If you don’t go listen to our new song, your dad’s gay. Which is fine but then it means he MIGHT not be your dad and that’s gonna open up a whole box of worms that you probably dont need in your life right now.
(p.s. for nerds. Primary camera setup : I use an iphone 17 / full cage from neewer/ a 1:55 anamorphic lens from freewell 17mm thread/ 60mm telephoto lens from SandMarc, KnF ND + CPL filter, BlackMagic camera app during filming and I edit with Final Cut Pro and Luma Fusion) 💐💔
The last (almost) 4 years of touring has been packed with full circle moments. Well this has to be the fullest circle- final answer. A decade ago I saw that first Highly Suspect show that inspired me to get into the industry. For the ten year anniversary tour, celebrating that original run and album, I not only got to join- I got to lead. Getting the opportunity to step up in my career specifically for a tour that holds such personal significance was both horrifying and a dream come true. Tour Managing while still juggling drums and bass was a hell of a task but with the support of all the friends and mentors in my life it went just as it should. Can’t wait to start 2026 in New Zealand with you all!
-
1/2- If you want to live a memorable life, you throw the fuckin cake. 📸: Josh Beech
3- Getting to watch my hero’s, now friends, rippin each night is always such an honor.
4- Took the gang out bowling for a little corporate Christmas party. I lost majority of the games, but maybe had the best lefty round.
5- Bus Christmas Tree
6- More Rippin. Being Ryan’s touring drum tech was my original dream when I decided I wanted to get into all of this. Ten years ago I told my roommates it was going to happen, and it sure as shit did.
7- Kylie with the immaculate Christmas vibes despite us always shitting on the weird AI goofs.
8- “TELL SEAN JOHN GIGGLIONI TO GIVE ME……… RESPECT” - Wasted Kyle.
9- Bruce and I constantly snacking in our production office
10- This is Hoobastank, I mean production.
11- Late night noodles on a 1942 Martin named Pinocchio while we write a song about Roadie Friday
12- Giddy Up Cowboy, we’re takin the long way home.
13- Happy Birthday Mister Asylum.
14- More Rippin. Got to step back and see the full production on the Last Show
15- Matt’s Booster Seat. John’s left arm is crazy strong.
16- How do I want to end the last show of this tour? Send my big ass crowd surfing on the last song.
17- Me at 23 moshing at my first Highly show.
Woke up with the thought of a friend with a tattoo that says “TIGBAGD”. Today is gonna be a good day— and it was. There was work, there was play, there was a nap on the floor with a puppy, and there was a dewalt powered skateboard. Nothing particularly extraordinary about this day, but a real good one that I was lucky to have.
Another circle around the sun, and another sappy tour post. The origin of why I’m here doing what I do. Ten years ago a friend told me I should listen to the radio more so I find new music. Made sense, so I switched to FM and caught the tail end of a song called Lydia. I immediately started googling lyrics to figure out what the hell I just heard. Turns out this band is called Highly Suspect, and they were playing in Atlanta for the first time that same week. I buy tickets.
.
That show was the most impactful show I’ve ever been to. The most impactful album I’d ever heard. It was music I had dreamt about, yet couldn’t find or hear, until then. That show at Smiths was electric. I had never felt so alive. I was inspired. Whatever this was that I was seeing. This is what I wanted. This is what shook my blood. This is what led me to changing paths and going to work at TCM. This is how I got turned onto Slothrust and eventually ended up on the road with them. They are the catalyst for me finding, and pursuing, passion.
.
Long story less long, it took a damn long time, but here I am on my 33rd birthday out on the road with none other than the ones who inspired it all. I drum tech for the drummer I used to play along to and try to emulate. I bass tech for the first bass player I ever appreciated on an album (sorry bass players). I feel seen, understood, and inspired by everyone in this band and crew. I have so much love for them all even in the short couple years I’ve actually gotten to know them.
.
This can all end at any moment. But this moment is special. So despite getting old, this is a birthday I’ll never forget.
.
Sorry for the raw phone audio. Oh and there’s a YouTube video out there where you can see a big goofy Justin moshing around with the biggest smile in the room. You can still see that smile hiding behind the bass rig watching intently every night.
Ok 2024, I’ll bite.
.
2024 was a blast. Fuckin tough. But a blast.
I continued to run around the world with rockstars and the most amazing friends
.
This year I stopped to smell the flowers. I did more while enjoying more. I sat with things, but also ran with others. Did the things that shake my blood, even the big scary ones. Made a lot of mistakes, but learned a lot from them.
.
Anyways it may be just another year, but maybe it could be a special one. I encourage you all, and myself, to try hard, relax about what’s out of our control, and most of all- stop to smell the flowers.
Had the pleasure of snagging a couple clips for Equilibrium. The newest spotlight on the Atlanta Skate Scene.
-
The video premiered at Monday Night Garage just in time for me to make it before I flew out to start a quick tour with the one and only Highly Suspect. Catch the video now on YouTube (link in bio) to see the many different styles coming out of Atlanta. Park, Street, Rink, Rec, Quads, Inline, etc.
-
@sk8tl_official #sk8tl #YouShouldSk8WithUs @highlysuspect
Get Away.
.
Take time for yourself. Try not to think about everything else. Go to the beach. Play guitar with friends. Watch all the movies you’re excited about. Pet the dog. That’s what I did, and damn did I need it.
Thank you @bcrtattoos , @jackiemeissner_ , and @tyboettcher for the much needed vacation.
.
Things can be good while times are still tough. Take care of business, but remember to take care of yourself. Love ya, mean it.
.
Life update tucked in at the end- myself, Aurora, and Smol are still alive and well. If you want to learn more, just text me. Chances are I won’t respond. Well, maybe for you.
Stranded in Nowheres-ville.
.
Been on the road practically nonstop since July. From Buses to Vans and an RV in between. I come home Thursday and leave again Sunday. So, home, I’ll see ya for Christmas. Til then I’ll be out here makin the rock roll. Thankful for the adventure as always.
.
I love and miss you all. Well, a lot of ya at least.
Thanks @jlabbsphotography for snapping these.
Another post where the words are hard to find and the pictures don’t do justice. These last few weeks on tour supporting The Front Bottoms has been a ride. Never expected I’d be shaking a tambourine on stage shouting the end of Twin Size Mattress with them.
.
This run has been tiring and inspiring. Huge thanks to TFB for having us. Brian, Mat, Eric, Nat, Roe, Wilson, Nate, Ky, and Red. It was a lot of fun and I hope to do it again with y’all one day.
