CJ Hooper is looking for paradise in his new release, Yonderer
By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine
A staccato acoustic guitar beats out the rhythm of the road as CJ Hooper explores the vast American country side in his new single, Yonderer. Pulled from the album by the same name, Hooper creates a song that generates a restless, roaming feel to illustrate how his songwriting reflects his surroundings. Distorted electric slide guitar punctuates the country blues verses as Hooper is “searching for Paradise Road.” Looking out beyond the road, the band kicks into gear with a strong snare back beat and a repetitive chugging chord progression illuminating the endless road.
CJ Hooper is a Pacific Northwest based country singer/songwriter with deep Texas roots. Music has been a constant presence in his life from childhood piano lessons to picking up the guitar in his early teens. Raised on a steady diet of classic country thanks to his parents’ cassette collection, Hooper wore out recordings by Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and the Charlie Daniels Band, laying the foundation for his traditional yet personal sound.
While attending Texas A&M University, Hooper was immersed in the thriving Texas live music scene and influenced by artists such as Jason Boland, Cory Morrow, Mike McClure, Pat Green, and Todd Snider. After graduating college, he spent several years living and working across multiple states in the golf course maintenance industry before eventually settling in western Washington, for cooler summers and easy access to the outdoors. It wasn’t long before songwriting became a serious pursuit ultimately leading him to record his own music.
Hooper’s sophomore album, Over Yonder with a release date of February 6, 2026, follows his 2025 debut release, Primero. Over Yonder, reflects a continued evolution in his songwriting, driven by a desire to challenge himself creatively while staying grounded in the simple joy of turning a song idea into its final form.