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How can a WPLN music story transport you somewhere new?
Hi, I’m Justin. I was born in Milwaukee, WI. I started as an intern at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and worked my way up to Music Director. There I started a segment called “From the Music Desk” where I interviewed over 500 artists including Thom York, Lizzo, Steve Martin, and Phoebe Bridgers. At 88nine I also got to speak passionately about the music I love on the radio, which is a true gift and I still get to do every day. There I also made a podcast called “Backspin: The Search for Milwaukee’s First Hip-Hop Song” which I enjoyed doing more than anything else I’ve ever done and was acclaimed in The New York Times. Highlight of my life. I love music, I love people and I love a good yarn. At the end of the day my goal is to tell stories that are as good as the ones my dad tells me. I’ll tell em on the radio, in print, or next to you at the corner bar.

One night, legendary doorman Dave Knoll was sitting on the back steps of the OG basement complaining about all the musical tribute shows in Nashville. You know, the ones where multiple musicians play the music of one artist. Dave’s buddy asked him, “What tribute show you would actually pay to see?” Knoll said, “Tom Waits.”