Hi,

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanks for all of the fantastic tips to anyone who responded to my query regarding video footage. Thanks VERY MUCH indeed for your thoughts. Brilliant.

I'm at home, post Thanksgiving, NOT shopping, chilling with my daughter Zelly. I lie a bit, though: I did buy something today that I saved up for, but not at a terrifying mall or insane sale. : Some Bowers & Wilkins speakers, a Marantz receiver, and a Sony Blu-Ray player. Fun time. Single gentleman buying himself a few accoutrements to the home, that's all.

Amongst some other gigs this year that are in the non-playing category, one very novel one is for the pop singer Ke$ha...I've never worked in that world before until now, and it's pretty...different. Anyway, there's been some rude comments about that on Twitter and the like, which don't really do anything but make me smile...but I thought I'd post here so people know what it's all about. To be very clear: I am not playing with her. I was found and hired by her management to consult in rehearsals, to re-program their synths, etc. Again, I'm not in her band, nor do I aspire to be. It's just a behind-the-scenes occasional creative consultant gig. They're all nice people (as is Ke$ha) frankly, and I'm happy for the work when it comes around occasionally. I did the same earlier this year for a singer/songwriter type called Sara Bareilles (I played on her record too, and she's a very talented and cool person).

Unlike many of my peers in the business, I do not hide from anyone the various types of work that I do in order to appear somehow more credible. I have a daughter, bills, the whole lot, just like anyone. I can't kick it in some coffee house day in and day out waiting for the next "cool" gig to magically manifest. So, within reason, I do what I need to. That said, I care a hell of a lot who I perform with, because that is deeply personal to me. And I do believe I have proven that over the years with the artists some of you may have seen me with. I have recently turned down two lucrative tours that I simply could never abide by...creatively, aesthetically, or musically. The next one that comes along, whatever it is, will likewise be very attuned to my sensibilities, as always, as broad as they may be (Beck, Air, NIN, Ima Robot, Gnarls Barkley). I'm looking forward to it. Anyway, I hope that gives some clarity; The need to write this thorough missive is borne out of the utmost respect and appreciation for the NIN fan community.

In other news: Zelly and I just watched Ponyo. Very enjoyable. M83 record sounding great, still in production. New Ladytron sounds great. New film "Sucker Punch" I contributed bass to is fun. OMG: I also played on the upcoming Muppet Movie. Srsly. Rainbow Connection and all that, wow. Anyway, that's about it for now.

Love,
JMJ



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/27/2010 07:18PM by justin_mj.

Cool man. Glad all is well and that you've found work for yourself.

Cheers.

Surprised there'd even be ONE person who likes those artists on here, but hey, there you go.

In my travels, what I have inevitably found is, regardless of genre, there are multitudes of artists who I have been surprised to find that I admire for one reason or another after meeting them, even if I had no interest in their music. It could be their ambition, their integrity, their long-range vision, the technical aspects of their craft, their sheer brazen audacity, etc. Whatever. And I've met some doozies, trust me.

JMJ

Yesterday I was wondering, what is Justin doing now?
And ta-da! here is the update

...and you are a cool guy, anyway

Thank's for the update Justin. It's always a pleasure to hear from you! A Muppet Movie?SWEET!!!!!!!

JMJ updates are always a treat! Thanks for continuing to share with us.
I saw a car with a number plate that said JMJ yesterday. . . it made me grin.

Good luck with your work with Ke$ha and the like, I hope you find it enjoyable. Everyone should branch out into a new world from time to time - broadening horizons is never a bad thing.

I hope the Christmas season and coming year treat you well, and I look forward to the next update! <3

You're always so nice and polite! I bet you are soft spoken too :-)

i think it's very nice to hang out with you.
beautiful daughter u have!

My first date with my first true love was "The Muppet Movie" back in '79. I have very fond memories of that evening, and i think the muppets are a lot of fun. I have an original 7 inch vinyl single of Rainbow Connection that has managed to remain in my possession all these years later. Good for you JMJ! Remain true to yourself. Fashion always comes and goes, but if you believe in what you are doing, and you do, it will remain timeless. Best wishes to you and your family.

I love the Dixie Chicks *jealous*

I wonder if HTDA need a bassist...

justin_mj posted:

I did buy something today that I saved up for, but not at a terrifying mall or insane sale. : Some Bowers & Wilkins speakers, a Marantz receiver, and a Sony Blu-Ray player. Fun time. Single gentleman buying himself a few accoutrements to the home, that's all.

Dude, this sounds suspiciously like a man cave. do you need an intervention?

as for your other projects, you are the one and only one that has to live with your choices at the end of the day. my profession is similar in that there is money to be had by consulting on outside cases. the *problem* is that the people paying for my opinion generally want said opinion to be favorable to their version of the truth. its a slippery slope, and many in my field end up being seduced by the money and becoming paid whores. while i am thankfully gainfully employed with health insurance i am terminally ill and my out-of-pocket health care costs are still pretty fucking high. so i dance on this slope trying to pay my bills and not land in a pile of shit. i have to choose the projects i will do on a case by case basis, and have to be able to live with my choices just as you must. and i do think you make the right choices for you and yours. i've met you several times last summer, and this i feel i know about you. you were raised right with a good and decent head on your shoulders. so choose your projects and pay your bills and in a few years no one will be teasing you about Ke$ha



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/29/2010 05:40PM by fleighing.

Yo we should start a band! But we are both bass players....

Just do your thing bro, you don't owe anyone an explanation. It is nice though that you come and check in with all us NIN fans, we are big fans.

justin_mj posted:

OMG: I also played on the upcoming Muppet Movie.

This! You'rr welcome. I'm a fan of the Muppets and i really looking forward to watching the Muppets christmas movies soon on the christ's day.

justin_mj posted:

Yeah, I'm sure most people here aren't down with Kesha

Obviously you don't visit the party room enough. We love us some Ke$sh! When I say we I mean me, Suge, and Ruben. lolz

Its good that you take honest work where you can get it. Steve Albini produced Bush's second album, after all.

And I know I petition this every time you leave a message, but: hook up with Beck for a Record Club. I think that project is the coolest thing ever. I know its obviously easier said than done, but man I look forward to those covers like its Christmas.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/03/2010 06:26PM by Kid IRA1.