About Justin

Biography

Justin Howell is a Cleveland-based producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose synth-forward, analog-polished sound defies easy categorization. With over two decades of creative momentum, Justin has built a career spanning songwriting, session work, beat-making, and experimental audio design, guided by a fascination with melody, texture, and the warm character of real gear.

Justin first toyed with his mom’s keyboard as a child and began playing saxophone in fourth grade at school. He started producing and releasing music at 15 after experimenting with songwriting earlier, though he began fleshing out full songs a bit later. From those experiences, he gravitated toward the energy of alternative rock and the hook-driven sensibility of power pop. He drew inspiration from artists like Ben Folds Five and nodded to big-beat pioneers such as the Chemical Brothers. Self-taught on piano, guitar, drums, and synthesizers, he immersed himself in both DAW-based workflows and hands-on hardware, eventually amassing a small collection of outboard gear that fuels his blend of analog polish and modern production.

Over the past decade Justin has refined his craft in his home studio under luminaries such as Ben Folds, Craig Finn, and Chris Messina. His most recent EP, released in February 2025, showcased his ability to balance raw emotional honesty with pristine sonic detail. He is now writing material for a full-length album that will combine his quirky indie-rock songwriting with grand production textures. He is also exploring partnerships for an analog-focused recording experience.

Beyond writing and producing, Justin is committed to community building. He created BeatBond.app, a platform designed to connect musicians around the world. Whether he sculpts tape loops on vintage decks or develops code alongside AI, Justin Howell continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a modern musician, with craftsmanship, storytelling, and a passion for sound at the core of his work.

Musical Style

Justin's musical style weaves together the driving hooks of alternative and power pop with lush synth textures and warm analog color. He favors syncopated sequences on polyphonic synths, layered with punchy guitar riffs and emotional drums. His production balances clarity and grit, using tape saturation, subtle modulation, and spacious reverbs to create depth without losing momentum. Across tracks you'll hear melodic basslines, chordal synth pads, and dynamic song structures that shift between intimate verses and anthemic choruses.

Artistic Vision

At the heart of Justin's artistic vision is a desire to craft immersive soundscapes that feel both nostalgic and forward-looking. He aims to bridge the gap between handcrafted analog warmth and modern songwriting sensibilities, inviting listeners into worlds defined by emotional honesty and textural richness. Whether through a quiet piano ballad or a driving synth-rock anthem, his work aspires to connect people through shared feelings of nostalgia, exploration, and the joy of genuine musical expression.