Justin Lanning's debut hitting the charts

Talented and tuneful singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Justin Lanning has been perfecting his unique songs for most of his 21 years, and the young troubadour with heart-throb looks and ear-catching melodies is finally breaking out on July 10 with his polished debut album Behind These Eyes. The collection of energetic power-pop and lush ballads on Lanning’s own King George Records has produced a first single, “Take My Breath Away,” that has reached the Top 10 in the Adult Contemporary charts, rising above tunes from such notable contemporaries as John Mayer, Nickelback, Snow Patrol, Bon Jovi and Daughtry. “Take My Breath Away” is currently receiving airplay on more than 60 stations across the country, which translates into more than 7,000 total spins in the AC format monitored by industry trades FMQB and Radio & Records. Lanning has also been featured prominently on AOL's KOL internet radio as well as AOL's RED website.

Lanning will celebrate all of these accomplishments, and preview the triumphs to come, with a record release party for Behind These Eyes on Wednesday, July 11 at Hollywood hotspot and legendary rock venue the Roxy Theater on the Sunset Strip. Starting at 9pm, Lanning and his crack band of expert players will take the stage for live renditions of the album’s remarkable tunes, sure to please the legions of rabid female fans that are already fixated on Lanning through his heavy MySpace buzz and recent live appearances in Los Angeles.

But hit singles aren’t the only thing on the gifted musician’s mind. Lanning also recently lent his artistic skills to a variety of life-affirming charity projects, including performances at high schools to raise awareness of drug abuse. Similarly, Justin contributes his time to The Art of Elysium, a non-profit organization that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to volunteer with entertaining and comforting children who are battling serious medical conditions at hospitals in the Los Angeles area. Additionally, Lanning is an avid supporter of PETA and gives out educational materials at his performances.

Behind These Eyes references many of the twenty-one year-old Lanning’s idols: the glossy, power-pop sheen of Bryan Adams; the storytelling prowess of Billy Joel; the classic harmonic sophistication of the Beatles and the Beach Boys; and the youthful exuberance of James Blunt. But like those musical heroes, Justin is his own man, and his personal songs come from a deep emotional well that is unique to him.

Self-taught from a young age on a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, bass and drums, Lanning not only writes and performs his songs but also owns the publishing rights and masters and acted as his own A&R rep. Lanning even co-produced two tracks along with seasoned veteran Jeff Bova (Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Joe Cocker) and acted as financial backer for his upcoming album, which features additional songs produced by Chris Johnson (Evanescence) and Steven Miller (Dave Matthews Band, Mandy Moore) and mixed by Rob Chiarelli (Christina Aguilera, Pink). The album will be released on Lanning’s own King George Records with promotion and distribution through Mesa Bluemoon Recordings.

Lanning sees himself as a multi-media artist as well. A visit to his MySpace highlights the various episodes of Justin’s World, webisodes that feature the life and times of the enthusiastic sprit of Lanning as he heads through a variety of Left Coast adventures. Justin’s World has already gathered a cult following, with tens of thousands of viewers watching each and every episode. His electrifying presence, both onstage and on camera, is bolstered by his experience as an actor with over 20 commercials and TV shows to his credit, including winning MTV’s Score with Ryan Cabrera and a recent role as a murderer on CSI: Las Vegas.

Interview requests, review tickets, photos, bios and advance music available upon request. For further information, including streaming music tracks, check out: www.myspace.com/justinlanning.