As many of you know, in support of the Arts here in
SecondLife, the SL Enquirer sponsors a monthly singer-songwriter open mic
competition. Musicians from all over the Grid have come and graced our stage
with their individually unique sound, sharing their hearts and passion for
music with the viewing audience.
Selecting the best of these artists is no easy task, but the winner
walks away with L$5,000 in prize money and a Spotlight Feature article here in
the SL Enquirer. The winner for April
2026 is Justine (justinejohndory.amethyst).
I caught up with Justine right after she finished a gig at Fantasy Fair,
and she was able to share her story with us.
Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB): Congratulations on your win, Justine. It is well-deserved. So, tell us please. How
long have you been performing your music, and in what types of venues?
Justine (justinejohndory.amethyst) (JA): My first ever gig on the grid was at the
Dirty Grind back in December of 2022. I
think they closed shortly after that, which was a shame. It was a beautiful space and so supportive of
the arts in SL.
Mostly I play at places that feature live musicians and
mostly acoustic performances, like The Chelsea Hotel, Guthrie's, Cafe Kismet
and Villa Lobos, and of course my home venue, The Slippy Ship.
And for any groups or venues that are opposed to the current
rise of fascism and authoritarianism around the world. Like Cafe Resistance, Democracy Defenders,
and United Rhythms.
And for a lot of communities that value individuality and
freedom of self-expression like Bespoke Caravan, Lefthand Path, and the Velvet
Grope.
I play a lot of charity events and festivals. I'll be at SLB for the 4th year running, and
I just completed my fourth show at Fantasy Faire.
JB: What is
your favorite Musical Genre, and who were your musical idols that have been the
greatest influencers of your musical style?
JA: I perform
primarily acoustic folk music, just me and my guitar. Sometimes I'm accompanied by Sanson Feilding
on the banjo. He's incredible. I'll play any song that catches my fancy, but
my favorite song writers to draw from are Juliana Finch, Gillian Welch, Tim
O'Brien, The Doubleclicks and the Decemberists.
But no genres are safe from me and my guitar. I'll attack pop, metal, disco, prog rock, all
the indie, you name it.
JB: Do you
perform in RL as well?
JA: I do. I'm an upright bass player and vocalist,
playing mostly bluegrass. I never
performed solo before coming to SL. In my early shows, when I was first
learning how to play the guitar, I would accompany myself on upright bass,
which wasn't entirely effective. But now that I've become pretty comfortable
with the 6-string, I don't often pull the doghouse out.
JB: What has
been the most memorable performance of your career so far?
JA: The show I put
together to celebrate International Women's Day this year. It was at Bespoke Caravan. Women's rights are naturally very important
to me, and I really poured my heart into curating and presenting that set.
JB: What has
been your biggest challenge breaking into the Music Industry?
JA: I don't know
that I have tried to "break into" the SL Music Industry? When I started performing in world, my goal
was to play 3 or 4 shows a week consistently, and I've done that. RL is too busy for anything more than that. The people I play for are the ones picking up
what I'm putting down. What more could I
want?
JB: How would
you describe the brand that you now represent?
JA: In two words:
Passion and principles. The songs I sing
say something to me, and when I play I _feel_ what I'm singing, and try to
convey that to the audience. I sing
songs of mutual respect and acceptance, of believing in yourself and living
your own truth, rather than trying to live up to the expectations of others.
Songs about standing up for what's right.
I'll often get emotional during my shows. Life is hard, and music is cathartic and
empowering and the best way I've found to help deal with hard stuff.
If I were to have a
"theme song," it would be "Crooked Tree" by Molly
Tuttle. It's about accepting one's flaws
and faults and turning them into strengths.
People seem to really resonate with that and it gets requested a lot.
https://soundcloud.com/justine-johndory/crooked-tree-feat-sanson
More than anything else, though, I have become well known as
an old-school guitar-slinging protest singer in the fashion of Woody Guthrie
and Carsie Blanton. I'm outspoken and
unapologetic about speaking out against injustice and fascism and I don't take
kindly to people who think that music should be apolitical. It never has been and it should not be.
That said, I will do entire sets of songs about Dinosaurs or
Pirates. I never lose sight of the fact
that music is FUN.
JB: Where would
our SL readers go who want to hear you live and in concert?
JA: I'm at the
Velvet Grope (Adult sim) every Tuesday at 6pm, and I have fortnightly shows at
the Slippy Ship, Kittenz, and Bespoke Caravan. and Monthly shows at the Virtual
Hotel Chelsea. More casual shows all over the place. I've got the usual subscribo and group
(Justine Time!) for notices, and we also post to a bunch of live music groups
in world, and I try to have a listing in SL Events for every show.
JB: Do you have
any Social Media Sites out there where readers can learn more about you?
JA: Just my
soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justine-johndory
If people want to know more about me, then my SL profile is
really the best source, that or come to a show!
JB: There are
lots of budding musicians in SecondLife.
What advice would you give to any aspiring musicians out there today?
JA: None that
would do anyone any good. I think my
continued lack of profile is evidence enough of that! I gotta say, it does often feel that it's
more "who you know," as so many things are in this world. So my advice is go to shows, get to know
people. Play for tips. Always give 10% back to the venue. Play charitable events. Don't do it if it doesn't bring you joy.
JB: Is there
anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer Readers.
JA: Big thanks to
everyone who attends live music events in SL.
Tips are nice, but your presence is the real present. Please, don't be shy about reaching out and
saying hi. What is SL for if not to make
connection with others?
So there you have it, Folks. Straight from the artist’s mouth to the
pixelated page. If you’re looking for a
quiet evening in a small coffee shop, or a larger, more formal venue, check her
out. For a musician with real talent…and a bit of sass…Justine delivers on all
fronts. This one is the Real Deal,
folks. So, head on out and catch her
live performance. You’ll be glad ya did.
And when you do, tell ‘em “Josh sent ya”.
Be there! Aloha!
JB
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