Justin McHugh

“I hope to continue to be part of many different projects,” says Justin McHugh, a 21-year-old Toronto born drummer who is quickly making his mark on Toronto's competitive music scene.

“My passion for drums began at an early age after hearing the soul and energy drummers like Erik Sandin, John Bonham can bring to a tune” Justin’s energy filled and open minded approach to drumming has made him to be very versatile in many different styles including, Rock, Jazz, Reggae, Afro-Beat, DnD, hip-hop and many others. “My passion for music led me to enroll in the renowned music program at Humber College where I’m currently studying with Larnell Lewis and Calvin Beale”

Along with studying at Humber College Justin has been writing and recording many different drum grooves for a collaborative EP he is working on with Montreal hip-hop producer L-Spexs and many other artists around Ontario.

“I have been very fortunate to be a part of many different groups and bands that give me the opportunity to express my passion for drummers and allows me to express my versatile playing.”

“One group I am a part of is an acoustic Folk Band from Toronto. We actually just finished recording our first album in the summer which was produced by the Cowboy Junkies lead Vocalist/Song Writer Michael Timmins. Which was really exciting for me, Michael Timmins actually said to me “You have a really nice touch on the drums” The album is planned on being released in early 2015.

He is also a part of Glass Act, a jazz quintet that is greatly inspired by artist such as Emillie Claire and Nikki Yanofsky. They have played for many different weddings and corporate events and also have performed at many different restaurants around the GTA. “Playing jazz allows me to bring out the more artistic side of my drumming; I get to create many different colours and textures to form this beautiful sounding piece of music.”

Justin’s favourite group to play in is Butter. Butter is a group that is inspired by such artist and band as Chris Dave, Mark Guiliana, and The Roots. They plays mainly instrumental music but also is used as a backup band for different rap artist including J.Soul, L-Spexs and Dumsaint. Butter is planning on releasing their first full length album this coming summer that will feature many different rap artists from around Canada.

“I hope to continue to be part of many different projects that will test my musical skill sets as a dr