As the music industry gets back to its feet after the pandemic hiatus, Pittsburgh, PA native Justin Fabus is standing front and center – opening up for country legends, filling the speakers at PNC Park, and releasing his latest single “Dead In The Water.”
We recently caught up with Justin to talk about his busy 2022, the new single and what’s next for the summer.
CN: Your 2022 has been pretty busy! First up, what was it like to open once again for the legendary Trace Adkins?
JF: To have the opportunity to open for a legend like Trace is a dream come true. He’s easily one of the greatest country artists of all time, as well as one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. It’s been a real honor being a part of The Way I Wanna Go Tour.
CN: A big baseball fan yourself, how incredible is it to hear “Pick Me Up” being featured by the Pittsburgh Pirates during their Friday Night Rocks?
JF: It’s hard to believe to be honest. I’m pretty sure every kid growing up in Pittsburgh who played little league baseball once dreamed of one day playing for The Pirates. To be able to watch The Pirates hit home runs and strike guys out to my song is pretty cool.
CN: Your new single “Dead in the Water” is out July 8th. Much like your country cover of New Kids on the Block’s “2 in the Morning,” this song has a sense of that 90s boy band with even a bit of 90s punk/rock like Blink-182. What was the inspiration behind this single?
JF: When I wrote the song with Eren Cannata, we had no prior ideas or direction for what we wanted to write. The whole process was very natural and freeing. Eren came up with this Dead In The Water line that we both really liked and we just went from there.
CN: What was it like to work with Eren Cannata (Demi Lovato, John Legend) on the track?
JF: Eren has this incredible gift of finding that one thing in you that’s special and separates you from other artists. In my opinion, he’s the next “Hitmaker”. He’s a musical genius and I’m grateful to call him a friend.
CN: Speaking of NKOTB, you and the Wahlbergs have kept a close bond, with Mark sending you some clothing from Municipal, Co.
JF: Talk about an incredible family. I love those guys. Donnie has done so much for my career and Mark has been so kind to me as well. Municipal has definitely raised the bar when it comes to apparel though. It’s hands down the most comfortable I’ve ever worn.
CN: The day after “Dead in the Water” releases you will be performing with some big names from the 90s at Total Rewind Live featuring AJ McLean of Backstreet Boys, Trevor Penick of O-Town and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees. How did you get to become a part of this trip down memory lane?
JF: I grew up listening to those guys so I really can’t wait to be a part of that show. During the pandemic, Jeff Timmons and I got introduced to each other by a mutual friend. Jeff and I kept in touch since then and kept taking about doing something together. Luckily, schedules finally lined up and I jumped at the opportunity to open for AJ, Trevor and Jeff.
CN: You also have a show coming up on July 23 – Jam on Walnut – that will benefit two animal rescues. Can you tell us a little bit about them?
JF: Absolutely! They both are incredible foundations. Animal Friends rescue and rehabilitate animals in crisis and Bow Wow Buddies provide urgent medical care to sick and injured dogs.
CN: Where else can fans expect to see you this summer?
JF: We have a lot more shows that we are about to announce for later in the year, so I’m definitely looking forward to getting back out on the road and seeing everyone.
Pre-save “Dead in the Water” here.
For more information on Justin Fabus, visit his website www.justinfabus.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.