Justin Smolian from Dirty Honey is this month’s conversation on Groove – The No Treble Podcast.

You can listen the new episode right here: Groove – The No Treble Podcast – Episode #110 – Justin Smolian.

Who is Justin Smolian?

Justin Smolian and his band, Dirty Honey, are back to rock you out with their latest head-turner, Can’t Find The Breaks. Justin’s journey with Dirty Honey is akin to a rock and roll fairy tale, with a twist of gritty realism. Dirty Honey, a band that shot to fame with a no-nonsense, back-to-basics rock sound, found in Justin not just a bassist, but a sonic alchemist. He’s the guy who infuses the band’s sound with a rich bass, songwriting and playing style that brings every era of rock together into something modern. This album sees him straddling the fine line between the classic and the contemporary, plucking out rhythms that resonate with the soul of traditional rock, while flirting outrageously with modern sensibilities. But let’s rewind a bit. Before Dirty Honey, before the whirlwind of rock stardom, Justin was a student of the strings, exploring the vast terrains of the bass… and classical guitar. His early days were a melting pot of influences, a musical smorgasbord that he feasted on, each genre adding a new layer to his playing style. From jazz’s intricate melodies to the pulsating rhythms of funk, he absorbed it all, crafting a style that’s uniquely his. Fast forward to Dirty Honey, and you see these influences manifest in a style that’s as eclectic as it is electrifying. In a world where rock music constantly evolves, Justin is a beacon of both innovation and tradition. His bass playing isn’t just a part of Dirty Honey’s music; it’s the heartbeat, driving the band’s sound with an energy that’s as infectious as it is fun and fresh. His story is one of passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of that perfect groove. Enjoy the conversation…

What is Groove – The No Treble Podcast?

This is an ambitious effort. This will be a fascinating conversation. Our goal at Groove is to build the largest oral history of bass players. Why Groove? Most of the content about the bass revolves around gear, playing techniques, and more technical chatter. For us, bassists are creative artists with stories to tell. They are a force to be reckon with. These are the stories and conversation that we will capture. To create this oral history of why these artists chose the bass, what their creative lives are like, and where inspiration can be found.

Listen in: Groove – The No Treble Podcast – Episode #110 – Justin Smolian.

Are you interested in what’s next? How to decode the future? I publish between 2-3 times per week and then the Six Pixels of Separation Podcast comes out every Sunday. Feel free to subscribe (and tell your friends).