Q & A: Canadian Country Artist Justin Hogg on his Upcoming Single ‘Good Thing Going On’, his Music Journey and his Goals for 2021

Hailing from Morinville, Alberta, Canadian country artist Justin Hogg has lived the country lifestyle he sings about in his music. Inspired by the likes of Keith Urban and Hunter Hayes, Justin craftily blends pop, country and rock to create a sound that’s unique to him. During his career, he’s had the opportunity to perform in two CCMA Showcases and has “been offered opening slots for Brett Kissel, High Valley, George Canyon, Jess Moskaluke, Aaron Pritchett, Emerson Drive, and Dan Davidson” (Hogg). His upcoming single, ‘Good Thing Going On’, is set to be released on March 29th. This song also marks the first single release for Justin since 2019, and it demonstrates his growth as an artist over the past year. The song itself speaks to someone who is grateful for what they have and feels fulfilled in their relationship, even if they are uncertain about their future with their significant other (And chose to live in the moment). The song also serves as a reminder to listeners to take a moment to appreciate where they are and recognize the blessings they do have, which is easy to forget to do amidst the everyday busyness of life.

Recently I spoke to Justin about his upcoming single, his music journey and his goals for 2021.

KP: Your new single. ‘Good Thing Going On’ is set to be released on March 29th. It was also written by Aaron Allen (2x CMAO 2020 Award Nominee) and Jimmy Thow (½ of Sons of Daughters). What made you want to record the song? Can you tell us a bit about the recording process? 

Justin Hogg: The process for this song was very very different for me. Never in my career have I recorded a song that wasn’t at least partially written by me, so to record someone else’s song was a very new experience for me. Jeff and I hit record on the song 11 days after I had heard it for the first time. I knew it was one I wanted to record because of the way the song exemplifies appreciating what you already have, rather than focusing on what you don’t.

Official cover art for Justin Hogg's upcoming single, Good Thing Going On.
Official cover art for Justin Hogg’s upcoming single, Good Thing Going On.

KP: How does this song differ from your previous releases? What are you hoping to achieve with this new single?

Justin Hogg: I think this song is a step forward in terms of the music I have released because my producer (Jeff) really made the focus in-studio on bringing to light the qualities that I possess as an artist, and what it is that makes me unique. In the past, I have been very focused on the qualities I love about the artists that I look up to, and I think that has held me back a little from truly being my own self as an artist. 

 

KP: Your musical sound leans more towards pop-country and have previously cited Keith Urban and Hunter Hayes as two of your musical influences. What do you appreciate the most about their music, and how have they impacted yours?

Justin Hogg: What I appreciate most about artists like Keith Urban and Hunter Hayes, is their innate ability to stand out. I can hear a Keith Urban song on the radio for the first time, and without knowing the song, I know it’s a Keith tune. To me, it’s the artists that fully exploit their own unique qualities that I find myself looking up to. I think the reason for that is that I have struggled to really embrace myself as an artist throughout my career, and so the artists that really do a good job of that, are the ones that I really admire.

 

KP: You’ve been a professional artist for several years now. What would you say is one lesson you’ve learnt as both an artist and a person during that time, that you carry with you today?

Justin Hogg: The biggest lesson that I have learnt over the years (that I have to keep reminding myself), is that everyone is on their own unique timeline in life. As an artist that has been plugging away for years, it can be difficult to not compare myself to other artists that may have already accomplished more than I have. Sometimes it is very hard to be patient. I think it’s very important to remember that not everyone has the same story, and that’s part of what makes life exciting. I like to tell myself that I am right where I need to be at this moment in time. 

 

KP: Who would you say has been one of the biggest supporters of your music? How have they impacted your career?

Justin Hogg: My parents have definitely been my biggest supporters in regard to my career. It’s a cliche answer to this question, but it’s the truth. They’ve been there for my proudest moments and times when I struggled, and I know without a doubt that I would not be where I am today without the unwavering support they have provided me in such an obscure career path. 

 

KP: Looking back, you’ve been given the opportunity to open for headlining country artists/groups including, Brett Kissel, High Valley, George Canyon, Jess Moskaluke, Aaron Pritchett, Emerson Drive, and Dan Davidson. What have those experiences been like for you? 

Justin Hogg: Fulfilling. There is always so much to take away from these kinds of experiences. They present an opportunity to learn from artists that were once in my shoes. They also reassure me that I have done something right in the last 6 years and that all of the work I have put in wasn’t for nothing. Most of all, these experiences have brought me great joy and lasting memories that I can carry with me for the rest of my life.  

 

KP: Moving forward in 2021, what is one goal you hope to achieve with your music by the end of the year? Do you plan on releasing new music other than “Good Thing Going On”?

Justin Hogg: My goal for 2021 is to create good music. Music that I am going to love performing when live music finally returns. Music that is true to me, and true to the person listening to it. And yes, there will be more new music coming this year.

 

Pre-save ‘Good Thing Going On’ Now:

https://bit.ly/3vLb2xf

To learn more about Justin Hogg and his music, be sure to check out his website & socials:

FB: www.facebook.com/justinhoggmusic 

IG: www.instagram.com/justinhoggmusic 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/justinhoggmusic 

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3reSUZj

Apple Music: https://apple.co/3tFBS8e

 

Works Cited

Hogg, Justin. “Biography.” Justin Hogg, https://www.justinhoggmusic.com/bio. Accessed 20 Mar. 2021.

Hogg, Justin. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Feb.11th, 2021.

Krisp Images Photography. “Featured: Canadian country artist Justin Hogg.” Photo courtesy of Justin Hogg. Accessed Mar. 20th, 2021.

Simply Socials Management. “Official cover art for Justin Hogg’s upcoming single, Good Thing Going On”. Photo courtesy of Simply Socials Management. Accessed Mar. 20th, 2021.

 

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