Washington singer CJ Hooper on his sophomore album 'Over Yonder'

Washington-based country singer and songwriter CJ Hooper is drawing on his Texas roots for his second album, Over Yonder, set for release Feb. 6, 2026. SWOMP caught up with CJ for interview to discuss his new album.  Music has been a constant in Hooper’s life, from childhood piano lessons to picking up the guitar in his early teens. He grew up listening to classic country artists such as Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and the Charlie Daniels Band, shaping the traditional yet personal sound that defines his music today. After graduating from Texas A&M University, Hooper immersed himself in the Texas live music scene, influenced by artists including Jason Boland, Cory Morrow, Mike McClure, Pat Green and Todd Snider. He later worked across several states in golf course maintenance before settling in western Washington, drawn by cooler summers and access to the outdoors. Songwriting soon became a serious pursuit, leading Hooper to record his own material. Over Yonder follows his 2025 debut album, Primero, and shows his continued evolution as a songwriter, balancing creative exploration with the simple joy of bringing a song to life. More information is available at cjhoopermusic.com.