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<< Interviews this month
file under hardrock / aor
The interview section of Lords of Metal often features many black metal musicians. Christian musicians get far less attention. Although our site looks pretty black, we give all musicians no matter what their beliefs are a chance to express themselves. This time it’s Justin Murr, the man behind Liberty N’ Justice, answers our questions.
Text: Richard V.
 For almost three decades rock musicians have brought their religious beliefs to their music. What inspired you and Patrick to do the same in the early nineties?
When Pat and I started LNJ back in 91' we were just young kids (18 and 19) trying to get signed and have a good time. We chose Christian rock cause of our believes. I always have hated being labelled as a Christian band, I like more of being a believer that writes lyrics about things I love...God, family, etc. Fifteen years later I have no regrets and am quiet proud of what LNJ has done.
Were you raised a Christian or became religious at a later age?
I was raised in a Christian home, my mom is what I would call a roll model in my faith walk. Like all kids, I backslid (and still do). One night, I was watching TV and Petra came on it was the same sound I was listening to and John Schlitt's vocals kicked my behind. I got in to Christian rock and later found Stryper and some other bands. In my walk, I try not to judge people and I understand I will never be perfect. Instead of telling people about Heaven and Hell I like to talk about God’s Eternal Love. Call me a romantic, I like that better!
Rock and especially hard rock and metal are genres that are generally associated with sex, drugs and the dark side. Despite your beliefs you became a rock fan. When did you became a rock fan?
I grew up and my parents gave me albums from The Beatles, Elvis, The Monkeys, Beach Boys and I would sit in my room and pretend I was a musician and my bed was the audience. I love to entertain, and I really fell in love with melodic music in my teens. I love a good song with a great hook!
At what age did you start playing and who inspired you?
I started playing bass when I was thirteen, I had Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet" on cassette and simply love the album. I wore it out and had to buy another one. After this album and Foreigner's "4" I knew I wanted to play music!
What has been the most rewarding feedback you have received in the past 15 years?
The reviews that we have been getting in The States on our new CD have been amazing. Coming off poor reviews from our last CD we are happy people are digging the new one. As an artist you want people to appreciate your art in whatever form you have it in.
The dark side fascinates many people and proves to be a major inspiration for bands. So-called black metal bands exploit that fascination in their lyrics, outfits and shows. What can white metal artists do to gain more attention?
First I hate labels, good music is good music. I write songs on a personal level more about stuff I am going through. I am not trying to save the world, I can't even save myself. I am a believer I am not ashamed of that, but I guess to answer your question is to release the best music that we can. No shortcuts or rip-offs just music from the heart. When you have a lot of gimmicks it takes away from the music for a moment.
On your cd you worked with former Ratt singer Stephen Pearcy. Back in the nineties he lived a very sinful life full of sex and drugs. Why did you want to work with him?
I was/am a huge Ratt fan and have no problem of his past or even what he might do in his future. I am not perfect, so how can I judge him. Pearcy did a great job and I dig the song he is on. As far as him singing a Christian song, God can use an ass in the bible he can use a rock star as well!
 Are there famous musicians you definitely don’t want to work with? If so, who?
No, like I said I will work with people who I am a fan of and that are the singers that I approach. I will not work with anyone that I just do not dig on a fan level.
Can you give us some info on the song writing process? Do you jam, trade recordings with riffs with other musicians, sit behind a piano, play on an acoustic guitar?
It starts with me writing the lyrics and Mike Layne doing the music, melody in most cases. I give him an idea of how I want the song to be but as he says sometimes the song just writes itself. At that point we find a singer that we feel would do a great job on the song. The singer usually wants to change something for phrasing or lyrical content.
What are your expectations for “Soundtrack Of A Soul”?
I want it to sell well but I all so want it to be well received. I know no one buys the CD for LNJ but for the singers involved and I am ok with that. I would consider “Soundtrack Of A Soul” as successful album if I was able to do another LNJ record.
On the final track of your cd you advise people to read the Bible. What are the three most important lessons we can learn from reading the Bible?
That there is a God that loves us and we are not him!
More than 85% of the people believe in God / Higher Power. Christians, Catholics, Jews and Muslims all have their holy books, some other religions (Shinto, Buddhism and Hinduism) have strict rules and traditions. Considering your interest in religion, I wonder if you ever read other religious books such as the Talmud or Koran.
I have and I do not judge them for their beliefs and convictions. I believe in what I believe cause it makes the most sense to me and I have felt the love of a Saviour. Someday we will who was right and if there was one true God. Till then I will continue to ask for forgiveness and say my prayers when I go to sleep :)
If you could write a speech for the Pope, what message would you like to send to the world?
Lol..... I would have the Pope to do a 55 second infomercial on the new LNJ CD and how much he digs it. Plus, have him tell the world that Jesus Saves… pass it on!
Any famous last words for our readers?
Buy the CD... Oh wait buy two CDs!
http://www.libertynjustice.net
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