Saturday was a busy day for JJ Shiplett, with 2 performances at Boots & Hearts, and a hang out with us before the music began.
If you aren't familiar with JJ, now is the time for you to start listening to his well toned, gravely voiced redhead. On both the main stage and the SiriusXM popup in the VIP, JJ showed the Boots & Hearts fans what he brings to the party.
On the main stage, early in the afternoon with the sun high in the sky, JJ came out with the band and rolled through some of our favourite tracks from his Something To Believe In album. And as the songs played we saw fans singing and dancing - and JJ was happy to shout out the people in the crowd that he saw wearing JJ Shiplett t-shirts.
While we were hanging out before the show we asked for an update since our last chat back in November... and there's been a bunch going on for JJ.
1) He got married (so congrats again to him on that).
2) His honeymoon starts Sunday.
3) He's played shows in Toronto, Cavendish Beach, Calgary Stampede, and more.
4) He's been writing songs for a second album, with special attention being paid to creating tracks that come together to make the best album he has in him, and that are fun to play on stage for him and the band and the fans.
We've had the opportunity to see JJ Shiplett perform in small clubs and the big stage, and we've talked to him about connecting with the fans that show up. He thrives off of that vibe, and loves the way a small room can feel when the music is hitting everyone - and he's looking forward to feeling that in his bones at big festival shows at Boots & Hearts. And while we didn't talk to him after the show, we did see people connecting with JJ's music on Saturday. And we saw the singing along that we love to see, and that he's still sometimes amazed by.
With the band killing it behind him, JJ had the opportunity to truly show off what he has created with his first album. The voice, the style, and everything that makes him unique in the current country music climate were on display - and we're happy for him that he got that chance.
Shiplett told us that he knows nothing is guaranteed to him or anyone else in this business, so he's happy to work hard and strike while the iron is hot. With that in mind, don't be surprised if you see more shows and tour dates and album planning announced after JJ and his wife celebrate their well deserved honeymoon!
JJ Shiplett, Boots & Hearts 2017 Setlist
