Skip to content

Justin Calabrese

Entrepreneur, Author, Business Consultant, & Digital Music Artist

Menu
  • Home
  • Books & Publications
  • Blog
  • Music
  • About Justin
  • Consulting
Menu

Baptized in Regret — My Journey into Music, Healing, and Hope

Posted on November 4, 2025May 31, 2026 by Justin Calabrese

I never thought I’d release a music album. To be honest, I never even planned on writing one. But life has a funny way of handing you pain and then, if you’re lucky, offering you a melody to carry it.

Justin Calabrese, Baptized in Regret, Released 2025

This album — Baptized in Regret — was born out of a very personal place. It’s not just a collection of songs; it’s a reflection of everything I was too scared to say out loud for far too long. As a teen, I struggled with the kind of trauma that doesn’t leave visible scars. It came from a place that was supposed to be safe: my church. In South Windsor, Connecticut, where I grew up, I was fed teachings that didn’t nourish my soul — they starved it. The environment twisted what was supposed to be unconditional love into judgment, shame, and fear. It left a bruise on my spirit I carried into adulthood, quietly, sometimes not even realizing it was still there.

Writing this album was my way of finally looking at that bruise. I didn’t want to hand these lyrics off to someone else — I needed to sing them myself. I needed to produce every sound, every harmony, every echo of grief and resilience. So I did. I became the sole artist on this project. It was just me and the truth, alone in a room, rewriting my story with rhythm.

Oddly enough, the process was… fun. Don’t get me wrong — it hurt. A lot. Some nights I cried halfway through a verse. But other nights, I danced in my living room listening to a beat that somehow turned pain into power. And that’s where the hope comes in. Because the music? It’s actually pretty cool. It’s raw and imperfect and real. It’s me.

I didn’t release Baptized in Regret to chase fame or downloads. I released it because maybe, just maybe, someone else out there has sat in a pew and felt completely unseen. Maybe someone else has questioned everything they believed because of the cruelty of those who claimed to speak for God. And maybe hearing my story wrapped in a bassline will help them feel a little less alone.

This album isn’t a goodbye to the past. It’s more like a peace treaty. A moment where I stood up, microphone in hand, and said: You don’t own me anymore.

So here it is. My heart, in verses and choruses. I hope you find something in it that sings to your own story too.

Category: Justin Calabrese

justincalabrese

Retail Entrepreneur, Published Author, Tech Business Consultant, Digital Musical Artist, Human Rights Advocate, and Former @HuffPost Contributor.

I ❤️ NY I ❤️ NY
A great time in Hudson Yards New York watching the A great time in Hudson Yards New York watching the #America250 fireworks. ❤️
Sometimes the best way to reset is to pack a bag, Sometimes the best way to reset is to pack a bag, hit the road, and embrace a change of scenery. Here’s to a weekend filled with new places, unforgettable moments, and memories worth bringing home.
Today’s view from this beautiful park looking up t Today’s view from this beautiful park looking up the East River. #NewYork #CityLife
Beautiful #butterfly on a #summer afternoon hike. Beautiful #butterfly on a #summer afternoon hike.
Sunday morning workout. #fitness #workout #run Sunday morning workout. #fitness #workout #run
Happy #FathersDayWeekend to a wonderful and suppor Happy #FathersDayWeekend to a wonderful and supportive father. Always there for me, day and night. #FathersDay #Weekend #Holiday #Family
Late nights. Clear mind. No excuses—just putting i Late nights. Clear mind. No excuses—just putting in the work. 💪🌙

#WorkoutMotivation #FitnessJourney #GymLife #SelfImprovement #NightWorkout
It’s #race day in the #Poconos. #NASCAR #poconorac It’s #race day in the #Poconos. #NASCAR #poconoraceway
Today’s hiking adventure brought incredible views, Today’s hiking adventure brought incredible views, fresh air, and memories worth every step. 🥾⛰️ #explorepage #hiking #travel #summer
It’s way too hot to be hiking today… so naturally, It’s way too hot to be hiking today… so naturally, that’s exactly what I’m doing. 🥵🥾🌲 #HikingLife #TrailLife #GetOutside #SummerVibes #AdventureAwaits ExploreMore NatureLover WeekendAdventure HikeMoreWorryLess OutdoorLife
There is always time for a workout after a long da There is always time for a workout after a long day.  The weekend is almost here.
Good memories, amazing food, and beautiful weather Good memories, amazing food, and beautiful weather in Quebec City. A trip filled with unforgettable moments, charming streets, and views that never get old. #QuebecCity #MemorialDayWeekend #Travel #Canada
12 hours of travel but we made it. Nothing like a 12 hours of travel but we made it. Nothing like a weekend getaway for the Memorial Day holiday.  Time to check emails and relax before dinner. Happy #MemorialDayWeekend
The moments you live for. #kittpeak #Arizona #Suns The moments you live for. #kittpeak #Arizona #Sunset
On the road again… On the road again…
Always been into #tech and figuring things out as Always been into #tech and figuring things out as I go. Still learning every day. The #Tesla is just a cool part of the #journey.
#LakeComo is beautiful in every way. #LakeComo is beautiful in every way.
Two years ago from today I started my weight loss Two years ago from today I started my weight loss journey. Diabetes, liver disease, high blood pressure and more. Today, 60+ lbs lost and still keeping the weight off with no health conditions. The journey has been life changing to say the least.  #weightloss #health #happiness #life
This is us, exploring the historic temples of Delp This is us, exploring the historic temples of Delphi, Greece—where ancient history meets breathtaking views. What an amazing day ❤️. 

#Delphi #Greece #AncientHistory #TravelDiaries #ExploreGreece
Follow on Instagram

© 2026 Justin Calabrese | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme