SINGER & BASSIST
About
Justin Biltonen blurs the lines between ‘what you see is what you get’ and ‘still waters run deep.’ Southern born and bred, Biltonen is a product of broken-in boots and 90s bests.
Baptized by an adoration for country, rock, punk and hardcore, Justin went from singing in hometown worship groups to traveling the nation playing southern-fried rock n’ roll. Fueled by uncompromising passion and a gypsy soul, Biltonen became a self proclaimed highway-runner. It was on those endless, late night drives that he conjured up the soundtrack from his youth– a mixtape filled with Drive By Truckers, Waylon and Shooter Jennings, Brooks and Dunn, Shenandoah and countless others, which ultimately reignited his love of country music.
"Don't stop working"
Interview
When did you start to get interested in music?
When I was 10
If you were an advertisement, which would your slogan be?
Don’t stop working
Which is the part you enjoy the most about music?
Performing live has always been exciting but I also enjoy song writing a lot.
Most artists say that through their art they learn more about themselves, heal injuries… In which aspects has your journey helped you?
Helps get out emotions for sure, in song writing and in performing it’s an outlet for whatever you’re feeling in the moment.
What does music mean to you?
It’s been my whole life, started when I was 10 and I’m 37 now so music has been the defining aspect of it so far.
Who are your idols?
I never liked the word “idols” but there are a lot of people I look to for guidance and wisdom through family, friends, fellow musicians and historic figures.
If you didn’t like music what would you like to do?
I’m a silversmith on the side so probably throw myself 100% into that other art form. Or something history related.
Do you consider that nowadays there are more or less opportunities for new artists? Why?
Seems like there’s a lot more because of social media. It’s made it a lot easier to get your art into the world and harder at the same time because there’s so many amazing artists doing the same thing.
What would your idyllic life as an artist be like?
Write record perform my songs, hear them on the radio and be able to employ and (pay well) a full time band.
Which are your upcoming projects?
I have a new EP to release titles “Restless” working on the finishing that up and nailing down a release date. As well as constant silver working projects
Projects
Do you want to know more about Justin Biltonen? You can find some projects below.