The Sound Cafe

A Conversation With Justin Saladino

Douglas McLean had the great privilege to have a long conversation with Justin Saladino about his newest album release “Honest Lies”, an exhilarating set of songs and a progressive step for the Americana/Blues artist. Lyrically adventurous and thrilling musically, the Justin Saladino Band (JSB) create some timely and forthright material about the times we live in and the impact on us all.

Justin graced the conversation with some guitar discussion and demonstration, of which I am a big fan. He’s been playing since age 13 and just keeps learning more about the craft and his love of guitar shines through in every song.

You can listen to the entire interview and music HERE

A home-grown Montrealer, Justin Saladino leads a guitar-driven group with a sound palette that includes colours of Rock, Blues, Americana, Funk, and Jam - bridging genres and influences to create the contemporary roots sound that they’re revered for. What is certain, is anything JSB do will include powerful guitar playing, sultry vocals, and genre-blending compositions that are uniquely the bandleader’s own signature. Firmly backed by the foundation of Denis Paquin and Gabriel Forget, the explosive core trio has brought their acclaimed albums No Worries, A Fool’s Heart, JSB Live and Honest Lies to stages across Eastern Canada and beyond.

The ten original songs on the Ariel Posen (The Bros. Landreth) produced, Honest Lies, explore themes surrounding interpersonal relationships, social and political issues, the perception of truth, and being honest with oneself. Recorded at Tone Bender Studios in Saladino’s hometown of Montreal, the album is infused with the warmth, reverb, and history of the vintage analog gear that the band used during these sessions. Honest Lies follows the bandleader’s natural evolution further into the roots-rock and blues realm with his deft guitar playing and carefully crafted, soulful melodies that highlight his authentic and impactful lyrics.

“The oxymoron, Honest Lies, is the album's central theme. It's about the stories we tell ourselves,” explains Saladino. “It's not necessarily about straight-up dishonesty but the idea that we brainwash ourselves, consciously or unconsciously, into believing we are being truthful when we are being insincere on a fundamental level with ourselves. Like a well-meaning politician or media outlet with the people's "best interest in mind," two partners avoiding true vulnerability and biting their lip, or someone's insecurity about X coming out as a prejudice against Y.”

Earlier in 2022, Justin Saladino Band debuted many of the songs on Honest Lies during their performance at the Montreal Jazz Festival and the band performed on Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea VII cruise, which found JSB sharing the stage with Jimmy Vivino, Keb’ Mo’ and Joe Bonamassa, himself.

FEATURED SONGS:

Sink Or Swim

Fan the Flames

Honest Lies

Half-Heartedly

Let You Go

You can listen to the entire interview and music HERE