Justin Pearson's first band, Struggle, was formed after a Suicidal Tendencies show on JP's 15th birthday. Within that year he already had his first experience of being on a label and touring.
Since then, JP has not only been part of a host of punk and outsider bands, (from The Locust and Dead Cross, to currently, Planet B, Deaf Club and Satanic Planet), but also an author, podcast host, publicist and record label owner.
In this conversation, we go all the way back to JP's early years in Phoenix, Arizona. We discuss his difficult (but ultimately rewarding) move to San Diego, his early debt to the local chollos, starting out with Struggle, the importance of dialers and "Book Your Own Fuckin' Life" for DIY bands in the 90s, how technology has changed the musical landscape, the practicalities of running his label Three One G, the inspiration of Dischord's Ian MacKaye, and more.
Photo credit: Becky DiGiglio
Closing track: "Biblical Loophole" DEAF CLUB feat. HIRS COLLECTIVE (Three One G, 2024)
Don't Fall In Love With Yourself, a documentary about Justin Pearson on TurnStyle Films, is available to buy from the links below. You can also watch the official trailer on YouTube:
Don't Fall In Love With Yourself links: Itunes , Blu-ray , VHS , Vinyl soundtrack
Episode 31: Justin Pearson (Three One G)