Justin - guitar, vocals Nick - drums/percussion, background vocals Hannah - bass
Known collectively as justincase, the Tosco siblings -- brothers Justin and Nick and sister Hannah -- have together fashioned one of the most refreshing and original sounds in recent musical memory. It's a sound front and center on justincase, their debut release on Maverick Records, featuring eleven originals tracks written by the band's frontman - and eldest brother - Justin Tosco.
As original and unexpected as their music might be, justincase is hardly an overnight sensation. The trio has been actively performing for five years in and around the Charlotte area, and currently 19, 17 and 16 respectively, Justin, Nick and Hannah could well be said to have cut their milk teeth on music, thanks largely to their highly musical and motivating parents, including a dad who played guitar in various bands and a piano-teaching mom.
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, the siblings were exposed early on to a diverse array of influences, from their father's vinyl collection of 60's icons to such contemporary radio staples as Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls and Foo Fighters. "We were all big fans of grunge," explains Justin. "That was the music that first inspired me to start writing. We used to play at parties and school talent shows, because those were the only places you could get in with an eleven year-old bass player. But we kept at it and, by 1998, the three of us decided to make a real commitment."
While it may be hard to imagine a trio as young as the Tosco's charting a course for their lives, it was obvious to anyone who heard them that music was a key element in the family's extraordinary unity. "We're brothers and sisters," explains Justin. "Of course we fight. But never about the music. That's too important of a connection for all of us."
Working on weekends and around their school schedules, justincase built a growing following throughout the Southeast, performing at many large festivals, including Center CityFest, Carolina Musicfest, WEND's End of Summer Weenie Roast, Matthews Alive Festival, Springfest, and Festival in the Park. Other performances included ones at Tremont Music Hall and the Great Aunt Stella Center.
justincase took the Grand Prize in a national contest sponsored by Beyond Words Publishing, Inc. As a result, they are featured in the book So, You Wanna Be a Rock Star, published in April, 1999. As the Grand Prize winner, their schedule included bookstore signings, TV appearances, radio interviews, and an inclusion on a compilation CD.
They recorded a three-song demo with gold album producer, Steven Haigler (Fuel, Oleander, The Nixons). As word of mouth spread, the trio's three-song demo was a calling card for major labels. Meanwhile they were making their presence felt on the internet on a variety of alternative music sites and playing showcases as far away as New York City, at the legendary Brownies, and Las Vegas, for the famed EAT'M Music Conference.
It was at EAT'M, in fact, that the trio met the then-unsigned Michelle Branch, who was also performing at the conference, and soon became an ardent friend and supporter of the group. Subsequently signed to Maverick Records, the singer/songwriter was quick to introduce justincase to label executives who wasted no time in signing the threesome to an exclusive contract. It was in early 2002 that justincase found themselves in Los Angeles, recording their debut album.
"It was an incredible experience," enthuses Justin. "We ended up working with five different producers in four separate studios and each one brought out a different facet of our sound." Among the notable talent behind the boards: John Shanks, known for his work with Michelle Branch, Sheryl Crow and Unwritten Law, as well as such respected names as Greg Wells and Dave Bassett. "I also did a lot of co-writing for the first time ever," continues Justin. "We worked hard to get to the point where we could prove ourselves in the studio and then we had the opportunity to kick it up to a whole new level."
It's an opportunity that paid off in spectacular fashion. From the opening notes of "What I Wouldn't Do For You," through such standout tracks as "Don't Cry For Us" (co-written by Michelle Branch), "I'm There," and "The Letter," justincase is a beguiling blend of memorable melodies, instantly appealing hooks and honest, upfront lyrics from a group that was, literally, born to be together.
