Born and raised in Leamington, ON, Justin Latam (known locally as the “barefoot musician”) has been charming audiences since 2006. In 2015, he left his day job (and shoes) behind to follow a path of a working musician and songwriter. At the end of a last coffee house shift as barista, the shoes came off, the bare feet came out, and he hasn’t looked back since. It was a risky move. Justin and his wife have five children and leaving a steady job meant he would have to work tirelessly at music. From 2015 on, the barefoot musician’s been juggling music and family, playing 100+ shows/year. 2015 also saw the release of his album “Barefoot”. Funding for the album came from the “Barefoot In Your House Tour”. The album charted on Canadian campus radio. This was followed by his acoustic-based EP, “Six”, which he promoted on his Ontario Tour 2018.
Justin tours regularly across Ontario, playing festivals, house concerts, breweries, wineries, bars, restaurants and beyond. Festival appearances include The Kingsville Folk Music Festival (ON), The Gathering (NL), Niagara Pride In the Park (ON), Windsor-Essex Pride Fest (ON), Leamington Tomato Fest (ON), Ruthven Apple Fest (ON), Squirrel Fest (ON). He’s also made several trips down to Nashville to further his craft through workshops, as well as playing in writer’s rounds and a Canadian Showcase.
In 2019, Latam realized a childhood dream when he formed the rock n’ roll band, Justin Latam & The Stride…
Their song, “You Don’t Know Jack!”, was featured in the documentary “Jack’s Garage” (the documentary big pharma doesn’t want you to see), directed by Kim Saltarski. It follows the healing journey of Jack Kungel who beat cancer with cannabis. Justin Latam & The Stride were honoured to help spread the good green word. You can check out the documentary here…
Not content to let their instruments collect dust, Justin Latam & The Stride returned to Sound Foundry Studios, forging 2 new singles that were released in early 2021. These were the riff rocker “Stray Dog” and the groovin’ “Secondhand”.
In the summer of 2021, The Grove Brewhouse featured Justin on their “One Brew Wonders” series. This small batch brew series featured local musicians.
In the summer of 2021, The Grove Brewhouse featured Justin on their “One Brew Wonders” series. This small batch brew series featured local musicians.
With the momentum of a busy summer of music, Justin decided the time was right to release a solo single. In October, “Low Hangin’ Fruit” dropped.
When not out making music, Justin is a family man, spending time with his large crew. His wife is an amazing woman who believes and encourages him. When his head is in the clouds, she reminds him to keep his bare feet on the ground.
When not out making music, Justin is a family man, spending time with his large crew. His wife is an amazing woman who believes and encourages him. When his head is in the clouds, she reminds him to keep his bare feet on the ground.
Testimonials
“He is a fine songwriter. Justin has a wonderful sense of humour and his love of life is felt in every song. I feel he was born to be an entertainer. When you listen to his lyrics you will see that this old world is an okay place to be.
P.S. We should all definitely go barefoot more.” – Dale Butler, Folk Musician
“Justin Latam sings barefoot but he sounds very comfortable in his shoes. Original and captivating lyrics…and he sings them like a dream. Love his voice!” –Vesna M. Bailey, Author, OMNI Publishing
“Justin Latam is a family man. His music proves that. He’s the father of thoughtful tunes. Get to know him…” - Vernon Wiley, Owner of Vernon’s Tap and Grill
“He is a fine songwriter. Justin has a wonderful sense of humour and his love of life is felt in every song. I feel he was born to be an entertainer. When you listen to his lyrics you will see that this old world is an okay place to be.
P.S. We should all definitely go barefoot more.” – Dale Butler, Folk Musician
“Justin Latam sings barefoot but he sounds very comfortable in his shoes. Original and captivating lyrics…and he sings them like a dream. Love his voice!” –Vesna M. Bailey, Author, OMNI Publishing
“Justin Latam is a family man. His music proves that. He’s the father of thoughtful tunes. Get to know him…” - Vernon Wiley, Owner of Vernon’s Tap and Grill