Justin Karp is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose musical style draws from pop punk, pop rock, and alternative rock. His sound reflects influences from bands such as Simple Plan, Story of the Year, Midtown, Nine Days, the Goo Goo Dolls, Hoobastank, and Blink 182. While also working in the medical field, he continues to develop his music, writing and recording new material as he refines his creative approach.

A Musical Upbringing

Growing up in Plainview, New York, Karp was exposed to music at an early age. His mother and grandmother, both piano teachers, nurtured his interest in music, while his stepfather, a lawyer with a passion for blues guitar, introduced him to the expressive possibilities of the instrument. He recalls being drawn to the sound of guitar from a young age, especially after hearing Green Day’s distinct rock style.

At thirteen, he received his first guitar, an experience that deepened his appreciation for music. From there, he began practicing regularly and experimenting with different techniques, laying the groundwork for his own songwriting. As a teenager, he played in a band called 1st Runner Up, performing at local venues with the support of his family. One memorable experience from this period was attending a Midtown concert and briefly meeting the band, an inspiring moment for him.

Years later, he recorded a cover of Midtown’s song “Perfect” and shared it online. He later discovered that the band had seen and shared his version, an encouraging moment in his creative journey.

A Path Through Medicine and Music

Despite his musical passion, Karp’s professional path took a different turn when he initially pursued a career in accounting. Over time, he shifted focus to the medical field and became a podiatric surgeon. Even while dedicating himself to medicine, music remained an essential part of his life.

While studying for his medical board exams, he continued writing and recording music, ultimately releasing his first song, “Last Chance.” The song reflects personal experiences, exploring themes of struggle and emotional resilience. Songwriting has remained an outlet for him, allowing him to process emotions and craft lyrics that resonate with listeners.

Balancing Creativity, Fitness, and Future Projects

Beyond his involvement in music and medicine, Karp takes part in various physically demanding activities, including obstacle course races such as Spartan events. He has experienced the challenges of these endurance competitions, which test strength, agility, and perseverance. In addition to his athletic pursuits, he has a passion for travel, exploring new places and cultures whenever the opportunity arises. He also follows sports, keeping up with teams and events that interest him. Despite his professional and creative commitments, he continues to make time for these diverse interests, incorporating them into his lifestyle.

Karp remains deeply engaged in his musical endeavors, consistently dedicating time to writing and recording new material. Among his current projects is his single, Living Out of Spite, which he anticipates releasing in 2025. He frequently shares glimpses of his creative process, offering updates on his progress through social media and his official website. Whether refining lyrics, experimenting with new sounds, or collaborating with other musicians, he continues to explore his artistic vision while balancing his other professional and personal commitments.

For more information and updates, Karp’s latest work can be followed at Instagram, his website, and on Spotify.

Published by Drake M.