Spotlight ON! Justin Firmeza

This month we shine the Spotlight ON! Justin Firmeza.

Justin Firmeza is a relative newcomer to the Hawaiian steel guitar fraternity, but don't let this fool you. Justin is a very skilled steel guitarist and plays with special technique and feeling that is only his. Some may have seen his prerecorded videos as a performing NextGen steel guitarist on Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase broadcasts.

Born, raised, and currently residing in Fremont, California, 19-year old Justin is currently a college student at San Jose State University, in his third year and majoring in Jazz Studies. He is also a professional entertainer.

Justin developed an interest in music at an early age.

"When I think about it now, it feels like I've always loved playing and being a part of the sound—like music is a big part of me, and I'm blessed to be a part of it in return," says Justin.

He continues, "When I was 3, my grandpa came home from one of the garage sales he loved going to and he brought me an old, small digital piano keyboard. He popped some batteries in and laid the keyboard at my feet. I knelt down to the floor and touched the keys out of curiosity. And when I pressed down on the keys, they made a bright sound; That changed my life forever. From then, I learned piano by listening and watching."

Growing up in the Church, Justin would watch Paul, the music director, play the piano and hear the subtleties in how the shape of the hand (and which notes were played) affected the sound, Justin would copy and practice at home.

As Justin got better, Paul would let him play during church services. Paul would start the song and then would scooch over and let Justin's hands replace his to continue the song.

"It's a blessing that my musical journey has continued this far, and that's all thanks to the motivation of my community, my parents, and my teachers: Uncle Patrick Landeza and Kumu Alan Akaka," says Justin.

Justin met Patrick Landeza when he entered high school. At that time Landeza was a teacher but is now the school's Coordinator of Auxiliary Programs and Community Outreach.

As a freshman, Justin would hang out in his teacher's office and Landeza would play all different kinds of music on his computer for Justin to listen to, including jazz, R&B, gospel, bluegrass, and Hawaiian music, especially the songs of Uncle Dennis Kamakahi. Landeza always encouraged Justin to listen and be open to all kinds of music.

Justin recalls, "When I graduated from high school in 2020, he gave me a lap steel guitar as a present and introduced me to Kumu Alan Akaka. I learned steel guitar with Kumu over Zoom and I fell more in love with Hawaiian music and the sound of the steel guitar."

David "Feet" Rogers is an important influence for Justin. "I'm a big Feet Rogers fan, thanks to Uncle Pat who got me into the music of the Sons of Hawai‘i. Of all the different ways to play steel, Feet's unique sound (the chimes, his rhythm, etc.) is something I try to emulate," says Justin.

Justin currently owns two steel guitars—an 8-string Signature Herb Remington steel, and an 8-string SX sunburst steel with a humbucker pickup installed. Says Justin, "My favorite is the Remington; It has a nice sustain with a full-sounding tone. The SX definitely gets plenty of use though, particularly when I play at my university."

"I think I'd consider myself to be a 'piano and steel guitar player'," remarks Justin. "I do have a little bit of experience on some other instruments like ‘ukulele, electric bass, and different types of percussion."

Professionally, Justin has performed with Landeza across the Bay Area and also got to perform with him at the Hawai‘i Theatre for the release of Landeaz's Hoku-winning album, "Far Away." Says Justin, "That was definitely a very humbling experience for me, and also the first time I had ever been to Hawai‘i."

Justin says proudly, "We also just released our latest CD entitled Patrick Landeza & Sons, featuring Patrick Landeza on slack-key guitar, his son Patrick Landeza, Jr. (PJ) on bass, and myself on steel guitar. So much fun playing with those guys, and it's an honor to be sharing this music."

Justin Firmeza at CD Release Party. pc-Jeannie Celestial via Facebook

"I'm always performing Hawaiian music with Uncle Pat wherever he takes me. We have some shows lined up following our recent CD release. Other than that, I usually have a regular solo piano gig at a wine lounge. Those are super fun too," remarks Justin.

Justin is pretty active on Instagram (and sometimes Facebook). During the pandemic, he really got into recording, mixing and creating little music videos. Although he's still a beginner at all those things, He nevertheless enjoys creating and posting every now and then when he feels inspired.

When not musically engaged, Justin likes drinking and making coffee. He also enjoys being out with friends or family when he can.

"I like listening to and being inspired by different types of music. But in addition to that, I like to give my ears a rest (from music, at least) and walk the dogs or something to clear my head. When I take a break from playing or listening to music, it takes a little while before the music in my head quiets down a little bit, which is a good thing. I really like walking outside and just taking in the fresh air."

This video is of Justin playing "Hula Breeze," a presentation in one of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase livestream broadcasts.

The video can also be seen on YouTube.