An Interview with Just In Stereo
Long Island pop-punk band Just In Stereo is bringing a fresh voice to a sound rooted in the energy, emotion, and immediacy of the genre’s biggest influences. Led by singer, guitarist, and songwriter Justin Karp, the project draws inspiration from bands like blink-182, Green Day, Good Charlotte, Cartel, and All Time Low while channeling Karp’s own experiences with relationships, resilience, and personal growth. Outside of music, Karp also maintains a demanding career as a foot and ankle surgeon in New York, making his commitment to songwriting and performing an especially unique balancing act. We caught up with Karp to discuss his musical beginnings, the process behind Just In Stereo’s songs, his influences, and what the band has planned for 2026.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Justin, the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for Just In Stereo. We’re a pop-punk band from Long Island, New York. I’ve been writing and playing music for years, and I’m really excited about what we’re creating with this band. A fun fact about me is that when I’m not writing songs or playing music, I’m actually a foot and ankle surgeon in New York.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
For me, my inspiration was my grandmother and my mom who were both piano teachers. I was born into music. I was gifted a little kid guitar with a built-in amp (I called it the banjo). Then I got my first real electric guitar when I was 13 years old, and that is still my favorite guitar today. I heard blink 182, and figured out how to play All The Small Things by ear. Then I started taking lessons and joined a band with my best friends at the time. Since then, I continued to be inspired by bands like Blink 182, Green Day, Good Charlotte, Midtown, Diffuser, and Cartel.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
My biggest challenge is balancing my career as a doctor with making music. I always put 100% into both of those separate, but important aspects of my life.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
So far, the only song we’ve released is called “Justin Karp – Last Chance”. It’s a song about being with your significant other, but recognizing that the relationship isn’t going to last. However, you are so happy when you’re together, so you are just enjoying those moments right now.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
Some of our inspirations include Blink 182, Green Day, Simple Plan, Story of the Year, Cartel, All Time Low, Good Charlotte, Midtown, Diffuser, Mayday Parade. In addition to the bands mentioned, I also love Hoobastank and listen to some harder rock music like Papa Roach, From Ashes to New, Avenged Sevenfold and Motionless In White.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
For me, it changes up sometimes. The way I write the most is that I come up with a catchy chorus. Then I try to write verses that match the vibe of the chorus. Sometimes, songs come to me in random places. I wrote a chorus for a song on the treadmill in my apartment gym. Then sometimes, I will sit down with my acoustic guitar and just start writing lyrics. The key is that when I get an idea, I need to get a sloppy recording of that on my phone or computer or it’s gone forever.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
I’m so excited about our upcoming music. I just recorded a whole bunch of songs. The songs are about the pain in previous relationships, how resilience has helped to overcome that feeling of pain, and also about how love can make you better.
What are your plans for 2026?
We’re excited to release our new songs, continue writing more and to play shows!
Have any shoutouts?
Yeah, I’d like to shout out my friends and family who have supported me to this point. I want to also shout out my friend’s bands RoseColoredWorld and Signal For Pilot. I also want to should out the new and up and coming bands like The Paradox, and all the new bands just trying to make it.
With new music on the way and plans to bring Just In Stereo to the stage, Justin Karp is looking toward an exciting next chapter for the band. His upcoming songs explore heartbreak, resilience, love, and the ways difficult experiences can shape us for the better, all through the energetic pop-punk sound that first inspired him to pick up a guitar. As Just In Stereo continues releasing music, writing new material, and preparing for live shows, fans of melodic, emotionally driven rock will have plenty to watch for from the Long Island band in 2026 and beyond.