Justin Hines: How Sweet the Sound
August 25, 2008 by Stephanie D'Angelo
Filed under Success Story
Canadian singer and songwriter Justin Hines tells us about his passion for music, his love of life, and his views on romance.
You have probably heard his hit song “Wish You Well” on the radio, or perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to experience one of his memorable performances. Either way, Justin Hines’ sweet and soulful voice has captured the hearts of listeners everywhere.
Friendly and down-to-earth, the 26-year-old Hines’ gentle disposition has been embraced by his fans. With life bringing him so much joy, this musician is living his life with a “glass half-full” perspective. “There are just so many positive influences in my life,” he shares. “I have too many things to be excited about, that it’s actually difficult for me to stay in a negative space.”
A true testament to his gracious spirit and awe-inspiring talent, Hines’ album Sides is a heartfelt account of life lessons and personal relationships. “I just tried to abandon any trends and do what I love to do,” he says on the making of his album.
When asked to choose his own personal favourite, Hines feels it’s impossible. “I can’t do it, they’re all my babies,” he laughs. “I like the stories behind certain songs, like “Wish You Well.” Hines has received many conflicting interpretations of the popular tune’s meaning, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’m always afraid to tell people what my songs are about, because I don’t want to shatter what it means to them,” he says. “I want them to feel it however they want to feel it, and not feel pressured to know what it means.”
Despite his poetic lyrics, the recently married Hines is reluctant to call himself a romantic. “I definitely have a lot of romantic notions and thoughts, but I think in a lot of ways I’m kind of shy to act on them,” he says. “But I dream a lot, and I think that life is bigger than what it seems, so I guess in that sense, maybe I am!”
Throughout his own life experiences, Hines says that the most profound lesson he has learned is that there is always hope at the end of every dark situation. “Although it doesn’t seem like it at the time, there’s always something beautiful waiting right around the corner for you,” he tells.
Hines says that his love of music was fostered at a very young age. As a youngster growing up in Newmarket, Ontario, Hines would listen to classic tunes on his father’s jukebox, and imagine himself becoming a singer one day. Drawing inspiration from musical idols such as James Taylor, Cat Stevens and Carole King, he created a sound that was all his own.
The musician’s big break came when he was selected to sing the national anthem at a Toronto Raptor’s game when he was just 14-years-old. “I got a taste of the professional side of music from that gig,” he says. “It seems that things kind of snowballed from there.”
And with a new album already in the works, the ball is still rolling for Hines. “I just want to keep making music and connecting with the people around me as much as I can.”
Hines’ unwavering faith and zest for life help him cope with his rare genetic joint condition, Larsen syndrome, which keeps him wheelchair-bound. “I was born into my situation, so I don’t know any different,” he explains. “I don’t find my life a struggle … I feel pretty blessed.”
Determined to help others who are disabled or feel trapped in some way, Hines is actively involved in various charities, including his own, Justin Hines Foundation. Through this foundation, Hines shares his remarkable story with children and adults who feel trapped or hopeless. www.justinhines.com
I saw this wonderful man for the first time this weekend on TV. He is an absolute inspiration to me and I can’t wait to buy his cd.
I saw Justin and his awesome band perform for the first time last night. Wow….if anyone has a chance to see them please do…..they are breathtaking!!! Great job Justin you are sooooo talented…..your wife is one lucky gal to have married YOU!
I just heard Justin sing for the commerical for Ontario. Wow! I never heard of him before then.
I first heard Justin on the Wal Mart Miracle Walk TV commercial just over a year ago.
I was fascinated by the song “Wish You Well,” and Googled it to find out who sang it!
I immediately went out and bought myself a birthday present (1st album Sides) and have played it to death for the last year!
Today, my husband went out and bought the just released “Chasing Silver” CD for my birthday, and I love it just as much. Keep up the great work Justin, we love you!
Justin…boy do you have a great voice. Was doing the dinner dishes and heard this great voice singing on the TV. Went to see what’s on and you were singing on a commercial. Can’t wait to go out and buy your CDs. Keep up the great work..love ya!!
Justin we love you!!!!!!!!!! Have been listening to you for years, ever since you were young and sang the tomato hat song. (ha ha) My son who is now 16 has severe cerebral palsy and we have been involved with our local easter seals for years, Jordan is a former ambassador. That is when we first heard you on a telethon! So glad that your perseverance is finally paying off. I listen to your songs every morning on my way to work, can’t hold a note but I don’t care your songs are inspiring to me. I live in a small city in northern ontario and I’m sure my fellow drivers must think “she has lost her mind “,belting out the tunes so early in the morning!! Thank you for sharing your gift of music!
Justin you stole my heart when I first heard you on the commercial for Ontario. I goggled your name and found your CD “Chasing Silver”. It blew my mind when I learned that you are from the same nick of the woods as I am. Justin, YOU ROCK! I look forward to many more quality songs from you. YOU inspire me!
You are awesome Justin! It is nice to hear your lovely voice and your wonderful songs.
Thank goodness for the Ontario tourism commercial that helped me to discover you!
I just had the privilege of seeing Justin perform at First Canadian Place. His words and music are truly an inspiration. His voice is beautiful. I am so looking forward to seeing him again at Hugh’s Room on August 19th.
Wow.. I ran across you on The hook and you can sing awesome. Your songs brought a tear to my eye. You have a gift… you truly do. I will be buying your cd’s to listen too with my kids. We all love music.. and yours will definatly be played in my cd player for years to come. My fav song so far that I have heard of yours is Say what you will. Truly breath taking Jusin..
Congrats on all your success… you amaze me!
Justin performed in Grand Forks, BC on September 10, 2009. He left the audience awestruck and I am glad to have been part of it. He sang a song first time live “You With Perfect Eyes” for my wife, she was teary eyed and eternally grateful.
Just saw Justin on Thurs. Sept. 24/09 at the Meaford Hall. Absolutely Awesome!!!! Won the tickets and took some friends, but would gladly pay to see him again. He gives a very intimate concert and engages the audience. A must see – been going to concerts for decades and this is my favorite.
I was watching television a few months ago and I heard this commercial for Ontario, there’s no place like home etc. It showed Justin singing it and I am oh my god that is one amazing voice. He sings it from the heart and it is obvious, I kept watching it everytime it came on. The Sunday Sun or the Monday Sun has his picture in it I was reading last night and I found out his full name and he has CD’s out which I will be buying. Every so often like he indicates in dark places eventually something will come along and help you. I feel that way about successful musicians. We were ready for a song or songs we can all relate to and tunes that remain in our minds that inspire us. Justin’s timing is perfect!!!!
I just saw Justin for the first time last night in Sarnia Ontario. What an inspiration he is. His voice is phenominal. His stage presence was awesome. I forgot that he had a disability. I will definately go back when he graces us with his presence!
Thank you 99.9 Fox FM Lite Hits for playing his songs and getting me hooked on his voice!
Cindi
You are awsome, your voice and your attitude with life is outstanding. You are an inspiratin to a lot of people. Many people with disabilities, in fact, everyone have abilities that they can use for the good of others, for you it’s your voice. Through your composition, your music and your voice, we can all find ourselves. That’s why I’m gone give your cd’s to my niece, she had an accident in 2007, she is having a really hard time. She was doing good with therapy and all but as a little while back she gave up and now she seems to have lost herself in self pity. I know it’s hard for her but she is so young, 21, with so much and so many people wanting to help her. I hope you will inspire also. Keep it up and waiting to hear more of your beautiful songs.
Justin, the first time I heard your beautiful voice was on the album “Christmas in the Northwest” which we play every Christmas. We’re watching KBTC 8/9/11 featuring your concert to support public television. Thank you for your creative talents and being out there. Go for it, you have lots of support!
Paul Dossett
BA in Music
Justin….
God had it right when he created you man. Such an angel you are.. Beautiful soul, beautiful voice and lyrics. So thrilled to have met you at Algonquin College Campus. You truly touched my heart with your inspiring spirit. Hope to see and hear you again soon.
Warmest Regards
Lynn Jackson