By Christopher
Johnson
Later tonight, The Trap Door will welcome local country singer Justin Judge to perform for a downtown audience from 7 PM to 9 PM.
For those unfamiliar with Justin’s story, it’s a rather incredible one. Born and raised in the nearby community of Winn, Justin has become a steady local curiosity. One of those names that keeps coming up in conversation. Whether it’s his old commuters from the transit runs, or local indie organizers at bars like The Cabin. He’s a working-class musician through and through, and his story hits close to home. Quite literally.
That authenticity is the heart behind his hit single, “Me and My Kind (Paycheck to Paycheck),” which chronicles the grind of small-town life in a way that feels familiar to anyone who’s ever punched a clock and chased a dream. It’s that mix of empathy and relatability that keeps country music alive across rural America. People want to hear their stories told with heart. Justin does that effortlessly. He’s a modern-day bard, carrying the same grounded confidence and blue-collar charisma that made legends out of the genre’s arena superstars.
That breakout track, recorded earlier this year in Nashville with The Voice’s Keegan Ferrell, has taken Justin from small-town stages to national attention. The song earned two nominations at the 11th Annual Josie Music Awards: Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year. Out of 86,000 submissions, only 2% earned nominations, making Justin’s achievement all the more impressive.
The music video, filmed at Judge’s Bench Bar in Winn (pure coincidence, no family relation), has already racked up nearly 60,000 YouTube views. It’s helped push his music far beyond Michigan’s borders, gaining listeners as far away as California, Texas, and even overseas. Despite that growing momentum, Justin keeps his boots firmly on the ground. Balancing work, family, and music with the same grit that inspired the song in the first place.
Formerly a driver for Alma Transit, Justin recently transitioned into working as a substitute teacher at Alma High School. A flexible role that gives him time to pursue more shows, festivals, and collaborations. It’s a move that reflects the careful balance he’s striking between practicality and passion. “Working part-time to perform full-time,” as he puts it, has become the golden ratio for this determined musician and songwriter.
He is not always a solo performer though. His music is what brought Ann into his life, who lovingly supports him in all possible ways. She too, is a gifted singer. At nearly every show, Justin will chide his sweetheart to perform with him at least once. She also handles the business side of things, booking shows and managing his social media climate. A true ride-or-die partnership.
With her by his side — both in music and in life — and a baby on the way, Justin’s story feels like something out of a classic country lyric itself. It’s about belief, patience, and persistence. Whether or not he brings home the Josie Award(s) this November, the message is already clear: Justin is winning where it matters most. Which is in connection, craft, and community.
And as for what’s next? Justin hopes to expand his sound in the coming year with a full-band ensemble, bringing his songs to life with even greater depth and energy. Between that and fatherhood, there’s no doubt the creative sparks will be flying.
So, if you’re downtown tonight, drop by The Trap Door Speakeasy and catch his latest performance leading up to Josie Awards coming soon on November 2nd. It could very well be the next stitch in the quilt of a skyrocketing career when he returns from Nashville.
