“I love how these songs flow into each other; I love the energy suspended in each one, and in each transition. This is some smooth, pretty indie rock.” - Digital Wheat Paste
“An aerial extravaganza [of] mesmerizing Indie Folk, in which soft rhythms are like trees swaying in the winds. An ecstatic moment for your soul, as if you were united with mother nature herself.” - Nagamag
Usually when folks describe JJ Slater’s music, words relate back to nature, the outdoors, the warm sun and the cool breeze. His UMASS Amherst psych-rock band Humble Digs was a mainstay at Stockbridge School of Agriculture events, and no matter how far he’s willing to push his career, he’ll probably always find a place to play at farmer’s markets. Free produce is excellent payment.
In between rock bands, funk jams, and jazz brunches, JJ’s guitar playing is always centered and relentlessly rhythmic, with lead work that quotes both gutsy blues and celestial jazz. His songwriting is playful, with an ability to write a catchy hook and chorus, but take you down a minute-long rabbit whole with a wink and a grin- all with a soft, smoky approach to singing that recalls a burn ride with an old friend.
Based in New England, he has toured much of the US, playing festivals, basements, and club gigs, at times opening for artists like Kat Wright, Delvon Lamarr, West End Blend and David Wax Museum. His new record “jj” is set to be released October 27. A follow-up LP, “The Silver Key”, written at the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation in Taos, NM, is set to be released in 2024.
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