Justin Wiles
Gig Seeker Pro

Justin Wiles

Band Folk Acoustic

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


This band has no press

Discography

1. Pictures of a Richer Time and Place: A Collection of Early Demo Recordings (2004)
2. Songs From Iowa & Lime (2005)
3. Summit Bend EP (2006)
4. The Old Balladeer (2006)
5. Reticent Alien (2006)

All of the above albums are available to stream on www.justinwiles.net.

Photos

Bio

Justin Wiles has been writing songs on the guitar since about 1994. He spent the years leading up to the early 21st century honing his songwriting abilities, constantly striving to find a unique and original sound while preserving the hints of influence offered by so many of his favorite established songwriters.

Justin began recording his vast catalogue of original material on a digital 8-track in 2003. His recorded works began as those of a minimalist, calling to mind the early works of two of his heroes: Bob Dylan and Elliott Smith. As he grew more experienced with the 8-track, he utilized more tracks and incorporated numerous instrumental arrangements as well as vocal layers and harmonies, making his sound reminiscent of Andrew Bird or--Justin's own idol--Harry Nilsson.

Justin's live performances are intimate, special experiences for his audience. The dynamic quality of his songs means the mood or "vibe" of the crowd is constantly shifting and adapting to the evening's soundtrack. One moment the audience is still and quiet during the sustained high notes of the delicate song "Pioneer", the next moment they are energetically cheering the 7th verse of the Jonny Cash-esque "Trottin' Song". Justin's live performances alternate between quiet and loud, playful and sad; he is ever intent on steering his crowd away from monotonous expectation to an experience more akin to a "story hour" than a live show.

Fans of Justin's live performances have called him "a one-man Wilco" and "Bright Eyes, with better songs". Many of his songs are regularly requested by repeat show-goers, such as the lyrical fairy tale "Benjamin Bumbleby (is in Space)" and its Bowie-inspired sequel "Benjamin Bumbleby Fell to Earth", the lullaby "Good Night", and the oft-closer with an extremely catchy refrain: "At the End of the Story", a song which many have likened to the "folk/punk" sound established on the indie classic "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" by Neutral Milk Hotel.

Justin has recorded 4 albums and 1 EP. He is currently at work on writing and recording his 5th LP. His 2nd album, "Songs From Iowa & Lime" is based on actual life experiences he had when he returned to his hometown of Lakeland, FL in his mid-20's (living at the intersection of Iowa & Lime). It was recorded in one week and includes a number of songs often requested at shows, such as "Triple Hotel", "Practical Joker" and "Body Language", a love song about a silent affair. Justin's 3rd album, "The Old Balladeer" is about a fictional troubadour who is in the twilight of his life and looking back on it with profound regret. The old balladeer is the subject of the ever-popular live favorite "Trottin' Song", an 8-minute cautionary tongue twister in which the dying, alcoholic songster tells the story of his careless career as he journeys to hell, his final destination.

Justin moved to Austin, TX in mid-2005 and has been writing, recording, and playing various shows in the live music capital of the world since. He is a multi-instrumentalist, incorporating mandolin, bells, whistles, piano, harmonica and percussion into his recorded works. He began learning piano at the age of 6, violin at the age of 12, and guitar at 13.

Justin's goal is to connect with people on an emotional and spiritual level through shared musical experiences, and his songs are an ever-developing testament to the devotion he applies toward that goal. He is on a constant search to find new and fresh ways of encouraging us to embrace the wide spectrum of thoughts and emotions we frequently forget to notice when we are being entertained.

Justin was born on May 7, 1981 in Largo, FL.