13 Facts About Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Justin Meldal-Johnsen is best known for his work with artists such as Beck, Nine Inch Nails, M83, Air, and St Vincent.

Justin Meldal-Johnsen grew up in Los Angeles, obsessively listening to his parents' records and taking up bass guitar at age of twelve.

Justin Meldal-Johnsen's interests were wide, but centered on American post-punk and UK post-punk, goth, and dream pop.

In 1987 he met Beck, and the two would form a lasting friendship and shared musical interests that would eventually culminate in Justin Meldal-Johnsen joining Beck's touring band many years later.

From 1988 to 1993, Justin Meldal-Johnsen was in LA alternative rock bands Last Carousel and This Great Religion, with Tony Hoffer.

Also in 1994, Justin Meldal-Johnsen joined Los Angeles alt-noise band Medicine with Brad Laner, and recorded and toured with them until their eventual break-up in 1996.

Laner and Justin Meldal-Johnsen would continue to record and work together on projects such as Electric Company as well as Laner's various solo albums in years to come.

In early 1996, Beck asked Justin Meldal-Johnsen to join his touring and recording band, which he was a member of from 1996 until leaving in May 2016, an announcement which was made during Beck's set at the Beale Street Music Festival during band introductions in a poignant send-off.

Justin Meldal-Johnsen recorded with Beck on albums such as Odelay, Mutations, Midnite Vultures, Sea Change, Guero, The Information, Morning Phase, as well as a great quantity of hitherto unreleased material.

Justin Meldal-Johnsen was involved in just two performances before re-joining with Beck: The Coachella Festival and a secret show at The Roxy in Hollywood.

In 2008, Justin Meldal-Johnsen met with Trent Reznor and was invited to join the Nine Inch Nails touring band as bassist, guitarist, and keyboard player.

Today, Justin Meldal-Johnsen spends most of his time producing and writing, working largely from his studio in Glendale, California.

Justin Meldal-Johnsen produced Wolf Alice's sophomore album, Visions of a Life which won the Mercury Prize in 2018.