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Justin Tokimitsu Nozuka (born September 29, 1988) is an American-born singer, songwriter, and actor of Japanese and Canadian descent. His debut album, Holly, was released in 2007. He has since published four more studio albums: You I Wind Land and Sea (2010), Ulysees (2014), Run to Waters (2018), and Daydreams & Endless Nights (2023).
Nozuka began to write songs at the age of twelve. The earliest of his compositions from Holly, "Supposed to Grow Old" and "I'm in Peace", were written when he was fifteen. Interview with FaceCulture Retrieved on April 1, 2008 His musical influences stem from artists such as Lauryn Hill and Marvin Gaye, among others. Official Biography from justinnozuka.co.uk Retrieved on July 15, 2007
With help from fellow Canadian artist Damhnait Doyle, whom he met at a songwriting workshop, Nozuka was introduced to Universal Records talent scout Allan Reid. He recorded three tracks through Universal with Bill Bell as producer, leading Universal to offer him a contract. However, he decided to "record an album on (his) own, with (his) own freedom". Interview with TeenSpot.com Retrieved on July 15, 2007
In 2007, Nozuka released his debut album, Holly, named after his mother, who supported his chosen career in music. The album has eleven songs and includes the hidden track "If I Gave You My Life". Many of the songs deal with mature themes, such as "Save Him", which is a fictional account of a woman abused by her husband. Another track, "Down in a Cold Dirty Well", is about his perspective being stuck in a well, watching his life flash before his eyes. "Criminal" describes the story of a drunken man facing the consequences of throwing a bottle into a street "where children play with bare feet" Official lyrics page Retrieved on April 1, 2008 and suffers overwhelming guilt. In February 2008, Nozuka was nominated for a Juno award in the New Artist of the Year category, following the commercial and critical success of Holly.
In the summer of 2009, Nozuka began working on his second studio album while touring and playing live shows in Europe. The record, titled You I Wind Land and Sea, was released in the US on April 13, 2010, and debuted at Number 118 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart.
In November 2011, Nozuka collaborated with the Slakadeliqs on their single "Love Controls the Sun", from their debut album, The Other Side of Tomorrow.
Nozuka has performed the song "Gone" in his live shows but has yet to include it on an album. Wu-Tang Clan member RZA came across the track and decided to sample it. Joined by Kobra Khan, James Black, and Nozuka, they released the song, also titled "Gone," in October 2011 as a tribute to former Wu-Tang Clan member Ol' Dirty Bastard.
Nozuka has also had various acting roles, including an appearance on as Chuck Hosada, the fictional brother to recurring character Chester, played by Nozuka's real-life brother Philip. George Nozuka also appeared in the same episode, playing the third brother, Chad.
In April 2014, Nozuka released his third studio album, Ulysees. After spending 2010 touring, he took a break to produce the record himself, resulting in a four-year gap between releases. The album is backed by the singles "Right by You" and "Sweet Lover". In 2018, he published his fourth album, Run to Waters.
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