Justin Stein Interview

Oct 06, 2008

By: Sindy

Justin Stein might just be the next Justin Timberlake, if you let him! Right now, he’s on tour with HSM’s Corbin Bleu. Kidzworld catches up with this new pop sensation.

Sindy: Where are you right now, Justin?

Justin: I don’t even know! Hmm…oh! I’m in Spokane, Washington, getting ready to do a performance with Raven.

Sindy: Cool! How did you start out as a performer? What are your first memories of singing or dancing?

Justin: The first time I ever stepped out onto a stage, I was five. I knew right then and there that I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was at a local talent show that my grandmother got me into. I sang Al Jolson’s Swanee. I just remember having so much fun. I got a standing ovation in the middle of the song. I was like, “Oh, I like this!”

Sindy: Who are some entertainers you’ve looked up to when getting into the business?

Justin: I’ve always liked Stevie Wonder. I think he’s one of the great entertainers of our time. I also like Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Rascall Flats, which is a country group, Usher, [KWLINK Ne-Yo…I’m kind of all over the board.

Sindy: What do you think is your biggest strength as a performer?

Justin: Probably being able to feed off the crow. That’s something I’ve had to learn on this tour, which is my first tour with Corbin Bleu, from High School Musical. I think that’s one of the most important things that you have to do out there. I’ve learned how to do that very well. It’s been great training watching Corbin.

Sindy: What do you think you need to work on as a performer?

Justin: Probably my weakness is working through technical difficulties. We’ve had a couple along the way. I’ve worked through them pretty well, but sometimes the audience can tell and I have to make sure that doesn’t happen!

Sindy: Tell me about the tour with Corbin Bleu.

Justin: Touring with Corbin has been fantastic! I met him through my producer. He set up a meeting, because Corbin and I have similar interests. We got to talking and we connected, and by the end of the meal he said, “Hey, do you wanna go on tour with me this summer?”

Sindy: What have you learned from the beginning of this tour to now?

Justin: I’ve been learning a lot from Corbin because he’s such a great performer and awesome dancer. He knows how to work the crowd. And as a person, I’ve learned a lot from Corbin. He’s one of the most sincere people I’ve ever met. He’s great when talking to the people who’ve watched the show. He makes sure to give everyone the time of day, and treats everyone like they’re special. That’s something I want to emulate.

Sindy: What’s your favorite song to perform live?

Justin: I used to say I’ll Never Look Away, which is one of my ballads, but recently, I’ve enjoyed Sweetest Girl, because a lot of times I get to go out into the audience and talk to people. There’s this break in the song where I get to be like, “Hey, what’s your name? I’m Justin. Nice to meet you!”

Sindy: Who is someone you’d like to work with in the future?

Justin: Stevie Wonder, who’s incredible. Anyone I mentioned who’s influenced me. I’d like to work with Corbin again. I’ve had a great time working with Jesse McCartney, Jordin Sparks and Raven. They’ve been fantastic, so I’d love to work with them again.

Sindy: What’s are you up to other than the tour?

Justin: I just made a music video for Lose Control, which we shot at a mall in Ventura, California. When I was a kid, I always wanted to start a big party in the mall, so that’s what we did. Shane Sparks from America’s Best Dance Crew and So You Think You Can Dance choreographed it. It was pretty fun fulfilling that! Check it out on YouTube!