As the world anticipates the star-studded return of The Muppet Show this February on ABC and Disney+, rock singer-songwriter Justin Faulknor is proving that the spirit of Jim Henson’s artistry is alive and well in the indie music scene. This month, Faulknor unveils the music video for his new single “Girl Like You,” a production that redefines the term labor of love. While the upcoming Seth Rogen-produced Muppet special brings the icons back to the big screen, Faulknor has spent the last year independently designing, sewing, and building an entire cast of original puppets to bring his sixties-inspired rock track to life.
A lifelong admirer of Henson’s legacy, Faulknor transformed his creative space into a puppet workshop. Drawing on his background in film and television production from Sheridan College, he took on the monumental task of storyboarding the narrative, designing characters, and hand-crafting ten unique puppets from scratch. From the initial doodles to the final hand-stitched costumes and tiny, puppet-sized musical instruments, the project serves as a masterclass in DIY creative independence. To ensure the authenticity of the movement, Faulknor even sought guidance from seasoned puppeteers, including Jogchem Jalink of Sesamstraat, to capture that specific “Henson-esque” soul.
The song itself, “Girl Like You,” is a vibrant, tongue-in-cheek ode to classic rock storytelling. Steeped in the timeless grooves of The Beatles and Bob Dylan, the track features tight musicianship from session players Federico Cremoli and Sammy Dumanauw, balancing a vintage sixties sound with Faulknor’s modern wit. It is the lead single from his full-length album, ‘Far From Home,’ a collection of songs written during the isolation of the pandemic. The album explores the duality of feeling adrift while clinging to a sense of hope – a sentiment that mirrors the resilient, joyful spirit of the Muppet characters Faulknor grew up idolizing.
By acting as director, set builder, lead puppeteer, and editor, Faulknor has created a visual love letter to the era of practical effects and whimsical storytelling. At a time when digital effects dominate the landscape, his “Girl Like You” video is a refreshing reminder of the power of handmade artistry.
Both the single and the album ‘Far From Home’ are available now on all streaming platforms, offering a warm, nostalgic, and deeply sincere experience for fans of classic rock and the enduring magic of puppetry alike.