Many bands and artists struggle over names for their albums. But when it came time for Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Nozuka [ tickets ] to think of a title for his debut, "Holly," it was a no-brainer.

"I decided, like, 20 seconds after thinking about an album name," he said about the album named after his mother, Holly Sedgwick, the sister of actress Kyra.

"It popped in my head and felt perfect. My mom was so supportive during the whole process. I was doing it independently and she really supported me and helped me out during the recording process, as far as all the financial stuff. I was just out of high school. I didn't have any money. That was a huge move for her to do. Also, just because she's my mom. I was going through a time where I started to really understand, 'Wow. My mother has done a lot for me, including bringing me into this world.' She's a great woman."

Driving through San Francisco while chatting on the phone, the VH1-approved Nozuka told LiveDaily that, now that his album is picking up momentum, he hopes to inspire listeners.

"For me, when I listen to a new artist, the greatest experience I can have is almost an epiphany," said Nozuka, 19. "I'm listening to something that is new and fresh and I'm excited about it. As an artist myself, that's my dream--to make music that would cause that reaction."

On his first headlining tour of the United States, Nozuka will have the opportunity to potentially garner that reaction. Nozuka, who appeared on "Degrassi: The Next Generation," recently wrapped up a US jaunt with Eric Hutchinson.

"That US tour was my favorite tour of all," Nozuka said. "We've done a lot of European stuff, a lot of UK stuff and Canada stuff. The American tour was by far my favorite. It just felt so much cozier and my music came across so much more. I think people understood it a little bit more. I just felt there's a lot more soul here.

"It's beautiful and it's incredible. It's such a soul aspect here. I can't put my finger on it. There's a vibe where it almost feels like home."

• Get real-time updates on Twitter
• Visit us at Facebook