EPISODE · Dec 31, 2025 · 1H 35M
Justin Singleton: From Metal Riffs to Country Twang (and the Real Business of Gigging) | The Shift with Mike & Joe — EP 25
from The Shift with Mike & Joe · host The Shift with Mike & Joe
🎙️ Justin Singleton: From Metal Riffs to Country Twang (and the Real Business of Gigging) | The Shift with Mike & Joe — EP 25 In Episode 25 of The Shift with Mike & Joe, we sit down with Justin Singleton — a Maryland-based country artist with roots in Kent County and a background that includes heavy rock/metal guitar, classic country influences, and years of learning the grind of gigging the hard way. We get into what most people don’t see: the behind-the-scenes reality of working as a full-time working musician. Justin breaks down how he thinks about booking, pricing, responding fast to venues, tips vs. base pay, and why the “just show up and play” myth is exactly that — a myth. We also talk gear and workflow (yes, the humble cart gets the respect it deserves), plus how community, consistency, and staying positive play a bigger role than most people realize. We also preview the upcoming classic country tribute show on February 21 and trade stories about tribute sets, artist picks, and why those shows are some of the most fun you can have as a local musician. If you’re a musician, a creative, or anyone trying to turn a passion into a real business — this one’s for you. ⸻ 🔗 Connect with Justin Singleton • Website: justinsingletonmusic.com • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/22qJ35RI4cGwc6n6xtNIkC • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustinSingletonMusic • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justinsingletonmusic • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinsingletonmusic • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinsingletonmusic ⸻ 🎧 Listen + Follow The Shift with Mike & Joe • Website: www.theshiftwithmikeandjoe.com • YouTube: @TheShiftwithMikeandJoe (full episode link in the comments on the post) • Podbean: joer7.podbean.com • Facebook: @theshiftwithmikeandjoe • Instagram: @theshiftwithmikeandjoe • TikTok: @theshiftwithmikeandjoe ⸻ 🎸 Connect with Mike & Joe Image & Sound Media (Joe) • Website: https://imagesoundmedia.com Kent Island Academy of Music (Mike) • Facebook: @kentislandacademyofmusic ⸻ If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with a friend who loves live music, local artists, and real creative-business talk.
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What this episode covers
Episode 25 features Justin Singleton — Eastern Shore country artist, full-time working musician, and longtime friend of the show. We talk about his path from growing up in rural Kent County to building a music career across Maryland, Delaware, DC, and beyond, plus the behind-the-scenes realities of making a living as a solo performer: booking gigs, staying responsive, choosing the right venues, managing gear, and not relying on tips to make your night. Justin opens up about his early influences (from heavy rock/metal to Southern rock and country), how he found his voice as a singer after years of being “just a guitarist,” and why authenticity matters more than trends. We also get into the local music scene, the economics of bar gigs vs. private events, and why tribute shows are one of the best ways for musicians to collaborate, reconnect, and have fun. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, some real talk about the grind, and a few practical takeaways for anyone trying to turn a passion into a profession. Guest: Justin Singleton Website: justinsingletonmusic.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/22qJ35RI4cGwc6n6xtNIkC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustinSingletonMusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justinsingletonmusic
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Justin Singleton: From Metal Riffs to Country Twang (and the Real Business of Gigging) | The Shift with Mike & Joe — EP 25
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