JUSTINE AMETHYST, MUSICIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE: APRIL 2026 OPEN MIC WINNER – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

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.

https://soundcloud.com/justine-johndory/2026-03-09-bespoke?si=a49b2f2ab9554018aa2cf323adff9276&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

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