I was raised in the artistic, small-town suburbs of Marin County, a few miles and a full generation removed from the hippy movement that swept through San Francisco in the late 60’s.  From Fleetwood Mac's Rumours to Stevie's Songs in the Key of Life, many great records came out of Marin County, fueled by the musical prowess of legendary concert promoter Bill Graham. This was my home, and these legends were a part of the infrastructure that sustained us. Although my parents weren’t big Deadheads, their catalog ran deep, exposing me to a vast collection of great records and artists.  Whether it was Graceland, Ziggy Stardust or Dark Side of the Moon — a record was always playing and music was a very present part of my life. 

My love for the craft of songwriting grew stronger as I got older.  From as early as the age of ten, I had a pressing desire to follow in the footsteps of my musical heroes.  Not because they looked cool or lived the dream; because they SOUNDED amazing and, musically, had IT figured out.  IT was always about the music for me, and as my family life became more tumultuous in my early high-school years, I came to rely on the cathartic escape that I experienced while sifting through my deeper thoughts and emotions.  I kept my head down through, what feels like, the dark ages of my early life, as I watched my mother’s addictions swallow her up.  Music became my drug and has remained that way to this day, always providing me with the needed awareness and reflection to navigate my way through the rapids toward calmer waters. I feel like my best work has always come in times of need - when I had nowhere to go to find the truth but deeper within.     

So here I am: a few bands removed, a husband, a father and a songwriter, finally facing the music and all my ambitions head on.  I’m focused on making the one thing that has always intrigued me the most:  a Great record.  One that comes from a place of truth and passion and carries a self-contained, distinctive and palpable presence and intention.  This quest may take a lifetime, as I navigate my way in and out of different musical and personal journeys.  I hope you stick around for the “long story” and hear something you like.

~ Jesse Ray Smith

In a world where genres strive to define and confine, Justin Froese emerges as a captivating force, effortlessly traversing musical landscapes with his groove-driven alt-pop stylings. With a decade of classical training under his belt, Justin's ability to transcend and defy genres is a testament to his innate talent and unparalleled artistry.

From the very moment Justin picked up a guitar at the tender age of 5, music swiftly became his conduit of expression. Guided by his father's loving mentorship, Justin embarked on a lifelong journey of channeling his soul through enchanting melodies and heartfelt lyrics. It was during those early years that the seeds of his passion for music were sown, and they have since blossomed into an awe-inspiring career.

As an award-winning songwriter, Justin's compositions evoke a range of emotions and invite listeners on a transformative sonic experience. His eclectic musical influences form a rich tapestry, weaving together Lumineers-like foot-stomping Indie Americana with bluesy, moody landscapes reminiscent of Jeff Buckley's iconic sound. Regardless of genre, one thing remains constant: Justin always sings from the depths of his soul, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of those who listen.

With every note he strums and every word he utters, Justin captivates audiences worldwide. A seasoned performer and songwriter, he has honed his craft to deliver dynamic, heartfelt performances that resonate with listeners on a profound level. From intimate acoustic sets to electrifying stage productions, Justin's presence is a magnetic force that leaves audiences yearning for more.

Justin Froese is more than just an artist; he is a conduit of raw emotions and an embodiment of musical innovation. With his boundless creativity and unwavering dedication, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of music. Each song he crafts, each chord he strikes, represents a testament to his unwavering passion and his unwavering commitment to his art.

A Missoula Montana native, Anna Ballew entered the San Diego music scene in 2021, incorporating jazz-guitar stylings and soulful vocals to pop R&B hits, modern classics and original songs. Her formal entrance to music started with classical violin at age four, then transitioned to bluegrass fiddle at the age of eleven. This ignited her love of free-form and collaborative musical spaces. After hearing her father jam to folk-americana artists like Jackson Browne and James Taylor as a kid, she decided to pick up guitar and try out singing for family and friends at dinner parties in high school. From hometown performances and acapella groups in college to moving to California and becoming a full-time musician, Anna has swiftly moved through stages of a musical journey. Now modeling her sound around artists like Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald and Lake Street Dive, Anna is working on her first EP to be released in the next year, and can be found performing around at local restaurants and live music venues in Southern California.