Sugarshine Interview: Talking With Justin’e Hatfield

Последнее обновление: 6 декабря 2023 г.

Meet Sugarshine, whose music style is what they like to call “Southern Reggae.” They’re part of the rapid growing reggae movement in South Carolina. Their incorporation of rock and blues, gives their unique music style a combination of Southern Hospitality and Irie Vibes!

Sugarshine’s vocalist and acoustic guitarist, Justin’e Hatfield took some time to chat with the Altwire family about what’s in store for the band.

AltWire [Omayra Lopez]: For those who haven’t yet heard of you, can you please tell us a little about yourself, your musical style and any other fun facts?

Justin’e Hatfield [Sugarshine]: Our style is pretty much southern reggae, as only Chris, our lead player is the only one to have been to Jamaica many times and felt the culture, others and myself just find the connection to the vibe through melodies and message of love and struggle.

AltWire [Omayra Lopez]: Was music a part of your life growing up?

Justin’e Hatfield: Yes music was a huge part of each one of our lives, we’ve all played from early ages and in many different bands and styles. We like to think that’s what gives us such a unique sound is our rock and blues roots.

AltWire [Omayra Lopez]: What’s your writing process like?

Justin’e Hatfield: Most of the time our writing process is jamming ‘til we feel a good one, or other times someone will present something to the band and we work on structure and lyrics, and let the song develop over a period of time. We are always finding new ways to make it what we want.

AltWire [Omayra Lopez]: For your album, Better Days, how did you decide which songs went into it, and which didn’t?

Justin’e Hatfield: At that time it was our first CD, we wanted to pretty much get out what we had, and since then even those songs have evolved, where many people would have put out a 4 song demo we just had too many and couldn’t decide so we went with what we had tight at the time, next full album is sure to be fire!

AltWire [Omayra Lopez]: What have been your most unusual/strangest experiences while on tour or during a show?

Justin’e Hatfield: I wouldn’t say we’ve had really strange experiences yet, although I’m sure they are coming, but we tend to see little ones at our shows. Seeing as 3 of us have kids, we love to be able to see our kids there too, we are huge on family and wanting everyone to be able to have a great time!

AltWire [Omayra Lopez]: What personal hobbies do you enjoy when you’re home or off the stage?

Justin’e Hatfield: We all love to just hang out, its super cool to be best friends instead of just band mates. We get together and celebrate birthdays, Christmas and football games. We are just a big crazy family!

AltWire [Omayra Lopez]: What advice would you give up and coming artists?

Justin’e Hatfield: The advice we could give is just try! You’ll never do anything unless you try! And you are good enough, no matter what scene, style, or genre they try to put you in, do what feels good and makes you happy!

AltWire [Omayra Lopez]: What’s in store for the near future?

Justin’e Hatfield: Oh we have no idea what’s in store but we are ready. Small goals is just to grow as a band and put out the next album and give our fans and friends something to be proud about. Also trying to keep pushing our Make A Wave foundation to reach and help as many kids as possible!

AltWire [Omayra Lopez]: Is there a message you would like to send to your fans and our readers?

Justin’e Hatfield: Yes, we would love to tell our friends and family we love them, and to thank them for standing by us in the pursuit of our dream, to the readers thank you so much for taking your time to read this, dream big, love always, and have fun! Much love!