Last year Justin Fabus showed us just how important social media can be when his cover of New Kids on the Block’s “2 in the Morning” was retweeted by fans (Fabus and Blockheads alike) to Donnie Wahlberg. Admiring Justin’s country twist on the NKOTB track, Wahlberg gave his blessing to Justin for an official release, which has resulted in even more amazing opportunities for the Pittsburgh native.
Fast forward to 2020 and Justin continues to make connections and release new music – but this time, his latest single comes right from the heart. After proposing to his girlfriend Julie Grant, he wanted to seal his love for her through music. This sentimental love letter is now his newest single “Forever I Do,” available this Friday, Valentines’ Day. Click here to pre-save.
We caught up with Justin to talk about the song, his relationships with both Grant and the Wahlbergs, and he shared with us some exclusive information!
CN: First and foremost, while some time has passed, please tell us what was going through your mind when you opened for NKOTB in Pittsburgh last year?
JF: All I kept telling myself was make sure you don’t screw up the words because the Blockheads know every single line of this song so don’t let them down.
CN: We talked with you last year when Donnie Wahlberg gave you his blessing to cover their track “2 In the Morning.” How surreal was it to sing that to the Blockhead crowd?
JF: It was unbelievable, and it’s still hard for me to comprehend that I actually did it. Not only did I open for a legendary group like NKOTB, but I did it at the arena in my hometown in front of 20,000 people. As a musician, that’s the stuff you dream to one day have the opportunity to do.
Ever since I can remember, I always dreamt of one day performing at the arena in my hometown. I can’t thank my man @DonnieWahlberg enough for believing in me & giving me that opportunity. Most importantly, #Blockheads! Thank u for welcoming me into ur family with such open arms! pic.twitter.com/l1XLEghrlo
— Justin Fabus (@TheJustinFabus) June 24, 2019
CN: Your connection to Donnie isn’t the only Wahlberg connection you have now. Can you tell us your exciting news regarding Tom Dowd, who for those who aren’t aware is Mark Wahlberg’s business partner for the famous burger franchise Wahlburgers?
JF: Absolutely. I’m very proud to now have Tom Dowd as my manager. He’s an incredible business man and to partner up with him, 2020 is gonna be a big year for sure.
CN: As if all this wasn’t enough to make your 2019 amazing and set up 2020 to be even better – you have even more news! You proposed to your girlfriend Julie Grant last year, whom our readers may know as an anchor on Court TV. Let’s take a trip down memory lane for us romantics – when did you two meet?
JF: I was actually doing a benefit concert for the Tree of Life victims and the Pittsburgh Police last December. At that time, Julie was working for the CBS affiliate in Pittsburgh. She wanted to come to the show, but unfortunately was anchoring the news that night. The next day I may or may have not slipped into her DM’s on Instagram to thank her for the support and the rest is history.
CN: At what moment did you know she was the one?
JF: I knew the moment I met her that she was the most extraordinary woman I had ever met. It’s obvious how stunningly gorgeous she is from just looking at her, but to be honest, her real beauty really lies within. Her passion for kindness and wanting to inspire others was infectious.
CN: How did you go about proposing? How nervous were you?
JF: I took 3 flights and then drove 4 hours through Cancun to surprise her.
I was nervous because the cruise ship she was on was only docked at the port till a certain time. If my flights got delayed or I got lost on the drive there, I would of never made it. I got to the port with an hour to spare, but when I got there I was detained by customs because they initially thought I was trying to bring contraband onto the ship. After showing them the ring and explaining who I was, they luckily escorted me onto the ship just in time.
CN: How is the wedding planning going? Have you set a date?
JF: We are just enjoying being engaged right now and living in the moment so we haven’t set a date just yet.
CN: With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, you are set to further proclaim your love for Julie through the song with “Forever I Do,” your first original release in two years. The song was written as a love letter to Julie, did it come to you very easily?
JF: It came very easily. I think I wrote it in about 30 minutes.
CN: Did you struggle at all because you wanted it to be perfect?
JF: It wasn’t a struggle at all to be honest. Nothing is perfect so I just wrote how I felt and that’s why the song was so easy for me to write. I’m never at a loss for words when I have the opportunity to express my feelings for Julie.
CN: You are also sharing the love with your fans through social media, asking them to submit photos of “Forever I Do” moments in their lives with those they love – partners, parents, children’s, friends. Those moments will then be shared with the song’s music video. How did you come to this wonderful idea?
JF: Without the fans I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I’m so appreciative of their constant support. I wanted to give them the chance to share with the world their special moments of love.
CN: Has a premiere date been set for the video?
JF: I haven’t announced it yet so y’all are getting the inside scoop. We are planning on premiering it on February 21st. A week after the song drops.
CN: With this new single – do you have more new music on the way? Perhaps a new album?
JF: Absolutely. “Forever I Do” will be the first single off an upcoming EP that hopefully will be released later this year.
CN: Fans will be excited to hear that at the end of this month you will be performing with Billy Gilman in Pittsburgh.
JF: I couldn’t be more excited to do a show with Billy in Pittsburgh on the 27th. I’ve been a huge fan of his music for a long time. His voice and his range are ridiculous, and I really respect his drive.
CN: You also have an upcoming benefit concert in California on April 25th for the 57th Street Foundation. Can you tell us a little bit about the organization and why it’s so important to you?
JF: I just love what the 57th Street Foundation is doing. They provide support to people who are in crisis. Whether that’s providing shelter for the homeless or helping a single mother get back on their feet. To be able to raise money and awareness with them for such amazing causes is a real honor.
CN: Time is flying as we’re already a few weeks into not only a new year, but a whole new decade. What do you have on the horizon for 2020?
JF: Once the EP comes out I’ll be hitting the road to support it. I’m really looking forward to playing some new venues we have yet to play.
For more information on Justin Fabus, visit his website at https://justinfabus.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.