Becoming a 'better man': Blue October's Justin Furstenfeld keeps the positivity in 'Spinning the Truth Around (Part II)'

Nov. 2—In the last two years, Justin Furstenfeld has felt a lot of judgment.

As a creator of music, it's something he's used to.

Yet, much of the online chatter had to do with his personal life.

"I stand firm that if you surround yourself with great people, things will work out," Furstenfeld says. "A lot of the frustration came from these life suckers who want to bring you down and give their opinions. I wasn't going to explain myself to people I didn't know. I had to keep moving forward and continue to create memories that matter to me."

Blue October brings its tour to Albuquerque on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Revel ABQ.

Furstenfeld's been the vocalist for Blue October since its formation in 1995.

Over the course of the band's journey, it has released 12 albums to date.

Its most recent is "Spinning the Truth Around (Part II)," was released on Oct. 13. A third part will be released in 2024.

"All of 'Spinning the Truth Around' was written in two years during COVID. It was a project where we knew it was going to have multiple parts," Furstenfeld says. "Except for the single, 'Sideways.' That's the newest song."

Furstenfeld describes Blue October as a hard-working band.

For nearly 30 years, the band has seen success with hits on the radio. Yet, it's the band's touring schedule that has kept them moving forward and gaining more fans.

"I want to make sure that we build (our career) so that people that dedicate themselves to the project are rewarded," he says. "We're working together to build a legacy so that all of our families are taken care of. This is why we all work so hard. It's the reason we continue to create."

A lifelong theater student, Furstenfeld began studying at the "Fame" high school of Houston, HSPVA, where he met bandmate Ryan Delahoussaye.

He made his feature film debut in "Section 8" alongside Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Dermot Mulroney, and Ryan Kwanten.

His next film project will be "Lights Out," featuring Frank Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Scott Adkins and Mulroney.

"The films are fun, but I'm sure glad that I have music," Furstenfeld says. "Each night I get out on stage, it's a time for me to strip down my emotions and just be raw with the audience. These songs are written from my journey and it only makes sense to sing with passion."

Some of the tracks on the new album, like "A Better Man," "Down Here Waiting" and "Sideways" have made the set list.

Those are sprinkled in with songs from the other 11 albums.

Furstenfeld's writing process hasn't changed music over the course of 30 years.

The thing that has changed is his awareness for downtime.

"I'll try and write every day," he says. "Though, I'm trying to take more days off and rest a little more. This gives me time to unwind. It also gives me time to spend with my family, who are growing up so fast. It's my chance to step back a bit and take in a different part of my life."

On the band's current tour, Furstenfeld and the band are playing theaters which they've performed in for years.

Furstenfeld says there are moments before or after the show where he has time to reflect.

"Some of these theaters we performed in when we were just starting and there were a few dozen people," he says. "It's humbling to see sold-out audiences night after night and have these theaters full of love. That's why I continue."