JuzDan’s latest track, What Got In The Way, blends rock energy with emotional depth, exploring themes of resilience, connection, and self-discovery. In this interview, he shares the inspiration behind the song.
1.
"What Got In The Way" was born out of the challenges of the global
pandemic. Can you share how those experiences shaped the song’s message?
"What Got In The Way" was definitely influenced by the isolation and
the emotional turbulence that came with the pandemic. It was a time of
reflection and, for many of us, feeling disconnected from everything we once
knew. For me, it sparked a need to question what had been holding us back from
real connection, from being our true selves. The song explores that feeling of
being stuck, but it’s also about recognising the importance of overcoming those
barriers and finding a way back to each other. It’s not just about the
struggle; it’s about hope, asking questions on what’s happening around us,
resilience, and the power of community.
2. Your influences range from Bon Jovi to Bruce Springsteen. How do these
artists inspire your songwriting and sound?
Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen have always been huge influences for me, both in
terms of their storytelling and their energy. With Bon Jovi, it's about that
anthemic, larger-than-life sound songs that make you want to sing along and
feel part of something bigger. Springsteen, on the other hand, is all about the
depth of the lyrics and that raw, emotional connection to the human experience.
I try to bring both into my music—uplifting, anthemic moments, but also real,
gritty stories that people can relate to on a personal level.
3. The song explores themes of community and connection. Why was it
important for you to highlight these themes in your music?
Community and finding or keeping a connection with people we love, I think, is
more important than ever. During the pandemic, we were all forced into a sense
of isolation, and I think it made a lot of people realise how crucial human
connections are, whether it’s with family, friends, or even strangers. In my
music, I want to create a space where people feel like they belong, that
they’re not alone in their struggles. That we should question what society
asks, It’s easy to forget that we’re all going through similar things, and if
my music can spark that sense of unity, then I feel like I’ve helped in some
small way.
4. You recorded at Black Dog Studios in Brisbane with Geoff Hooten. How did
this collaboration impact the final sound of the track?
Recording at Black Dog Studios with Geoff Hooten was an incredible experience.
Geoff brought a level of professionalism and expertise that really elevated the
song. He has a great ear for detail and knew exactly how to capture the emotion
of the track while keeping it fresh and original. He also encouraged a lot of
creative freedom during the recording process, which allowed me to experiment
with different elements and sounds. His input not only with the bass guitar and
some of the keys helped shape the final version of the song into something that
felt both personal and powerful.
5. This was your first time recording in a professional studio by yourself. What was the biggest lesson you learned from that experience?
The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of trusting the process and trusting myself. Recording in a professional studio for the first time on my own was a bit daunting, but Geoff was so welcoming and I quickly realised that sometimes the best results come from letting go of perfection and embracing the moment, this helped give the track its live feel and uplifting energy. It taught me to be more confident in my decisions and trust my instincts, both in the studio and as an artist.
6. You mentioned that you recorded the drumbeat on the spot during the session. How did that spontaneous approach influence the overall energy of the song?
The recording of the drumbeat was a pivotal moment. It was one of those ‘in the moment’ decisions that ended up defining the track’s energy. We had a basic idea of what we wanted, but when I started playing around with the beat, it really clicked and gave the song that live feel which I think captured the emotion of the lyrics perfectly. I think that improvisational vibe definitely brought a sense of urgency and excitement, it really brought a high level of energy in the track and helped push the message of the song.
7. "What Got In The Way" has a powerful, uplifting energy. How do you balance emotional depth with a high-energy sound in your music?
I think it comes down to the intention behind the song. I want to create music that moves people, whether it's through a powerful message or an electrifying sound. Emotional depth doesn’t always have to come from a slow, somber ballad, it can come from the intensity and passion behind a high-energy track. In "What Got In The Way," I think the energy matches the sense of urgency in the lyrics, but the depth is still there. It’s a balance of power and vulnerability, and that’s what makes it feel both uplifting and authentic.
8. Your music blends multiple genres. How do you approach genre fusion while keeping your signature sound intact?
Genre is getting harder to define these days with so many different styles coming out, mixing genres is something I’ve always enjoyed because it allows me to push boundaries and experiment with different sounds and keep and sound true to myself. Music can be so exciting if its done right, I try to stay true to the roots of what I love which is anything rock but I enjoy listening to all sorts of music which comes out in my own style of playing. Sometimes i’ll use elements of other genres to make my music exciting to listen to but I always make sure that the rock core of the song remains the focal point. I want to create something fresh but still feel like it’s a true reflection of who I am as a rock artist.
9. How has your journey as a solo artist evolved since this release, and what’s next for JuzDan?
Since the release of 'What Got In The Way,' I’ve definitely grown both musically and personally. I’ve learned to be more confident in my own skin as an artist and trust my vision. The feedback from fans has been incredibly positive, which fuels me to keep pushing for my dreams. Moving forward, I’m getting back into the studio and working on new material that I’ll be releasing later this year. Songs that continue to make you question, promote love, connection, resilience, and personal growth. I’m also really looking forward to playing live shows again and connecting with my audience in person. There’s definitely a lot more to come!
10. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during the recording or writing process of this track?
Honestly, I’m really happy with how the song turned out. Every part of the process felt like a learning experience, and I wouldn’t change much. If I could go back, maybe I’d have taken a little more time with the production to experiment with even more layers, but at the same time, I think the song benefits from its rawness. I think it’s important to let the song evolve naturally, so I’m really happy with it all and I feel vey proud with the journey it took.
11. What do you hope listeners take away from "What Got In The Way"?
I hope listeners take away a sense of empowerment. 'What Got In The Way' is about overcoming obstacles, whether they’re internal or external, and finding a way to move forward. I hope it has the listeners asking more questions of society and what’s going on behind the scenes, the things we are hidden from and the choices and changes that are being made for us. I want people to feel like they’re not alone in their struggles and that there’s always a path to rediscovery and connection. It's a song that celebrates resilience and reminds us all that we can break through the barriers that hold us back.
12. Lastly, if you could describe your music in three words, what would they be?
"Authentic, energetic, and heartfelt."
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