MOTIVE BLACK’s debut album titled, Auburn, drops worldwide on Friday, February 10, 2023. Produced by Grammy-winner Nick Rowe (Bloodsimple, Vampire Weekend) the album features special guests such as Marcos Curiel (P.O.D.), Ray Luzier (Korn), and Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies).

“Motive Black are poised for big things,” says Eli Enis at Revolver and compares Elana Justin to artists like Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale and the Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen. Leah Brungardt at All Access adds: “Motive Black is the creative phoenix born of singer Elana Justin’s pain, tenacity, and resilience.”

“Auburn has been a roller coaster to work on,” frontwoman and founding band member Elana explains. “It explores change,  evolution, and the ugly and beautiful things that go along with that. It’s a ride through manic highs and heavy lows. There is a lot of messiness involved in rediscovering yourself. I’m so grateful for all of the amazing people involved in the creation of this album. It was really amazing working with people like Carla, Ray, Marcos, and of course Nick. I am so excited to finally get Auburn out into the world!”

Listen to Motive Black’s latest single “Caged”HERE!

Elana says that album “is named for my sister’s beautiful auburn-colored hair. Losing her to addiction forced me to reexamine my life and make significant changes. I went through a huge transitional period. This album is the narrative of that journey.”

Auburn features Elana Justin on vocals; Nick Rowe on guitar, bass and co-songwriting credits; drummer Ray Luzier (Korn) on six tracks; guitarist Marcos Curiel (P.O.D.) on the first single “Broken”; and “special guest” Carla Harvey of Butcher Babies on the song “Lift Me Up”. Harvey also co-starred in the video for that track and says: “I love collaborating with strong women on projects so when I was asked to add my vocals to “Lift Me Up”, I happily obliged. The result…an infectious tune, a new found friendship…!”

Auburn was produced at the legendary NRG Studios in North Hollywood, Calif. by Grammy- winning Nick Rowe (Vampire Weekend, Lamb Of God, Madonna, Snoop Dogg) and mixed by Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Korn, Papa Roach). Motive Black will appeal to fans of Evanescence, Delain, Follow The Cypher, The Pretty Reckless, Halestorm, New Years Day, In This Moment, Shinedown.

Auburn track listing:

1. Lift Me Up (feat. Carla Harvey)
2. Broken (feat. Ray Luzier, Marcos Curiel)
3. Let Down
4. Bloodsport
5. Caged (feat. Ray Luzier)
6. Purge
7. Cellophane (feat. Ray Luzier)
8. Bad Decisions
9. Fake (feat. Ray Luzier)
10. Fight Alone (feat. Ray Luzier)
11. Auburn (feat. Ray Luzier)

Pre-sale: https://afm.fanlink.to/MotiveBlack
Pre-save: https://bfan.link/auburn-1

MOTIVE BLACK fittingly set to drop title track, “Auburn”, from their debut full-length on Black Friday. Produced by Grammy-winner Nick Rowe (Bloodsimple, Vampire Weekend), the track digs deeper into the theme of the album.

Opening up about the central subject matter of her debut record with Motive Black, front woman Elana Justin says “‘Auburn’ is a song that means a lot to me. It means so much that I was almost hesitant to put it out. I lost my sister to her battle with addiction. She was one of the smartest women I will ever know. She was a straight-A student who aspired to be a doctor. Addiction does not discriminate. I am angry that she will never realize her dreams. This song is about loss, struggle, rage, but mostly it’s about missing my sister and all of her potential. I will never laugh with anyone like I did with Mia. We need to end the stigma associated with addiction. People are meant to be loved, not judged. I miss Mia every day, and I will for my whole life.”

The upcoming album is titled Auburn, which Justin says “is named for my sister’s beautiful
auburn-colored hair. Losing her forced me to reexamine my life and make significant changes. I went through a huge transitional period which included both ugly and beautiful experiences.
The album is a wild ride through that journey of anger, mania, deep love, and self discovery.”

In addition to the vocal prowess of vocalist Elana Justin, the album features Nick Rowe on guitar, bass and co-songwriting credits; drummer Ray Luzier (Korn) on six tracks; guitarist Marcos Curiel (P.O.D.) on the first single “Broken”; and “special guest” Carla Harvey of Butcher Babies on the song “Lift Me Up”. Harvey also co-starred in the video for that track and says: “I love collaborating with strong women on projects so when I was asked to add my vocals to “Lift Me Up”, I happily obliged. The result…an infectious tune, a new found friendship…!”

Leah Brungardt at All Access has observed that “Los Angeles-based Motive Black is the creative phoenix born of singer Elana Justin’s pain, tenacity, and resilience.” Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles calls the band “grooving alternative rock” and “crushing modern metal” and says “Elana’s both powerful and fragile charismatic voice gets deep.”

Auburn was produced at the legendary NRG Studios in North Hollywood, Calif. by Grammy- winning Nick Rowe (Vampire Weekend, Lamb Of God, Madonna, Snoop Dogg) and mixed by Josh Wilbur  (Lamb of God, Korn,  Papa Roach).  Motive Black will appeal to fans of Evanescence, Delain, Follow The Cypher, The Pretty Reckless, Halestorm, New Years Day, In This Moment, Shinedown.

Auburn track listing:

1. Lift Me Up (feat. Carla Harvey)
2. Broken (feat. Ray Luzier, Marcos Curiel)
3. Let Down
4. Bloodsport
5. Caged (feat. Ray Luzier)
6. Purge
7. Cellophane (feat. Ray Luzier)
8. Bad Decisions
9. Fake (feat. Ray Luzier)
10. Fight Alone (feat. Ray Luzier)
11. Auburn (feat. Ray Luzier)

Motive Black’s debut full-length album, Auburn, is slated for an early 2023 release on AFM Records.

Pre-sale: https://afm.fanlink.to/MotiveBlack
Pre-save: https://bfan.link/auburn-1

September 30, 2022 (Los Angeles, Calif.) – Intense new track titled “Fight Alone,” from alternative metal band, Motive Black (AFM Records) drops today. Produced by Grammy-winner Nick Rowe (Bloodsimple, Vampire Weekend), the track showcases the vocal prowess of frontwoman Elana Justin, and features Ray Luzier (Korn) on drums and Nick Rowe on guitar, bass and co-songwriting credits. 

“This song is about losing yourself in passion,” Elana Justin says. “Attraction is a powerful thing, it can be amazing, but also vicious. It can engulf you, and cloud your mind, but also awaken you in ways you never thought possible. Everything feels dangerous and so alive.” She adds: “This song was super intense to create. It’s dark, vivid, and emotional. I felt really raw and almost animalistic when I was writing it. When Ray came in and added drums it brought everything to a new level that I believe only he is capable of tapping into.”

Ray Luzier says “Elana’s a very powerful, emotional singer. Her aggressive yet dynamic lyrics are refreshing to hear. I think this record is gonna turn a lot of heads. We really need great, fresh-sounding, new music like Motive Black, now more than ever!!”

The track will be on the upcoming album titled Auburn. Justin says ” Auburn is named for my sister who unfortunately passed away. She had beautiful auburn hair. Losing her forced me to reexamine my life and make significant changes. I went through a huge transitional period  which included both ugly and beautiful experiences. The album is a wild ride through that journey of anger, mania, deep love, and self discovery.”

“Fight Alone” was produced at the legendary NRG Studios in North Hollywood, Calif. by Grammy-winning Nick Rowe (Vampire Weekend, Lamb Of God, Madonna, Snoop Dogg) and mixed by Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Korn, Papa Roach). Motive Black will appeal to fans of Evanescence, Delain, Follow The Cypher, The Pretty Reckless, Halestorm, New Years Day, In This Moment, Shinedown.

Get the song on all digital platforms HERE

The new, dramatic “fight sequence” music video for the track, “Lift Me Up,” from California based alternative metal band, MOTIVE BLACK (AFM Records) has just been premiered. Produced by Grammy-winner Nick Rowe (Lamb Of God, Vampire Weekend), the track showcases the talents of frontwoman Elana Justin, and features special guest Carla Harvey of Butcher Babies, on vocals.

Watch the new Motive Black video for “Lift Me Up” HERE:

Access the single on digital platforms: https://bfan.link/MotiveBlack-lift-me-up

The powerful music video for “Lift Me Up” features the red hot synergy of Justin performing together with Butcher Babies’ Carla Harvey in a street fighting sequence fans will want to view on repeat. Elana Justin explains: “I wanted the video to focus on female strength. The director and I worked together to come up with an idea that spoke to that. It was also fun to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I’ve never done anything combat related so it seemed like it would be a fun avenue to explore. The director, Dale Resteghini, also directed the video for “Broken”.

I’m a Butcher Babies fan, so when the song was played for Carla and she agreed to perform on it I was super excited.  Carla is a great example of a badass woman killing it in the music  industry. I think her vibe fits the song perfectly. She really added something special to “Lift Me Up.” Working together really brought the song up to a new level. 

I think it’s really important for people to see women working together to create music and art.  We keep seeing It more and more and it’s so exciting. It’s essential for women in this industry to stick together and support each other. There is so much more female visibility in this kind of music than there was even just a few years ago.”

Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies) concurs stating “I love collaborating with strong women on projects so when I was asked to add my vocals to “Lift Me Up,” I happily obliged. The result…an infectious tune, a new found friendship and a ride through Compton in the sickest 1968 Firebird…the stuff dreams are made of!”

Motive Black will appeal to fans of Evanescence, Delain, Follow The Cypher, The Pretty Reckless, Halestorm, In This Moment, Shinedown. 

“Lift Me Up” was produced at the legendary NRG Studios in North Hollywood, Calif. by Grammy-winning Nick Rowe (Vampire Weekend, Lamb Of God, Madonna, Snoop Dogg) and mixed by Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Korn, Papa Roach). “It’s been a real treat working with Elana,” Nick Rowe explains. “She is a diamond in the rough—unafraid to explore new musical territory and put her soul on the page lyrically.  I can’t wait for everybody to hear what we’ve been working on!”

Los Angeles based alternative metal band, MOTIVE BLACK (AFM Records) has released their new single “Lift Me Up”. Produced by Grammy-winner Nick Rowe (Bloodsimple, Vampire Weekend), the track focuses on the talents of newcomer Elana Justin, and features special guest Carla Harvey, of the internationally acclaimed metal band Butcher Babies, on vocals. Music video for “Lift Me Up,” replete with vintage hot rod and fight sequence, is set to premiere on April 22, 2022.

The single features Justin performing together with Butcher Babies‘ Carla Harvey. Elana Justin explains: “the song is about realizing that you can’t find validation through other people.  It’s easy to fall into the trap of avoidance, and trying to distract yourself from the growth you require by looking for love in all the wrong places. Facing inward can be truly difficult, but through that journey you find empowerment.”

Carla Harvey (Butcher Babies) concurs stating “I love collaborating with strong women on projects so when I was asked to add my vocals to “Lift Me Up,” I happily obliged. The result…an infectious tune, and a new found friendship!”

Motive Black will appeal to fans of Evanescence, Delain, Follow The Cypher, The Pretty Reckless, Halestorm, In This Moment, Shinedown. 

“Lift Me Up” was produced at the legendary NRG Studios in North Hollywood, Calif. by Grammy-winning Nick Rowe (Vampire Weekend, Lamb Of God, Madonna, Snoop Dogg) and mixed by Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Korn, Papa Roach). “It’s been a real treat working with Elana,” Nick Rowe explains. “She is a diamond in the rough—unafraid to explore new musical territory and put her soul on the page lyrically.”

Access the single on digital platforms: https://bfan.link/MotiveBlack-lift-me-up

Los Angeles-based MOTIVE BLACK is the modern metal brainchild of vocalist Elana Justin, a project that has been a long time coming. Graduating from the bar band circuit in New York, Elana seized the opportunity to move to Los Angeles in 2018 to work on new music. A stranger in a strange land, she found herself immersed in the local scene and performing on open mic nights at the iconic Viper Room. The LA music community welcomed her, connections and friends were made, which eventually led to a collaboration with Grammy winning guitarist / producer Nick Rowe (Bloodsimple, Vampire Weekend). The duo reworked a song from Elana’s former New York band, taking the music in a heavier direction, and MOTIVE BLACK was born.

Today the band released their first videoclip and single “Broken” through AFM – presenting a mixture of grooving alternative rock and crushing modern metal that countersinks its way into your ear canal. When listening closer after rocking out, Elana’s both powerful and fragile charismatic voice gets deep.

Furthermore the following people have been involved in the production:
– Mixed by Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Korn, Papa Roach).
– Featuring Ray Luzier (Korn) on drums
– Featuring Marcos Curiel (P.O.D.) on guitars

“‘Broken’ is a song that came together when we were taking a break from writing the song we were actually working on,” says Elana. “I get to go on a little journey singing it, which is always fun. The idea behind the song is about breaking down walls. It’s a song based on truth. It’s about being afraid to take risks because you work so hard to protect yourself. I think a lot of people can relate to that.”

For the future, Elana’s goal is to turn MOTIVE BLACK into a full band, both in the interest of touring and future work on new music as they move forward. In the meantime, she is set to unleash no less than four singles from MOTIVE BLACK between May 2021 and January 2022, all of them with rock solid staying power.

“It’s interesting to be signed,” says Elana says of joining the AFM Records family. “I don’t have a following because MOTIVE BLACK is a brand new project, so the music must have spoken to someone at the label. Hopefully that sort of interest will pull me through.”