Interview: Grammy-nominated & AMA-shortlisted Percussionist, Justin DeHart

Justin’s musical practice is steeped in his interest in percussion from across the globe and in all its musical incarnations. To illustrate the point, when he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, he went to India to study that country’s percussion legacy, heritage, and current culture.

Justin DeHart originally hails from Sacramento and moved to Christchurch in 2017 as a Senior Lecturer in Music to teach at the University of Canterbury, in this country’s first ever percussion program. He is a performer of a wide range of contemporary musical styles from classical to pop, and from world to electronic. As an artist his musical resume is every bit as extensive, including performances with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, LA Phil New Music Group, I.C.E., pipa master Wu Man, and various pop legends, including Stewart Copeland and Cheap Trick, having appeared on over 100 solo, chamber and contemporary releases on many of the world’s most recognised labels.

Since his arrival in Aotearoa he has been inspired by the musical culture he has encountered. These musical discoveries have subsequently led to the creation of Justin’s debut New Zealand release on Rattle Records.

We are thrilled that Justin has taken time out from his very busy schedule to talk to us about his new release, his career, and all things musical, and extend our heartfelt thanks.