Meet Justin Conway | Drummer & Sound Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Conway and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor, I believe, is consistency. I think that applies to pretty much anything you are passionate about. You have to at least dedicate a block of time to what you are working on every day. Even if its just 15 minutes because you may have not been feeling your best that day, those 15 minutes dedicated to your brand is better than no time spent at all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a professional drummer and sound designer. From recording in the studio, playing shows and going on tour, creating presets for programs, to making weird video game music on my laptop, I try to stay busy with all things related to drums and music tech. As for things I am proud of, I had this band back in college with three really close friends, called Pinn Panelle. We specialized in acoustic/electronic instruments and covered electronic music and dubstep as a full band. More than a few viral videos, fun shows, and two albums recorded. It was a quality time while it lasted.

To how I got to where I am now, it has been the slow grind of practicing my craft and networking every day. Building a healthy network of good people in your industry, on top of having a tight group of family and friends that believe in you is key to having any sort of success in the music industry I think.

I wouldn’t necessarily say it was easy, but when you are so passionate about a particular thing, difficulty doesn’t become a factor. You just want to get it done and keep moving forward because of how fulfilling it is.

The biggest lesson I have learned is that some of the biggest projects or most exciting thing you could be working on in the present always has the potential to fall apart. If that happens, it’s not the end of the world. I have had more than a few instances where I would put all my eggs in a basket regarding a particular project, just to see it flushed down the toilet. Lesson learned haha. Just have to keep grinding.

What do I want the world to know about me? I’m just an interracial dude that loves music, drinking beer, and playing smash brothers. If anyone is into that, we should hang out and make something.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have only been in LA for almost two years now, (almost minus a year, due to covid haha), BUT I have been able to visit a number a pretty cool places given the circumstances, so alright…

We would absolutely have to hit Koreatown for some BBQ. I don’t care what anyone says, but Bud Namu on 8th and Ardmore has the best beef bulgolgi I have had so far. And it’s something like 15-17 dollars per person for all you can eat, which is a steal.

This is probably a basic answer, but In-N-Out is a must. For the people who say it is overrated, I would not mind cracking open a beer with you and unpacking your childhood trauma.

Definitely have to visit some of the breweries and bars in the area. MacLeod in Van Nuys has some of the most killer English style beers I have ever had, not to mention incredibly tasty flatbreads. The Red Lion Tavern is an incredible German beer bar in Silver Lake that continues to blow my mind. Always down for a Fruh Kolsch wheel paired with bratwurst and pretzels.

Beach trips are essential. Marina Del Rey is probably the best one in my opinion. Probably would take a stroll around the LA Canals too. How come no one told me about this hidden gem? It’s unbelievable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout absolutely goes to the ultimate homie, Jonah Wei Haas. He has been my musical brother and close friend since college, and I wouldn’t be the person and musician I am today without his support.

And I feel it goes without saying, but of course my family as well. Thanks for dealing with my long practice hours on the drumset in the basement haha.

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