Full Metal Drummer

The name's Justin. Some call me “The Richter Scale,” "Crash," "Justin Ballz" or just “Jay.”
I'm a semi-pro drummer out of Clarkston, MI.
I've been playing drums since I was about 3-4 years old, self taught.
I'm just a single dude, rockin' in the free world, that eats, breathes, and lives heavy metal and drums.

I play drums for a heavy rock band from metro-Detroit called "Ballz Deluxe." Check them out at www.myspace.com/ballzdeluxe or in my top friends.

I also play drums for BioMachine, a metal group out of Holly, MI. Influenced by the likes of Divine Heresy, Meshuggah, Fear Factory, Testament and such.
You can check out BioMachine at
www.myspace.com/biomachineusa
Note, the track on the page is not my drumming, but there will be recordings with my drumming soon.
(UPDATE: As of 8/2009, BioMachine has been put on the back burner, due to lack of a bassist and Ken sustaining a shoulder injury. Get well soon, bro!)

I've played in and have formed numerous metal bands throughout the years such as Acts of Aggression/Suicide Nation, Through The Ashes, Corpsle, AKA (American Killing Association) and others.

I’m also available for session/studio work from time to time. Message me for rates
My strong points are Metal (and most of it's subgenres: thrash, death, progressive, etc), Hardcore and Rock (and most of it's subgenres:) I like to consider myself a well rounded drummer that can adapt to many musical settings. I play for the song and I try to play tastefully. I also teach in the local area.

I am a metal drummer at heart, and metal music is in my blood, but I'm very open minded to listening and playing different styles of music. I can appreciate most forms of music, but I draw the line at rap/hip hop and pop. I'm just not into that stuff.

I'm a general freelance graphic design artist/general artist, available for hire at a reasonable rate for several graphic needs, including t-shirt art, Myspace layouts (no Flash), logos, posters, and more. Contact me if you'd like some work done. You can see some of my graphic work in my pictures under the "Artwork" album.
I currently design for KickPics, a world recognized Martial Arts photography firm out of Clarkston, MI. Check out KickPics at:
www.kickpics.net
I enjoy what I do and I take alot of pride in my work


I'm also a guitar player/songwriter in my freetime. You can check out some of my solo stuff that I've written and recorded myself, or written with past bands at
www.myspace.com/therichterscale20 or in my top friends.

I'm a straight shooter, and I expect people to be the same with me. At the same time, I'm a pretty easy going person.
Music is pretty much my life. It's what I do. It's not a hobby, it's a passion to me.
I have two furry children who protect my house and will eat your face if you cross them. (Read: Doberman and German Shepherd) My dogs are one of a kind and are my best friends. Always faithful.
I'm very expressive and creative.
Life has taught me some valuable lessons, sometimes the hard way.
I live life by the words "Forever Stronger Than All," as the motto of Pantera.
I'm a high school graduate of Clarkston/Renaissance High School, class of 2007.
I support our troops, I have family and close friends serving our country.

I’m bold but I have a heart, a big one, so I've been told.
Guns do not kill people, people who make poor decisions with guns kill people.
I believe in being original and individual
I’m artistic
I like to be unconventional, as in thinking outside of the box
I've been told I am way more mature than my age
I like video games. Yes, I am a gamer.
No, I do not play WoW, Halo, CoD4 or Counter Strike religiously.
I’m computer savvy.
I wear my heroes, my influences and sometimes, my heart, on my sleeve.
I question alot of things. I can be outspoken at times. All for the right reasons.
I'm not afraid to voice my opinions and views, logically, constructively and intelligently

I'm observant, which is a quality that comes in handy often. It's also why I'm not your average Joe. I have observed many negative qualities in other people in everyday settings like relationships, friendships and human interaction and have chosen to not take on those qualities. Which explains why I'm not a typical guy

I avoid physical altercations at all costs
But I'll put up a good fight if I'm put into a position where physical force is necessary
I’m strong willed.
I fight for what I love and I love what I fight for
I hate conflict.
My past has made me who I am and given me pretty thick skin.
I don’t live the stereotypical “rockstar life of excess” even though I’m in a successful band. I'm a professional musician first and foremost, above all. Business before pleasure. I do enjoy the life of rock n' roll in moderation, but there's a time and place for everything.
I hold people to their word. You tell me you're gonna do something for me, you better follow through with it.
I read people pretty well
I don’t like egos or self centered people, judgmental people, or fake people.
.
I'm not a fan of ebonics, it's another form of illiteracy and lazy way of speaking English.
I don't like typing "lyke dis" or spelling words like "wuz" and "dat" "cuz" it makes "u" look like an lazy, uneducated, illiterate fool.
Support the local music scene!
I value my family, my friends, those I hold close to me, and music the most in life.
Some say I'm modest, some say I'm a good person, some say that I'm extremely talented at whatever I do, some say I have a big heart. I guess that's just who I am.
FOREVER STRONGER THAN ALL!!!!!!!
If you've made it this far, I commend you for actually taking the time to learn a little bit about me. Anything else you wanna know, just message me. There’s more to me than just a webpage.

DRUM SOLO - LIVE AT THE CROFOOT Drum Solo 2 (2008)