Words by Neil Boland Photography supplied by Justin Humphries Justin Humphries knows a little bit about determination. Like anyone who chooses a life of music, he faces the same challenges that all other musos do — a relatively small Australian music industry, paired with a smaller population than say, the United States. A decline in record sales due to illegal downloading, a nation of folks who’d rather watch sport on the pub’s telly over your head than hear what you’re singing….who’d want to put themselves through that? Yes, it’s tough. But we do it for the love of it. Justin Humphries’ Hurstbridge recording facility, Phoenix Sound Studios, is a result of many years of hard work and an unwavering love for music. And that hard work started way back behind the starting line. Having become well known on the Melbourne scene, as a drummer and knowledgeable producer, Humphries’ studio chops started in a humble manner. The upward trajectory – however – was destined to be tested by the one thing humans have the least control over: natural disaster. “I was running my own studio. It was really more like a bedroom studio, but you know, I was working from it. … Continue reading RISING FROM THE ASHES