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In this episode of Finding Our Way, Damian Goggans speaks with composer and guitarist Justice Phillips, an Austin-based musician whose relationship with the guitar began through Austin Classical Guitar's school programs.

Justice reflects on his early musical development, his experiences at McCallum Fine Arts Academy and the University of Texas at Austin, and the transition from classical guitar performance to composition. He discusses improvisation as a foundation for his creative process, his work with poets and vocalists, and the development of his compositional voice.

The conversation also explores Justice's wide-ranging musical influences—from Shostakovich, Bartók, and classical guitar repertoire to flamenco, jazz, rock, metal, pop, and hip-hop—and how these traditions inform the music he creates.

Later, Justice discusses his experiences as a Black guitarist and composer, the question of representation within classical guitar, and the challenges of creating spaces for musicians and audiences who have historically had less access to the field. Damian and Justice also consider the usefulness—and potential limitations—of terms such as AfroDiasporic guitar traditions, asking how musicians can be recognized without being placed into restrictive categories.

The episode concludes with Justice reflecting on his desired legacy, his advice to his younger self, and his current work as a composer.