Passion Series: Justin Garza, Talent Manager and Co-Founder of TRANSCEND.ENT
"As my mother used to say, “your five closest friends are a mirror of what you truly think of yourself. Make sure that they embody attributes and values you cherish”."
Hardworking, genuine, talented, and supportive are just some words that describe Justin J. Garza; and those words fall short to how incredible he actually is. I met Justin one night out in Hollywood, and I honestly can not remember why I went out that night, or if there was even a reason for going out. One thing I do remember was meeting Justin and having a passionate conversation about music, and how we just clicked on so many different topics. That night lead to him and I now working on various projects, and enabling me to call him my brother.
At young age, Justin has traveled, experienced, and accomplished so much, and he is no where near from slowing down. In this interview you will get a small peak into who Justin is, but if you get anything at all; I hope you get inspired.
To follow this mans journey make sure to follow him:
Instagram: @Justinjohngarza
Twitter: @JustinJohnGarza
ImagesByMarkMendoza - Would you mind introducing yourself, and telling us who Justin is?
Justin - My name is Justin J. Garza, I am a son, brother and friend to many...As well as a Talent Manager and founding partner of the talent management company and record label, TRANSCEND.ENT
IbMM - How did you get started in music?
Justin - I was a singer and drummer from a young age and started playing shows at the age of 10. By the age of 12, I took my first trip down to L.A to record an EP with my band. I toured as a recording artist until the age of 21 and then decided to hang up my passion of being an artist to pursue a career in the music management business. I was fortunate enough to find an amazing mentor who is the Manager of The Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.Am, Afrojack and many others. Having the privilege of being able to learn under an established executive was basically like a Music Management 101 crash course.
IbMM - What do you think music does for people?
Justin - I could probably write many paragraphs for what I think music does for our humanity and well being. However, I'll keep it brief and say that music seems to be the least cerebral of all the art-forms and possibly the most social of all forms of expression. It gets inside of us. It gets inside our bodies. It's sensuous. Music is an intimate and personal experience, but also lends itself naturally as being, a transforming socializing vehicle. Our shared experiences of music are one of the most primal of all activities. People can be brought together in a powerful collective experience through music. Music is something we can all share - It's the great unifier.
"My proudest moment was calling my mother to advise her of our team's first Grammy win."
IbMM - How did you transition into your current role in music?
Justin - Roughly a year and a half ago, I decided to take an enormous leap of faith, leave a steady paycheck, step out of my comfort zone, and start a business with my great friend, Bigram J. Zayas (AKA - DVLP). It was the best decision I have ever made.
IbMM - What was the hardest lesson learned in your journey so far?
Justin - Firstly, there have been a countless number of hard lessons learned in my professional journey thus far, haha. However, the number-one lesson I’ve learned is that nothing beats hard work. Hard work outweighs talent and intelligence, and is necessary if you want to succeed. This not only means working hard when things are going well, but working harder when things are not. It means taking calculated risks and sticking to them, no matter how challenging they are.
IbMM - If you could tell 18 year old Justin anything, what would it be?
Justin - The people around you should be those who love you and support your growth, and dreams. We all have friends or family members who are negative, judgmental, or energy sucking vampires. Stop making excuses for the toxic people in your life. Anyone who is consistently negative needs to be kept at a distance, or all together removed.
As my mother used to say, “your five closest friends are a mirror of what you truly think of yourself. Make sure that they embody attributes and values you cherish”.
IbMM - What is one piece of advice you could give for anyone wanting to do what you do?
Justin - To those interested in doing what I do, I'd say to never let the perception of who you think you are limit who you can become. The biggest challenges we have as human beings aren’t those within any specific industry, they’re the walls you build in front of yourself with limiting beliefs, lack of confidence, and fear of the unknown. Get used to failure. Embrace it! You will fail far more times than you will ever succeed. Understand that your failures are the precursors to your success stories. Fill your days with an endless pursuit of chasing your passion, taking tiny steps each day to push your progress further, and your persistence will not only pay dividends, but it will keep your heart and soul full.
IbMM - Who are your inspirations?
Justin - I pull inspiration from all the wonderful people in my life that I am fortunate enough to call family, friends, mentors, clients and colleagues. I am not just inspired by them as individuals, but am constantly inspired by their acts of kindness, love, and support as I continue my career in the entertainment business. I’m forever grateful and I only hope to reciprocate all the joy, and happiness they have all brought to my life. You all know who you are.
IbMM - Do you have any favorite quotes?
Justin - “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. - Winston Churchill
IbMM - What has been your proudest moment thus far?
Justin - My proudest moment was calling my mother to advise her of our team's first Grammy win. Everything I had worked for and all the support, love and sacrifice that she gave me throughout the years, while in pursuit of my dreams, came full circle at that very moment. All in all, the proudest moments I have as a manager are being able to celebrate the milestones and benchmarks that my clients achieve. I have the most fulfilling job in the world and I couldn't be more grateful.
Thank you for your time Sir. I look forward to your success.
