Meet Justin Emord: his musical journey kicked off in elementary school with a newly introduced music program, where he explored piano, guitar, and bass in symphonic and jazz studies. 
This sparked a deep, lifelong passion for music.
Fast forward to today, Justin is not just a dedicated musician and bassist in the band Love and a .38, but also a passionate advocate for music education. He works closely with NAMM and the California Music Educators Association to ensure that music always has a place in schools as part of a well-rounded education.
Justin’s musical journey showcases his dedication and growth as an artist. As his career evolved, he realized how wireless guitar systems could enhance his performances. In this blog post, we’ll dive into Justin’s musical experiences and explore how StageClix plays a role in his live shows and tours.
To get a clearer picture of Justin’s journey, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore some of his firsts in the world of music and tech.
First times
Justin, can you tell us about the moment you knew you wanted to pursue music as a career?
The moment I knew I wanted to pursue music was when I was in 11th grade. I was visiting my family in New York for the holidays and went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Madison Square Garden. Musically, they were a logical gateway for me, coming from my background, but what I didn't expect was the bombastic live rock show that came along with it. When I finally came back home to LA, I went to the store and bought recording software to begin recording and writing my own music.
What initially drew you to explore wireless systems for your performances?
Funny enough, it all started with that first Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert. Watching the guitarist, bassist, and violinist run through the arena, stand on scissor lifts, and perform on catwalks was incredible. It was such a cool and exciting way to break the fourth wall between artist and audience. When I began playing on various stages, I realized that wireless systems made for a cleaner workspace. At some point, we've all done the tangled cable tango on stage, and going wireless eliminated that hassle and the risk of accidentally stepping on and unplugging a cable. In a rock band, the live show is crucial, so being able to move freely without being limited by cables is a huge bonus.
How did you first discover StageClix, and what made it stand out to you?
I first came across StageClix at the NAMM Show years ago. My old wireless system was on its last legs, so I went there to find a new one. I was fortunate enough to discover the StageClix booth, and I've been a user and artist of the Jack V3 system ever since.
From First Impressions to Ongoing Performances
What started as an exciting new option for wireless systems has become an integral part of Justin’s setup. Let’s dive into the specific features of StageClix that stand out for him and how they contribute to his live shows.
Now that StageClix is a regular part of your performances, what features do you appreciate the most?
I really appreciate StageClix's low latency and how it preserves the full range of my sound without cutting or clipping the bottom end. I'm also a big fan of the transmitter’s low profile and flexibility. Coming from traditional systems with a cable going to a battery pack clipped to my strap or belt, having this all in one unit where I can quickly unplug for an instrument change and get back up and running is a huge advantage.
What I like about the StageClix system is the low latency and the fact that it doesn't cut or clip any of the bottom ends.
How do these features set StageClix apart from other wireless systems?
As a bassist, I have found that not all wireless systems are created equal, losing a bit of the bottom end and making the signal thinner than it would be with a cable. What sets StageClix apart is its ability to keep the full range of bass frequencies without cutting or clipping the bottom end. The streamlined design of the StageClix unit is another standout feature—it never gets in the way. Being a Fender artist, I use basses that have both top and side loading jacks, so the unit’s flexibility to bend and plug in as needed is a great feature. The last thing that can't be overstated enough is the ability to charge the unit right inside the receiver. I've had other units that needed spare batteries or an extra power cable to charge the transmitter. That was fine back then, but I'm thrilled those days are gone.
Having explored what makes certain wireless systems stand out, let’s shift to practical advice. Justin offers some valuable tips on what musicians should consider when choosing their wireless setup.
What tips or recommendations would you give to other musicians considering wireless guitar systems?
I would say do your homework and write down a list of things that are important to you in how you plan to use your system. Do your bandmates use wireless systems? If so, having a unit with more channels might be something to consider. What's the maximum size of the stages you realistically plan on performing on? Make sure your unit has enough reach, so your signal doesn’t cut out because you went a foot past the range of your receiver. Overall, finding the right system will take some work but it's a worthwhile investment for a fun live show and a cleaner, safer workspace for your bandmates.
A massive shoutout to Justin Emord for taking us behind the scenes of his musical journey! From his early days of musical exploration to the tools that have now become essential in his setup, Justin’s story is a powerful testament to passion and dedication. Just as Justin has optimized his performance with StageClix, we’re eager for you to discover the equipment that complements your style and amps up your own musical game.
Ready to see what’s possible? Explore StageClix wireless guitar systems and discover how they can elevate your performance.
