Interview With Newfoundland Country Artist Justin Fancy
Newfoundland Country Artist of the Year and Rising Star of the Year, Justin Fancy, recently unveiled the exclusive performance of his new single “Beauty Queen” on The Recording Academy’s Press Play At Home performance series on Grammy.com, making him the first Canadian Country Recording Artist to be invited by The Recording Academy to take part in this performance series.
“Beauty Queen” comes on the heels of what can only be described as a stellar year for Fancy. His previous single, “Makes Me Wanna”, from his debut album “Sure Beats A Good Time”, peaked at #41 on the Billboard Canadian Country Radio charts and hit the #1 spot on Sirius XM Canada’s CBC Country channel. Justin also hit another milestone, racking up over 500,000 streams on Spotify for his music.
We had the opportunity to ask Justin some questions about the new song, being invited to perform for The Grammy’s, his upcoming music video, what he’s got coming in 2022 and more! Click below to watch “Beauty Queen” and keep scrolling for our interview!
Interview With Justin Fancy
You’ve recently unveiled the performance of your new single “Beauty Queen” on The Recording Academy’s Press Play At Home performance series on Grammy.com. How does it feel to havethe song out in the world?
It’s truly an amazing feeling and one I’ll never forget. Being able to showcase my latest single on one of the biggest online stages in the world was an amazing opportunity. I amsure it will open doors for me as an artist both in Canada and the US.
You are the first Canadian Country Recording Artist to be invited by The Recording Academy totake part in this performance series. How did you get involved, and what were your firstthoughts when you got the invite?
My publicist messaged me out of the blue late one evening and said she had big news. My band and I just finished rehearsing for an upcoming gig at the George Street Festival,(opening for Robyn Ottolini and The Reklaws) and we were out for a few beers. She said it was “game-changing news” and all I remember is feeling a warm fuzzy feeling in mystomach – a mix of excitement, anxiety, and a whole mixture of emotions.
But she wouldn’t tell me while I was at the bar. So, I ghosted everyone at the bar and headed home. I’ll never forget her words: “You have been invited by The RecordingAcademy in Los Angeles to perform “Beauty Queen on Grammy.com – and you are the first Canadian country artist to ever been invited – so this could be a game-changer!” We were on a video call, and it probably looked pretty comical to her with my jaw hitting the floor and me sitting there with what I am sure was a glazed look as I sat in silence. It was obviously difficult to comprehend at first, but at the same time I trust Paula and knew she was serious. A small-town boy from Conception Bay South, Newfoundland on Grammy.com – It’s just a very surreal feeling. These opportunities certainly motivate me to continue to push hard and smash my goals as an artist, this was a big step toward that.
The first time you watched the Grammy’’s, did you get the feeling “My music’s going to be on there one day” or did that take a while to sink in?
It took a while to sink in. As a kid watching the Grammy’s was just a special night once ayear where you watch the best of the best perform and receive recognition for what they do. At that age I had never really thought I would end up being a recording artist. Even after started releasing music I never imagined being remotely close to a Grammy stage, so being invited to perform on Grammy.com now makes that a real possibility in the future. Gotta reach for the stars!
Where was the performance recorded?
There’s a famous Irish Pub in St. John’s called Bridie Molloy’s that I’ve gigged at manytimes over the years. I knew there was an unfinished space upstairs at the pub and immediately thought it would be the perfect place to shoot the performance. I know the owners quite well so I suggested to the producer and director that we should go up and have a look. I have to give big credit to my production team for capturing exactly what we wanted in that space. It’s funny how unfinished and exposed spaces give you that extra rustic kind of look, that look of authenticity.
What inspired the lyrics behind Beauty Queen?
Beauty Queen was a very motivational piece to write. It was at the stage in my life where I was transitioning from being very down on myself and unhappy with my life, after the breakup, to a place where I began to pick myself back up off the ground. The lyrics in this song speak to the dark places I was versus the place I am right now, convincing myself I’m a better man. Pretty much an anthem for a guy that went through a rough time but is now shining through the light.
Can you tell us about the Socan Incubator Fund?
I’d be happy to tell you about it! The program is designed to provide emerging artists with funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to participate in a series of webinar sessions that develop their entrepreneurial skills and provide them with the tools and resources needed to turn their talents into a sustainable career.
This was an amazing opportunity which helped me understand a lot about the industry from both a business standpoint and artistically. The program provided ample opportunity to meet and talk with industry folks as well as sit on as many sessions as you seen fit. The program provided $3000 in funding which helped me record and promote my latest single, Beauty Queen.
You’ve got a new music video in the works, what can you tell us about it?
Yes, we just finished it. This one was really fun! I got to drive a 1974 Ford F250 which was an amazing experience for me. Samantha Picco (from Big Brother Canada Season 7) is back for this one, and there’s a story line that fans will be quite intrigued about. It’ll premiere on YouTube
on November 19th.
You’re currently the reigning Music NL Country Artist of the Year and Rising Star of the Year. As it approaches its end, how has 2021 been for you so far?
2021 has been nothing short of amazing for me. The opportunities and support I have been given is all astonishing and as I reflect on the success and recognition, I know we’re just getting started. I have to thank my small but very dedicated team for all of the unbelievable work they have done in the last year. I am forever grateful for all the support from my fans right across Canada and I can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store. I was recently nominated for three 2022 Music NL Awards – for Album of the Year, Solo Artist of the Year, and Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year.
Who are the 3 artists who you’ve listened to the most in 2021?
Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson.
What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned this year?
Patience. Patience. Patience. I was beginning to believe my last single “Makes Me
Wanna” was a complete dud until the song literally took off over night, months after it’s release. Without patience, we would have moved on to another single, and possibly would have missed out on any of the opportunities we were lucky to have. I need to thank the Rogers team for taking my new single and making it an overnight success. The song debuted at #44 on the Canadian Country Billboard Chart and peaked at #41. It also went #1 on Sirius XM Canada’s CBC Country channel!
What can fans expect from Justin Fancy in 2022?
Without a doubt, there’s an EP coming in the Spring, but I am also going to look at a
potential tour for this one. I didn’t get a chance to do that with my first album, so
hopefully this time around I can get out and meet some new fans!
Do you have any last words for our readers?
Stay tuned.
