Justin Fancy is back with a video for his single, “Laid Back Kinda Night”
Canadian Country Recording Artist Justin Fancy’s latest single, “Laid Back Kinda Night,” is an upbeat, toe-tapping earworm that is sure to have fans singing along after the first listen.
Hailing from Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, Fancy is the winner of the 2022 East Coast Music Award for Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year and a recent nominee for MusicNL’s Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year (which will be handed out at the end of October).
“The song is about living in the moment, and not caring about what tomorrow brings”, says Fancy, who has quickly proven himself as a masterful songwriter with a unique storytelling ability comparable to such classic country artists as Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. “The song was inspired by a perfect summer night after spending the day on my boat earlier this summer. From day to night, it was just so carefree, and I just left the whole world behind. The next day I picked up the guitar and the song was born.”
The music video was shot in the beautiful community of Green’s Harbour, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, at The Doctors House Inn & Spa.
“The location could not have been more perfect,” says Justin. “It had an authentic country feel and every location on the property felt like it could be on a postcard.”
Fancy’s star has been on the rise since he started releasing music in early 2020. His debut album, “Sure Beats A Good Time,” which debuted at #3 on the iTunes Canada Country chart, garnered Fancy both Country Artist of the Year and Rising Star of the Year at the 2020 MusicNL Awards. His single “Makes Me Wanna” became a Top 50 Canadian Country Radio Billboard hit, peaking at #42 on the chart. “Makes Me Wanna” also grabbed the #1 Spot on Sirius XM Radio’s CBC Country Playlist for three consecutive weeks. His most recent single release, “Better Than You,” released in April 2022, also held the #1 Spot on the Sirius XM/CBC playlist for five weeks.
Justin has also quickly gained accolades for his dynamic live performances, sharing the stage with such artists as Brett Kissel, Meghan Patrick, Robin Ottolini, and The Reklaws.
“Laid Back Kind of Night” is the second single from Justin’s forthcoming sophomore studio record, due in Spring 2023.
Watch the video for “Laid Back Kind of Night” below, and learn more about Justin Fancy via our interview.
You just released a music video for your latest single, “Laid Back Kinda Night.” What can you tell us about the song and the video?
The video was an absolute blast to shoot in one of my favorite places, the Doctors House Inn & Spa. When I wrote the song, I pictured being on the property and spending the night away from all the noise of life. The song is all about living for the moment, getting away from what life throws at you, and living for the night. The concept around the song originally came from a day on Conception Bay when I was boating. It was a beautiful day, very tranquil, and I just had this idea in my head about getting away and living for the moment.
“Laid Back Kinda Night” is the second single from your forthcoming sophomore album, due out early next year. How will the new music be different from songs from your debut album, “Sure Beats A Good Time”?
Well, to start, my debut album was written and recorded at the height of the pandemic, and the album was recorded 100% remotely through Facetime and Messenger. This time my producer and I can work with each other in person, and we are taking a slightly different approach to the production. We both feel the songs are better developed and stronger overall. I’ll be delivering some real bangers to my fans on the new album!
Congratulations on recently winning Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year at the 2022 East Coast Music Awards. Can you tell us how you felt when you heard your name announced and what the award means to you?
It was a very surreal moment, and a moment I’ll never forget. It was toward the end of the night when they announced the Fans Choice awards, and I remember feeling a little down about not winning any of the previous awards I had been nominated for. When they announced my name, I was not expecting it at all. The best part about winning the award was that they announced Mallory Johnson’s win right after me, winning Fans Choice Video of The Year, which was very special for both of us, being from the same hometown of Conception Bay South.
You are also currently nominated for MusicNL’s Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year. Are Fan’s Choice awards more meaningful for you, and why?
They certainly are. These types of awards tell the tale for me that people are listening to my music and like what I am doing as an artist, which is all you can ever ask for.
Let’s turn the clock back a few years and talk about your start in Country music. You didn’t release your first single until 2020, after many years of playing on the live circuit in St. John’s. Can you tell us about your journey into country music and how that unfolded?
There were many years I had all the desire to record and release music, but the timing wasn’t right, and I’m so glad I held off until I felt I was ready. I had always loved and gravitated toward country music, and it’s something I was connected to from the time I picked a guitar at the age of 13. I always had a knack for entertaining, especially when I started to expand my repertoire. Playing cover songs on George Street and all over the Province helped me really develop as a performer and entertainer, but it wasn’t until late 2019 that I realized it was time and that I had enough material written to give it a legitimate shot.
Meeting my producer, Clint Curtis, really changed my life. He was able to interpret and replicate the ideas I was hearing in my mind and the way I wanted these songs to sound. As each song was produced, the better we had gotten. Once we got 2-3 songs into the album, I got some extra motivation and inspiration from how well I knew the project was going and wrote some songs that ended up on the record during the recording process. Some of those songs will also be on the EP in the Spring of 2023. Do I regret not pursuing this earlier in my life? No, not at all. I think everything happens for a reason, and I’m happy I waited this out until I felt I was really ready to pursue a career in country music.
Were you surprised at how quickly your career started to take off after your first couple of single releases?
Yes certainly. More surprised at the reaction around the industry once I started developing relationships with radio. To have songs that I had written from my debut album compete with the best in Canadian country music was very eye-opening for me and certainly motivated me to keep it going. I knew we had the high-quality production needed for radio, but I didn’t ever think my lyrics/songs would be recognized at the level they have been.
I have worked so hard to really dig in and learn the ropes of the industry here in Canada, but I wouldn’t be where I am today without my small but very effective and experienced team. I had a plan from the beginning and have achieved so much in such little time. I am forever grateful to be able to pursue this dream with people around me who dedicate themselves to my craft and believe in me.
Any advice for country artists just starting out? What did you learn the hard way that they can avoid?
I think the biggest advice I would give to country artists starting out would be to network and develop relationships whenever and wherever you can. Establishing relationships with radio and industry folk is crucial to your success and will help you down the road. Put in the work to understand how the business works and be patient. You’ll be respected for that. If there’s anything I would change about my approach, it would be launching a career in the middle of a pandemic! Don’t do that! Although, I’m quite happy with the results thus far.
Name two Canadian Country artists you think more people should pay attention to right now (other than yourself).
I saw Jade Eagleson perform in Toronto a couple of weekends ago at the Budweiser Stage, and I have to say this kid is a star. I was so impressed with his stage presence and ability to work the crowd, not to mention his songs are undeniable. Another artist that I think is going to really bud soon is my pal, Mallory Johnson. She’s releasing a new album this month, and I think ya’ll should definitely check it out and keep an eye out for her.
If you could collaborate with any Canadian artist who would it be and why? (doesn’t have to be a country artist)
Good Question. I have always admired what Alan Doyle has done for both Newfoundland and the country. From the Great Big Sea days to his very successful solo career, I have followed Alan and would love to collaborate with him one of these days. If I could have 1/10th of his stage presence, I’d be a very successful performer.
Looking ahead to 2023 and the new album, what are some things on your musical bucket list?
Touring is on my musical bucket list for 2023. It will be the first year I will be able to dig in hard and hit the road to promote my music. I’d love to be invited onto a national tour, and I would love to play a lot of country festivals next year. Shows are in the works, and I can’t wait to get out and see all the country music fans out there!
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