Hailing from Montreal, Justin Saladino fronts a dynamic, guitar-driven band known for blending rock, blues, folk, funk, and jam into a genre-defying contemporary roots sound. At the heart of every Justin Saladino Band (JSB) performance is Justin’s signature: expressive guitar work, smoky vocals, and songwriting that pushes the boundaries of traditional genres. With a string of acclaimed releases — No Worries, A Fool’s Heart, JSB Live, and Honest Lies — the band has earned a reputation for delivering high-energy, emotionally resonant live shows.
During the isolation of the pandemic, Justin tapped into a new creative vein, crafting songs that expanded the sonic landscape of JSB. The result is Honest Lies, the band’s second full-length studio album, produced by Ariel Posen at Montreal’s Tone Bender Studio and brought to life by an all-star team. A lucky group of fans experienced the album’s full power at its official launch — a memorable performance featuring a six-piece band with special guests Ariel Posen and Brittany Kennell.
Notably, the band performed at Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive At Sea VII cruise. Sharing the stage with Jimmy Vivino, Keb’ Mo’ and Joe Bonamassa, himself.
The band is no stranger to major festivals, having appeared on multiple occasions at the Tremblant International Blues Festival, Montreal International Jazz Festival as well as the Ottawa BluesFest, and Festival d’Été de Québec in 2019. The group also showcased at the bi-annual all-Canadian Blues Summit held in Toronto.
In 2018, the 21st annual Maple Blues Awards nominated the group for New Artist of the Year in Canada. The following year, Blues and Roots Radio acknowledged JSB’s country-crossover tune, “Third Week Of June,” as 2018 Song of the Year under the group category. The band was also selected to represent Quebec and compete with over 200 other acts from around the world at the 2019 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, hosted by The Blues Foundation.
Name:
Justin Saladino Band
Genre:
Blues/Rock
Founded:
I think of it as a soft start 2012 with an EP I released at 16 of mostly covers and some notable shows like Montreal Jazz Fest that followed. But 2016 feels like the real beginning for me, as that year’s EP (No Worries) was all originals.
# of Albums:
3 albums: 2 studio and 1 live. There’s 1 EP, “No Worries” that is still for sale and public, however, there is a less accessible EP from 2012, “Sometimes Called The Blues.”
Latest Album:
Honest Lies
Latest Single:
Fan The Flames (live)
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Jimmy Paige of Led Zeppelin
Favourite musician now:
John Mayer
Guilty pleasure song:
“I Want It That Way” Backstreet Boys. Just impossible for this 1994 kid whose first concert was Backstreet Boys to not get into this one.
Live show ritual:
Less and less ritual as the years go on. Oftentimes, just some vocal and guitar warm-ups + soundcheck warmup, but if I make too big a deal of the ritual and process, I get more in my head.
Favourite local musician:
Ariel Posen. He’s technically from Winnipeg, but since he’s been based here for a few years, I’m claiming him as a local! His playing, songwriting and overall artistry are an inspiration.
EP or LP?
LP. The LP has always been the thing for me. Nothing wrong with an EP, but the LP is the novel, the film, the full story and what I’ve been listening to from all my favourites.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl since a young age. No matter how hard I’ve tried to change it, I’m just wired that way.
Road or studio?
Pretty torn on the two. Love both when both are flowing. But I really LOVE being on stage and in the moment and the feelings that come with performing and experiences on the road.
Any shows or albums coming up?
All shows are on our website. We’ll be in Otterburn Park on November 7th playing new songs for an upcoming release, which is TBD stay tuned!
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Il Focolaio. So so good, plus they have lactose-free cheese for lactose-free me.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Wellington, because it’s become so familiar.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Seemingly random, but Parc Grier in the West Island. I feel like I grew up there with my friends. Purely sentimental.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Place Des Arts is always a great experience.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Musique Diplomate.
