Singer-Songwriter Justin Trawick Marks New Beginnings With Latest EP Release

(SANEPR.com) May 15, 2009 -- “Finally, someone with real talent”
Bob Boilen, Host of All Songs Considered, NPR

“Name(s)... to keep your eye (and ears) on”
Washington Post

“Justin Trawick is making a name for himself”
On Tap Magazine

The saying “every cloud has a silver lining” certainly rings true for Justin Trawick, whose recent job loss became the catalyst in turning his lifelong passion for music into a full-time career. This life changing moment inspired his latest EP, ‘Starting Over’, which combines pop, bluegrass, and roots rock with a raw acoustic singer/songwriter sound. Trawick describes his brand of music as “Urban Folk Rock”, akin to Jason Mraz, Ryan Adams, and Bob Schneider. With numerous shows now under his belt, including DC’s legendary 9.30 Club, The Kennedy Center, Birchmere, and the State Theatre, the hands of fate are quickly ensuring the singer-songwriter’s talent takes center stage.

Trawick’s secret ingredient sparks from his musical versatility and spontaneity. He continuously mixes up sets with a collective of musicians known as The Justin Trawick Group. Trawick effortlessly transitions from performances in rock clubs with a the full group, to intimate venues with just his acoustic guitar and upright bassist. This flexibility has allowed him the opportunity to open for such artists as Brett Dennen, Sara Bareilles, Pat Green, Cowboy Mouth, Edwin McCain, The Duhks, Pat McGee, The Hackensaw Boys, Bob Schneider, The Gourds, Jill Sobule, and even the Ying Yang Twins. The 27 year old also produces the highly acclaimed “The Nine” singer-songwriter series, which takes place at key venues across the East coast.

Trawick’s latest EP, ‘Starting Over’, is a collection of five poignant songs focusing on the nature of transition and change. The title track, 'Starting Over', written just days after Justin's job loss and recorded live at the last minute, paints a vivid picture of the instability of life and his search for a new direction. ‘Snow Angels’ describes the anguish of a break up through emotional vignettes looking back on better times. In 'Untitled' Trawick describes, in intense detail, the journey of an unequal courtship from love to loss, to longing for a second chance. ‘French Fries & Gravy' portrays two people and their search for new beginnings, while maintaining familiarities found in their past lives. Lastly, 'Moving On' simply highlights human nature's overwhelming urge to say what's on your mind, and then wash your hands of it. All songs echo a series of self-defining events in Trawick’s life.

Originally from Leesburg, Virginia, Justin’s fire for music was fueled unintentionally by his family. He started songwriting in the eighth grade, after he discovered his father’s old classical guitar under the steps of his house. His cousin in Austin, Texas fed his new found addiction by sending him 107.1 KGSR's live compilation albums of in-studio performances each year for Christmas. One year Justin heard Bob Schneider’s song “Big Blue Sea”, and from then on Schneider became one of Trawick’s biggest musical influences, inspiring him to make his initial foray into recording and performing.

Asked whether he would ever go back to a normal job, Trawick gives a resounding “No!” - he loves writing and performing and would never exchange his passion for a 9 to 5 again.

To check out Justin Trawick’s music, and upcoming concert schedule visit: www.myspace.com/justintrawick