- Hi Justin can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became country musician?
I was born in raised in Bixby, OK. I had an amazing childhood and very loving and supportive family. Sports were always our main focus but I’ve always loved music and an uncle gave me a guitar when I was 12. I had no idea how to play ha! I would spend hours in my room teaching myself guitar and that turned into drums and also teaching myself piano as well. It wasn’t until college that I started writing songs. I was blessed to attend the University of Northern Iowa on a football scholarship and had an amazing career there. I currently hold the school record for most consecutive games ever played with 54, never missing a game. I’m so thankful for that record. After college I moved back to Oklahoma and got a job and was a house band at a local bar in Tulsa every Friday night as well as touring and continuing to write. I moved to Nashville in July of 2010.
- How did you know that you wanted to become a country singer?
I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer. Music is my passion and it just continued to grow and grow and support that passion. Country is in my blood and in my roots and I grew up listening to other amazing country artists from Oklahoma like Reba and Garth Brooks and Vince Gill (just to name a few). There must be something in the water in that state and I’m very proud to be from there.
- Who are some of your musical icons?
I have way too many people who influence me ha! I just love music and I love all kinds of music. That’s the beauty of music is that it’s not limited to one sound. It’s many sounds making up a feeling or an emotion that connects though different avenues. You can listen to whatever you need at that time to listen to. I’ve always been attracted to great vocalists. People like Freddie Mercury, Roy Orbison, Otis Redding, Ronnie Dunn, Vince Gill, Steve Perry, Bob Seger, Frank Sinatra….Just to name a few!
- If you were not a singer what do you think your career would be?
Probably a singer 😉
- Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music?
It’s hard to put weight on an expectation with something like that. I have goals and aspirations in my career but I also try to not outlive the very day and moment that I’m currently in. I don’t want to miss a single moment of this life so I try and focus day to day with those goals fueling that.
- If you could sing a duet with a famous singer or group who would it be and why?
Oh goodness. That’s tough. Male of female? I just love Dolly Parton. Her energy is contagious and she’s so sweet. Reba would be a blessing with that Oklahoma connection and if I had the opportunity to sing Friends In Low Places with Garth on stage then I would probably pee my pants…ha!
- Is there anything new coming up with your music for 2017?
I’m currently writing and spending time in the studio and very excited to announce that I’ll be releasing new music this year 🙂
- What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of so far in your music career?
I have many. So many. I’ve been so blessed to get to open for some incredible artists as well as travel the country and play some of the most beautiful venues I’ve ever seen. The fact that I can support myself and do something that is my passion every single day is a very big and proud accomplishment for me.
- If you had to give advice to an up and coming singer or group what would you tell them?
No is going to care about your career more than you do so get out there, work hard, work smart and always be thankful and kind along the way.
- What is one of your favorite quotes?
One of my favorite quote is a Bible verse. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
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