We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, why did you pursue a creative career?
Because I love music and guitars. I like to make music and I can put all of my emotions into my music. Whether I am happy, sad, depressed, or excited, I can express it through my music. I feel like I know music and music knows me. We have a deep connection.

Person playing guitar on an outdoor stage with microphones and speakers, under a metal canopy, against a clear sky.

Young person playing electric guitar outdoors, focused on performance, with trees and equipment in background.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I just released my debut single, “I Wanna Be Famous,” and it’s now available on all major streaming platforms.
This song is about having the courage to chase your dreams, not worrying about what other people think, and doing what you truly love. I feel like what sets me apart from other kids is that I already knew what I wanted to do when I was ten years old. Since then, I’ve been working as hard as I can to make that dream come true. Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky to have so many amazing people who believe in me and support my journey. One thing I’ve learned is to never pass up an opportunity. You never know where one opportunity might lead or what door it could open next. I truly believe that opportunities are connected, and each one can lead you to something even bigger.

Two musicians perform on stage with colorful lights and a large screen behind them, one playing guitar and singing, the other singing.

Young person playing an electric guitar on stage with a microphone, music equipment, and a large screen in the background.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them hiking to the Wave Cave and Hole in the Rock. Stroll the streets of downtown Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix checking out all the cool local vibes and restaurants. Take them to a Suns, Cardinals, or Diamondbacks game depending on the season. Hit up the authentic Chinese restaurants in the Asian district in Mesa. Take them to Andretti Indoor Karting, Fat Cats for bowling, and Puttshack or Popstroke (or both haha). Another favorite place of mine is Pecan Lake so I would take them there to go down the long waterslides. On the weekend we would head to Sedona to some of my favorite trails.

Two people standing indoors, one holding a star-shaped award, smiling at the camera.

Two young girls holding toy musical instruments, one with a toy guitar and the other with a toy electric guitar, standing against a plain background.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom is my rock. She is my biggest influence, supporter, and fan. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have started playing guitar.

Instagram: @justincaterinaofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinjcaterina

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@justinjcaterina

Other: TikTok: @justincaterinaofficial

Group of children and adults on stage holding guitars, with red and black background banners, some raising hands.

Young boy holding a white electric guitar on a baseball field, with stadium and scoreboard in background.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.