Justin Townes Earle is a 27-year-old singer/songwriter who grew up in Nashville, and the son of Americana legend Steve Earle. Justin records for Bloodshot Records. His most recent album, his third, is the critically praised Midnight at the Movies.

After developing some bad habits when he was playing in bands (including his father’s) as a younger man, Justin cleaned up his act and began to focus on his career. “You don’t have to be fucked up or torture yourself to write songs,” explains Justin, “I used to write a lot, a whole lot, and half those songs I don’t even remember. Now, I sit there and I write it and I finish it and I keep it.”

I’ve had the opportunity to see Justin perform live twice. Once on a cold, rainy autumn day in Brooklyn, and more recently at SXSW. He is one of the most charismatic performers that I’ve seen in recent years. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this guy is going to be a very big star. He is also one of the smartest, most interesting, and outspoken people that I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing. Read on, you’ll see what I mean. (more…)