Behind the shimmering guitar riffs that punctuate modern pop and rock, lies a tale of unsung heroes – the session musicians who bring magic to the tracks that dominate our playlists. Amidst this behind-the-scenes orchestra, one name stands out: Justus West. With three Grammy wins and the seal of approval from none other than John Mayer, West’s contributions to the soundtrack of our lives are undeniable. Yet, the path to this pinnacle of success hasn’t been smooth sailing. In a candid conversation, West reveals how a single collaboration with the inimitable Beyoncé sparked a whirlwind of attention, catapulting him into the limelight. As we explore the remarkable story of this behind-the-scenes virtuoso, we’ll discover the unglamourized realities of making it big in the music industry.
The Rise of a Session Guitar Pro
From Humble Beginnings to Grammy Wins
Justus West, a name synonymous with exceptional guitar work, has taken the music industry by storm. With three Grammy wins under his belt, West has solidified his position as one of modern session guitar’s MVPs. But his rise to fame wasn’t easy; it was marked by hard work, perseverance, and a passion for music.
West’s early life and career were humble, to say the least. He began playing the guitar at a young age and worked his way up, eventually breaking down barriers in the music industry. His big break came when he worked on Beyoncé’s 16 Carriages, a collaboration that earned him his second and third Grammy wins.
West’s triumphs didn’t stop there. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including John Legend, Thundercat, Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys, and Snoop Dogg. His work has been praised by none other than John Mayer, who called West one of his favorite guitarists.
The Business Side of Music: Setting Rates and Boundaries
As a session guitarist, West is acutely aware of the importance of fair compensation. He believes that musicians should stand up for their rights and set boundaries when it comes to payment. “I make music for free, but when a person wants to monetize it, then we have to have a business conversation,” he says.
West’s approach to setting rates is simple yet effective. He uses a mixture of asking around, looking at his own skills, and seeking input from others to create a fair rate. He emphasizes the importance of being realistic and standing up for what you’re worth. “You let people steal from you once, twice, three times, they’ll always do it,” he warns.
Negotiating payment terms and managing expectations are also crucial for session guitarists. West advises musicians to be prepared for months of negotiation and to be firm in their demands. “It’s a pretty easily mendable problem,” he says.
The Challenges and Opportunities of Session Work
The Changing Landscape of Session Recording
The music industry is constantly evolving, and session recording is no exception. With the rise of remote sessions and in-person recording, session guitarists must adapt to new technology and recording techniques. West believes that this shift has created both opportunities and challenges for session guitarists.
While remote sessions are becoming more common, West notes that in-person recording is still the norm for high-end clients. “The upper echelon of the industry, most times, they’re not going to be comfortable with sending files out,” he says. However, he acknowledges that remote sessions are ideal for independent artists and mid-level artists who want to work with session guitarists.
Making a Living as a Session Guitarist
West’s advice to aspiring session guitarists is to focus on building a strong skillset and being prepared for opportunities. “Have a nice plugin library, have a few amps, good mics and preamps, and practice so that you’re perfectly prepared when somebody needs to email you something,” he says.
He also emphasizes the importance of being realistic about making a living as a session guitarist. “A post shared by Guitar World (@guitarworldmagazine) A photo posted by on” Making a living is not just the big deals and the hit songs. Even a lot of big names do intermittent work, whether it’s producing for artists you never heard of, or background vocals.”
West’s insights offer a glimpse into the world of session guitar, where talent, hard work, and business acumen are essential for success. As Geeksultd, we celebrate West’s achievements and look forward to seeing what the future holds for this talented musician.
The Reality of Session Work: Income and Expenses
When Beyoncé collected the Album of the Year and Best Country Album statues for Cowboy Carter, they were actually Justus West’s second and third Grammy wins. John Legend’s Bigger Love, on which West co-produced the song Always, took the Best R&B Album gong in 2021. Still, the guitarist remains humble. “I don’t feel any different, to be honest,” he says. “I was even telling my managers, ‘Look, until I walk that stage and I give the speech, I’m so grateful to be a part of it – but it’s not mine.'”
Playing on Beyoncé’s 16 Carriages is just one sign that West’s star is rising; another highlight on a resumé that also includes Thundercat, Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys and Snoop Dogg. He was recently praised by John Mayer, who called West one of his favorite guitarists.
“I’ve never really been much of an accolade person. I don’t even watch the award shows. I create because I feel like that’s my purpose on Earth. If I had to get a nine-to-five so that I could create, I would do that. I’ve never been addicted to the success of the music industry, but I’m very grateful that I can do music for a living.”
“I can’t say whether any Grammys I’ve been nominated for has to do with payment. I will say it is common in the music industry to receive an accolade for work that you haven’t been compensated for. Many creatives – especially who are younger and newer to the industry – don’t know how to deal with that.”
Practical Advice for Aspiring Session Guitarists
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Developing the Skills and Gear Needed for Session Work
Building a Home Studio and Investing in Quality Gear
Developing a Personal Sound and Style
Networking and Building Relationships in the Music Industry
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Setting Realistic Expectations and Managing Finances
Understanding Industry Standards and Rates
Budgeting and Managing Expenses as a Freelance Musician
Strategies for Staying Organized and Focused in a Busy Industry
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Building a Career and Finding Success as a Session Guitarist
Creating a Personal Brand and Online Presence
Marketing and Promoting Your Services as a Session Guitarist
Building a Community and Network of Fellow Musicians
“My mindset is always: I make music for free, but when a person wants to monetize it, then we have to have a business conversation. You will always find your tribe quicker if you stand on your boundaries. Be realistic setting rates.”
“I used a mixture of asking around, looking at what my own skills are, asking people what they feel rates for me would be. I used all that information to create a fair rate. But definitely stand up for what you’re worth. You let people steal from you once, twice, three times, they’ll always do it.”
“A lot of sessions are done remotely now, but you recorded 16 Carriages in a studio. Is that still common?
“It is still very common. The upper echelon of the industry, most times, they’re not going to be comfortable with sending files out. So that’ll always be an in-person thing. Most artists don’t even let their hard drives leave the studio.”
“What is changing, though, are the types of setups, the rigs, how you’re recording. I do wonder if it’s possible to become wealthy off session work today, like Marcus Miller, Nathan East or Steve Lukather.”
“For independent artists and mid-level artists, there’s still a lot of desire for at-home session work. Making a living is not just the big deals and the hit songs. Even a lot of big names do intermittent work, whether it’s producing for artists you never heard of, or background vocals.”
“People do a lot of other stuff to make a living. So I always encourage people to get good gear at home. Have a nice plugin library, have a few amps, good mics and preamps, and practice so that you’re perfectly prepared when somebody needs to email you something.”
Conclusion
As we reflect on the story of Justus West, one of modern session guitar’s most sought-after players, it’s clear that the article has shed light on the often-overlooked world of session musicians. The article highlights the “Beyoncé effect,” where West’s work on the singer’s projects has generated significant attention and traffic, as well as his impressive portfolio of collaborations with artists like John Mayer and just as many Grammy wins. West’s path to success has not been easy, with years of dedication and perseverance required to establish himself as a leading session player.
The significance of West’s story lies in its implications for the music industry and the value placed on session musicians. His experiences serve as a reminder that the work of these behind-the-scenes artists is often the foundation upon which hits are built. The article’s exploration of West’s career also underscores the importance of recognizing and rewarding the talent and hard work of session musicians, who often toil in relative obscurity despite their significant contributions to the music we love. As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that the role of session musicians will only become more crucial, and West’s story serves as a testament to the enduring power of passion, dedication, and skill.
