By Valentina Saavedra
Justin Hines – City Roots Festival – Image © V. Saavedra '09
Some say Angels are something of a mystery and definitely something outside of this realm, but I know one, and he’s flesh and bone and all courage. Justin Hines is the amazingly talented up and coming Canadian singer/songwriter, born and raised in Newmarket, Ontario. Maybe you’ve heard of him, but if you haven’t I’ll tell you why you should consider getting to know him…
When I first met Justin Hines I had just had the pleasure of hearing him sing live on the lawn of Sick Children’s Hospital and his rendition of his ever popular song “Say what you will” literally brought me to tears. I wasn’t having a particularly difficult day, nor do I consider myself an overtly sensitive person, there was just something so clean and beautiful about his rendition accompanied by a guitar that it struck a place in my heart I didn’t know existed. And at that moment when I had the opportunity to say hello and shake his hand for the first time I felt completely at peace. He does that to people I hear… I’ll explain…
I sat down with him to discuss the details of his life and one of his greatest passions, his music. And yet, when I began to write about his career I felt compelled to talk about the artist and not the song. And that’s because Justin is so much more than just a talented singer and poet. No one can deny that his growing popularity which has stemmed from appearances on CMT and Much Music amongst some is a subject of great discussion, yet once you get to know him you understand that to Hines, music is only part of the big equation. We discussed how often people want to speak to him about his work, but I felt compelled to know the man behind the music. Because I sensed something special there, like a beautifully wrapped gift and I couldn’t help but take a peek
- Justin Hines – City Roots Festival – Image © V. Saavedra ’09
Justin suffers from a rare genetic joint condition called Larsen Syndrome, which keeps him in a wheelchair unable to walk. His joints dislocate often. But his voice soars… his songs speak of hope, love and dreams. He has the courage one can only dream of having. He’s a hero to many and an inspiration to all.
His newest single “Say what you Will” begins with the line “And if I were to die today, my life would be more than ok…” and the more I got to know him, the more I understood that he sings the truth about his own life. The video was filmed on the streets of Toronto with everyday people speaking from their hearts. And Justin speaks from his heart; his voice has no limits, his hope no boundaries. We often talk about people wearing their hearts on their sleeve – but for Justin – it’s his soul. Without the fear so many of us have in being true to ourselves, he challenges the status quo, he inspires those who feel they cannot go on – to see hope. And in spending time with him and his beautiful wife Savanna – and in listening to him speak about life and about how lucky he is I am amazed, I am inspired but most of all, I am humbled.
I asked him how he felt about having the ability to live his dream… I asked him how he did it, and he told me that we have no choice; we must live our dream or risk not living at all. His wicked sense of humour makes everything seem unimportant except those things that really matter… he has perspective. He is filled with light and you’ll be blinded by it believe me, those who hear his message will be lifted by his unwavering hope.
Oh and his music? Well, it’s amazingly beautiful no doubt… fluent poetry blended with a voice that resembles Cat Stevens and James Taylor combined. Justin has a bright future that will indeed light so many paths on his way to commercial success. He has also founded the Justin Hines Foundation, which provides support and advocacy to individuals who deal with Physical and emotional barriers in their everyday lives.
Here’s what Justin has to say about his Foundation:
“I’ve come to realize that true fulfillment begins with believing that each one of our lives can serve a purpose for the greater good. At this point in my journey, I feel honoured to be in a position where I can combine my passion for music with my desire to spread a message of love on a large scale. I feel it is my duty as a human being to at least attempt giving back as much as I have taken from this Earth. This is a lofty goal but I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of unselfishly assisting those who desire and deserve help. I, like many others, simply want to help.”
Justin Hines – City Roots Festival – Image © V. Saavedra '09
For more about the Justin Hines Foundation and to catch Justin Hines videos, tunes and news visit the Justin Hines Community. His latest Album “Chasing Silver” is already making waves in the Canadian Music scene, but why wouldn’t it? Hines is… after all, one of a kind.
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