Meet Justin LaBelle | Artist (JT Blackfire) and Manager

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

Hi Justin, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues” is a paraphrased quote from Sir Duke Ellington I think about a lot. It used to mean something different to me when I first heard it, but hearing it with the context of the past few years, it means more now than it ever did. Some days things can just appear out of thin air, no rhyme or reason to it, and it completely ruins your day, or life, or world. And in those moments, there are two responses: the old fight or flight mentality – or rather, fight or ignore. But there’s always a third option that I think Sir Ellington captures well, and that’s taking that situation and using it as inspiration to move forward. Simple acts of redirecting energy into something more helpful and encouraging of your interests only takes a thought and a will. That quote reminds me why I keep writing and why I keep improving on my craft.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I got to this point in my creative path through a dedicated response to never giving up when it got difficult. I’ve seen many challenges and many a setback on this journey, and each one has affected me to where I’m constantly asking if I have the time to create anymore. But the more I ask that question is more time I didn’t put into making something I’m proud of. Working with Tyler Taz, my producer, has helped me gain confidence in my sound that I didn’t have before, especially when I started at the end of 2020. And when I drop a new single, I want that same pride to come out with bursting colors of each experience I ever overcame. It’s not easy work, but it’s the most fulfilling when it all comes together.

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?
Hands down, the first place I always drag people to when they’re in town is Detroit Shipping Company. One of my favorite spots in town to grab a bite of street food from multiple cultures and backgrounds all under one roof; combine that with the aesthetic of being surrounded by shipping containers, it makes for a memorable trip. I’d also want to add a stop Detroit Water Ice as well near Campus Martius, because grabbing some sweets there is always a iconic time! The rest of that trip would really depend, but I’ve always got some trouble for us to get up to if needed.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would personally like to shoutout any of my previous relationships for giving me the lessons I needed to be better than I was. Even if we still don’t talk, and while I’m never one to forget, I thank you for giving me that power. I also want to thank Eric, who was my best friend and biggest supporter in my creative life. He’s no longer with us, but inspires me every day to keep going.

Website: linktr.ee/BLVCKFIRE_

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jtblvckfire?igshid=M2RkZGJiMzhjOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Twitter: https://x.com/jtblackfire

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy1dXsGVy2QKbROD31z5fqg

Image Credits
Most of all images were taken by me, JT Blackfire/ Justin. The image behind-the-scenes of my first music video was provided by Alexander Berdy who directed and organized the shoot.