With new artists constantly coming onto the Hollywood scene and taking over the “Today’s Hits” spots on the radio, it’s easy to forget that some of the best musicians are a lot closer than we realize. I had the privilege of interviewing, who I believe to be, one of Dyersburg’s best musicians. He happens to be a good friend of mine, and I mean it when I say he’s changed my view on country music completely (and that’s saying something for me). If you’re into artists that can play just about any genre there is, then you’ll love the music of Justin Hinson, which i’ve linked below this article. Now, without further ado, here’s our interview:

How long have you been doing music?:

“My whole life. I started playing when I was 3, but I got my first real gig when I was 13 playing with Loretta Lynn’s old Dude Ranch band from the 70’s”

When did you first become interested in being a musician?:

“I guess at a VERY young age. I’ve seen pictures of me when I was just a baby trying to get to my brother’s and dad’s guitar. So I guess I’ve always had a love for it. I don’t ever remember a time where I didn’t have a guitar in my hand”

Did you always plan on music being your career?:

“Yes always. I remember my first grade teacher asked us to write about  what we wanted to be when we grew up, and of course I said musician. I never wanted to be anything else but”

How did you get to where you are today as an artist?:

“Making a lot of contacts through word of mouth and a lot of hard work, and of course not giving up. I just kept working at it and trying to become the best I could be. Practice makes perfect”

Where do you get your inspiration from?:

“When I was a kid, it was a lot of old records and cassette tapes, and of course my dad and brothers (they play too). When I got older, inspiration came from other people’s suggestions and songs I would hear on the radio”

Who would you compare yourself to as an artist?:

“I don’t really have anybody I can compare myself to. I play so many different genres of music, it’s hard to really compare myself to anyone”

What’s your favorite part about your job?:

“Meeting people, seeing different cultures and places. The traveling is pretty fun too”

What would you consider one of your biggest accomplishments?:

“I’ve signed with 2 record companies 3 times and I got nominated for “Breakthrough Artist of the Year”  by the NMAs in the early 2000s for a song i co-wrote”

What’s your favorite song that you’ve written?:

“I didn’t write it, but my favorite song that i’ve ever cut is a song called “Twice”. That song spoke to me the first time I ever heard it”

What advice would you give to someone that wants to become a musician like yourself?:

“Don’t get discouraged. Get ready for a lot of hard work and dedication and never give up. It’s one of the most rewarding professions you’ll ever get into”

I think what we can all learn from Mr. Hinson is that with enough hard work and dedication, you can be anything you want.

(To check out his music, go to ReverbNation.com/JustinHinson)