Justifyin'

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the electrifying track "Justifyin'" by Ally Venable from her album Real Gone, igniting the airwaves for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This hard-charging blues-rock anthem, written by Grammy-winning producer Tom Hambridge, is a standout on the album, diving into themes of injustice and pain with a fierce groove and Venable’s biting guitar riffs. According to a review from Blues Rock Review, the song kicks off with a retro vibe, its riff-driven energy evoking classic rock influences, while Venable’s wah-wah guitar adds a gritty edge that makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic playlist. In a 2023 concert review by JAM Magazine, Venable’s performance of "Justifyin'" at her birthday show in Dallas was a highlight, noted as one of the first songs she learned on guitar, transforming it into a powerful, personal statement with her matured vocals and commanding stage presence.

Venable has shared insights about the song’s creation, emphasizing the collaborative spark with Hambridge. In an interview with American Blues Scene, she described the writing process for Real Gone as a whirlwind, with "Justifyin'" emerging from just two days of songwriting that felt organic and unrushed. The track’s raw energy was captured live, with Venable reveling in the chance to let loose on her guitar, a sentiment echoed by fans on her Facebook page, where they’ve praised its “in-your-face” attitude. Posts on her Instagram from 2023 show behind-the-scenes studio moments, with Venable teasing the song’s fiery spirit, calling it a “blues banger” that reflects her growth as an artist. Fans on the My Les Paul Forum have also chimed in, with some noting "Justifyin'" as a testament to her evolving guitar chops, though a few playfully critique her reliance on pentatonic scales, urging her to push boundaries further.

Ally Venable, born Ally Marie Venable on April 7, 1999, in Kilgore, Texas, was destined for the blues. Her journey began at age 12 when she picked up the guitar, inspired by discovering Stevie Ray Vaughan, as she revealed in a 2023 Guitar Girl Magazine interview. Vaughan’s music opened the door to blues legends like Albert King and Buddy Guy, shaping her fiery, soulful style. By 14, she released her debut EP, Wise Man, earning her a reputation as a rising star in Texas’ blues scene, according to her Wikipedia bio. Her first album, No Glass Shoes (2016), hit number 16 on the RMR Electric Blues Charts, and her 2018 release, Puppet Show, debuted at number 7 on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart. Venable’s early accolades include the 2014 and 2015 ETX Music Awards for Female Guitarist of the Year, with her band clinching Blues Band of the Year in 2015 and 2016. Mentored by blues-rock veteran Lance Lopez, she honed her craft through relentless touring, later sharing stages with icons like Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, as noted on AllMusic.

Venable’s rise wasn’t just about talent but also her genuine connection with fans, evident in her active presence across social media. Her official website, allyvenableband.com, is the hub for tour dates, music, and merch, while her Facebook boasts 95k followers, sharing live performance clips and fan interactions. On Instagram, with 101k followers, she posts vibrant tour photos and studio updates, engaging Zoo Freaks with her down-to-earth charm. Her X account, active since 2017 with 2.9k followers, offers real-time tour announcements and fan shoutouts. Fans also gather on platforms like the Ally Venable Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and others share concert photos and discuss her music, and on My Les Paul Forum, where guitar enthusiasts debate her Les Paul-driven sound. Venable’s commitment to her craft and fans makes her a blues-rock powerhouse, perfectly suited for the Zoo Crew’s airwaves.