did, but it would have to be a God thing to actually work.

A) Any real disappointments in doing all of this? Ever a time you really thought, "You know, this just isn't worth it..."?

J) Twice, really. "Welcome To The Revolution" was just a big disappointment to me, and I was frustrated (listen to "Make Believe" on SOAS) with everything. I wanted it to be more than it was.

And, of course, dealing with the business side by myslelf for the first time with SOAS. I had just left 3 Chord Records, and SOAS put me in a financial bind, but I do think it is a great CD.

A) You are now going to be the only 3-peater as far as the CMR compilation CD's go. How do you feel about the involvement there? You can be honest. LOL!

J) Its cool. As long as Arttie wants LnJ to be on his CD's, we will continue to send songs. I enjoy the CMR board, and try to help promote any way I can.

A) CMR Volume III has an LnJ track that is SO EXCLUSIVE you don't even have a copy of it! Are you going to get the CD just so you have the song again?

J) YES!!!! LOL! We mixed two versions of "Monkey Dance"...one rock version, one a little more alt/modern. I listened to both for a few days ad chose the more rock version. Knowing you are a big fan of Jack's, I sent you the other version, finding out later that Mike Layne deleted those files and mixes. You have the only version of that song anywhere, I believe.

A) Are you ever going to give poor Scott Wenzel a REAL track to sing on? I know a lot of fans have bugged you about this.

J) Again, YES!!! I know, without a doubt, I owe Mr. Wenzel a kicking rock song. We will get him to sing a song tha twill put the "White" back in "White Cross"!

A) Do you feel any pressure to make sure that Christian artists are represented on your albums?

J) No, not really. I just pick singers I am a fan of.

A) On the flipside, have you ever had any feedback from people saying, "Well these guys (the secular singers) don't mean what they are singing...they are just doing it for a buck and some exposure"?

J) Believe it or not, I get "hate" mail from both secular and Christian people, both blaming me for ruining something or someone. Christian people say I am going to hell and that you can not win the world with the world. Secular people say I am ruining the name sake of their favorite band. Sometimes you just can not win.

A) Any cool stories from secular artists who have talked openly with you about their faith?

J) Mark Slaughter surprised me. He is on fire for the Lord. Ted Poley has spoken openly and says he knows Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Believe it or not, without mentioning names, secular singers have been more open than some Christian artists I have worked with and had less of an ego about themselves...minus Stephen Pearcey and Jani Lane, of course.

A) I know you have said LnJ is taking some time off...meaning YOU need a rest. When can we expect something new?

J) In 2010. Just for you Arttie, and this will be mentioned nowhere else, the new record will be called "Man vs. Mother Nature".

A) Even though you aren't recording, has the writing or recruiting process sneaked back into your world yet?

J) 4 songs are recorded in demo form..."Man vs. Mother Nature", "Greed", "Treading On Serpents", and "For Better Or For Worse". The first three songs were written by Shawn Pelata, Vic Riveria, and myself, and the last one by Pelata, Stephen Chesney, and, of course, me. Cool tunes and the CD is being produced by Steve Brown of Trixter fame.

A) Did working with a label change anything for you?

J) No, not the first or last. Just the distro, so far.

A) What would you like people to know about LnJ?

J) We are a Christian based band that writes life stories and gets "known" singers to tell our tales...

A) How about Justin Murr? What should people know about you, the man?

I am 35, have been married for 11 years, have three childred (Trinity 10, Tori 8, and Jake 2). I own my own business in Pekin, IL, and love the Lord and try to serve Him with a humble heart. You can see pics of me and the family on my MySpace page: www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2 Also, I do not take myself too seriously, and love the puffy Cheetos!

A) Thanks, Justin! Can't wait to hear new music from you guys and to get this "unheard" LnJ track out on CMR III!

J) Thanks Arttie, for letting me spill my guts, and for always supporting LnJ.

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Arttie

Stephen Pearcy and Jani Lane have big egos? What???

Good interview and kudos to Justin, who seems really humble and a guy that is easily liked.

great interview!

Excellent.

Cool to know that something worthwhile comes from Pekin.











Yes, I'm from Pekin.

Nice read. Thanks Artie.

Nice, thanks Justin and Arttie.

Thanks gang. It was fun to do. Justin is a very open, honest guy, which always makes this more fun.



Arttie

thanks everybody it was cool

You are welcome.