Justin Klunk

American saxophone player (born 1990)
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Justin Klunk
Klunk performing live with The Midnight in 2022
Klunk performing live with The Midnight in 2022
Background information
Birth nameJustin Hiroshi Klunk
Born (1990-12-01) December 1, 1990 (age 33)
Torrance, California, U.S.
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
  • Jazz
  • pop
  • funk
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
Instrument(s)
  • Saxophone
  • flute
  • keys
Years active2009–present
Member ofRAINNE
Websitejustinklunk.com

Justin Hiroshi Klunk (born December 1, 1990)[1] is an American saxophone player and flutist based out of Los Angeles, CA.

A native of Torrance, California, Klunk grew up taking piano lessons. He was introduced to the saxophone prior to beginning middle school. During his eighth grade year, Klunk joined David Benoit's Asian American Youth Orchestra which sparked a desire to become a professional musician. He attended Los Angeles County High School for the Arts before graduating from the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music in 2013 with a degree in Popular Music Performance.[2]

In July 2013, Klunk was recruited to play saxophone for Ariana Grande on her first tour and additionally played saxophone during her performances at the 2014 and 2015 American Music Awards (AMAs). Other artists he has worked for include Saint Motel, Lindsey Stirling, Leon Bridges, and David Foster. His flute and saxophone works can be heard in the TV shows WandaVision, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, the reboot of iCarly, Modern Family, and Dr. Ken.[3]

In 2019, Klunk joined with fellow USC alum and singer-songwriter Annie Dingwall to form the music duo RAINNE. RAINNE completed their first US tour in 2019 and later that year opened for headliners Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Jonas Bros, and Billie Eilish at the We Can Survive concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.[2]

Klunk joined the touring lineup of The Midnight during the spring dates of the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Tour[4] and has been the band's primary saxophone player ever since. In addition to saxophone, he also plays synths for the band.

Klunk's debut album, Kindness Is Mandatory, was released on September 8, 2023.[5]

References

  1. "Justin Klunk on Twitter: "Marking a new year with a new single! 31 was so incredible! Thank you to all the old friends, new friends, & family that made it unforgettable! Here's to 32!!! "Stars In December" is now streaming! Link in my bio :) (📷: @abelr9129)" / Twitter". Twitter. December 1, 2022. Archived from the original on June 20, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Meet Justin Klunk - Voyage LA Magazine | LA City Guide". VoyageLA. April 27, 2020. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  3. "Bio — Justin Klunk". Justin Klunk. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  4. "the midnight on Twitter: "Everyone say 'Hi Justin!' 💜" / Twitter". Twitter. March 10, 2022. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  5. "Kindness Is Mandatory | Justin Klunk". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.

External links