Justin was enrolled as a young professional for Yorkshire County Cricket Club at the

age of 15, living in cricket's spiritual home Headingley - practicing with the

international players then going on to play first class games for Sussex and Durham.

  "I would be jotting down lyrics on the boundary at the same time, nobody knew I was

secretly writing songs while training."

Over the subsequent years Justin found himself prioritising his first love of song

writing. 

He first picked up a guitar at junior school, aged eight, but was not inspired with the

lessons on offer, so much so that he stored his guitar in a shed near his parents house

and told them it had been stolen.

"After the 1st lesson I wanted out, it was the way it was being taught, it's so

important to have the right source of inspiration when you're young, I had to look

no further than the Manville household, didn't have much interest in learning 3 blind

mice when I'd already been exposed to the likes of Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and

Jimmy Hendrix! There was always eclectic music being played or sung in the house,

really wonderful" he remembers...

"I still own that guitar you know, it's a baby classical, I've used it to record on

numerous occasions, sounds great and feels great, especially to know I've held and

played it for 20 years or so!"

Through his first collection of songs, Hearts & Minds, Mothers Ghost,Velcro and Laces and currently Road Trip the experience has been the same - drawing from people and places, the infinite learning curve which is life. Mothers Ghost was recorded in a country home of Marina Guinness in the rural heart of Ireland, and that very much set the tone. "First thing we had to do every morning before laying down a note was to get the log fire going so we didn't all freeze to death!"

 "For me live performance is the most important part, it gives you back bone and a real sense of empathy, connection and unity is highly addictive"

Justin's music is a rich and organic blend, combining the simplicity of the guitar with

both male and female vocals, principally those of his cellist Jess Cox and a fantastic

Cajon drum. As such, he continues the folk tradition of telling stories to acoustic

music, but with more of a modern, polished urbane aesthetic.  It's an intensely

personal process, I have to experience what I write." 

Justin has put himself at the epicentre of his music, he's recorded several songs at

Abbey Road studios, written with many of the great writers of our time including Guy

Chambers, Martin Glover and Mathew Hales, released 4 solo albums while performing

over 300 shows in the UK, US and Ireland. On top of this He's is a real down to

earth guy, a grafter who happens to provide something which is pretty damn special.

I've listened to all 4 albums intently, I love the story, I love the music.

I will remain a true fan.

Interview by Adam D Daly for the Evening Herald Ireland.