Music Career
Growing up too, Furstenfeld listening to hip-hop, rock, country, dance; his favorite artists included Marvin Gaye, The Smiths, Red House Painters and Pink Floyd. His first musical memory was Roy Orbison's ballad, "Crying".
During his high school years at Houston's prestigious High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), he formed a band The Last Wish, which he played in from the age of 13 until 1995. When performing solo, Furstenfeld uses the moniker 5591;, the number 5591 being his patient number when he was admitted to a mental institution following a breakup with his then-girlfriend Amanda. He tells this story in the confessionals on the Argue With a Tree DVD (found in the Special Features).
His vocal and performance style has been likened to Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Dave Matthews Band and "Fish" of Marillion.
He has written over 500 songs and counts among his influences: Michael Stipe, The Cure, The Smiths, The Pixies, Peter Gabriel, Idaho, Elliott Smith, Blue Miller, George Winston, Jean Michel Basquiat and U2.
Furstenfeld also co-wrote and performed guest vocals on the Canvas song "All About You" from their album Four Days Awake.
In August 2008, Furstenfeld toured with Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, in a sold out 4-city book/concert tour.
October 22, 2009, Pick Up The Phone Tour was cancelled after Justin was admitted to a hospital for an extreme mental anxiety attack.
Furstenfeld is also a painter, and his paintings have appeared on the covers of two Blue October albums, The Answers and History for Sale. His artwork is also featured on T-shirts and posters for the band. He also wrote many songs on his depression after his breakup and he tells most of his fans he is here to write and stay.
Read more about this topic: Justin Furstenfeld
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