Justin Varis (b.Cincinnati, OH 1979) is an American musician/composer living in Los Angeles. Drawing on the rich history of musique concrète while most recently exploring minimal single instrument composition, his music is one of contrast and contradiction. Abstract tendencies conjoin with basic intimate melodies. Disruptive sequencing is utilized alongside loops and repeating patterns. Meticulous audio editing creates calculated timing while improvised passages lend expressive mistakes. Ultimately working towards merging his audio with like-minded video and film artists, he is determined to create a body of work that explores the non-linear narrative while achieving accessibility to the greatest number of listeners.
After being featured on a number of stateside and international compilations, in 2006 he released his first EP with Frozen Elephants Music, a non-profit internet project/concert series based in Berlin. Later that year his debut LP was released on Audiobulb Records, located in Sheffield. In 2008, his work was featured along side noted artists such as Taylor Deupree, Dot Tape Dot, Biosphere, John Kannenberg, RF w/ Midori Hirano, Aaron Ximm, Build, Leafcutter John, and Nomand Palace. The project, Audiobulb Records first installation of their "Favourite Places" series, was described by WHITELINE as "encompassing all that is great in compositional field recording" and by Earlabs as "an excellent addition to Audiobulb's discography demonstrating not only the label's diversity and commitment to excellence, but also showcasing the talents of several exceptional musicians and sound artists from around the world." 2010 will see the release of a collaborative project with Santa Barbara electronic musician Kevin Ponto entitled "Help Is On The Way." The self-titled work is a collection of piano compositions highlighting not only evolving melody but the environment in which the instrument was recorded.
He has performed in Los Angeles under the moniker "Claudia" and is now performing material promoting "Help is on The Way." In addition to his work as "Claudia" and "Help is On The Way," he is currently working on two new projects. The first is collaboration with UK sound artist David Newman (Autistici). David's work has been featured on labels such as 12k, Audiobulb, Le-Son666, and Wandering Ear. The second is a work with Brooklyn cellist Greg Heffernan. Greg has performed with musicians such as Lee Konitz, Fred Hersch, Alice Coltrane, Ravi Coltrane, and Jack DeJohnnette.
