
Justin Cost is an alternative and progressive rock artist known for music with edge, honesty, and a strong sense of atmosphere. His work blends raw emotion with thoughtful songwriting, often favoring feel and authenticity over polish. While his catalog leans into alternative and progressive rock, his latest album, Justin, strips things back—an acoustic-driven record that lets the songs speak for themselves.
Born December 22, 1986, in Dublin, Ohio, Justin’s connection to music began early. His father, Keith Cost, was a major influence, playing in a local band called Streamliner. Justin vividly remembers watching his father perform and, at age five, receiving his first drum kit from Streamliner’s drummer. That moment sparked a lifelong passion. Drums became his first language, and eventually, music became his voice.
From childhood through his teenage years, Justin moved with his family through Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Hudson, Ohio; and Plainfield, Illinois. In 2002, he returned to Dayton, Ohio—a city deeply rooted in his family history and one he has always considered home.
During college, Justin played in several bands that shaped his musical identity. He performed drums and backup vocals in the cover band 8 Steps Below and with The Prescriptions, where he first discovered his ability as a singer. He also co-founded an instrumental group called The Shoeless Groove—named after his preference for playing drums barefoot. The band rehearsed above The Night Owl in Dayton’s Oregon District before eventually disbanding.
Justin earned an Associate Degree in Audio Engineering from the International College of Broadcasting, but quickly realized he wanted a deeper foundation. He made the difficult decision to step away from his bands and a well-paying audio engineering job to further his education. That path led him to Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, where he earned a second degree in Audio Engineering, a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business, and a Master’s Degree in Entertainment Business.
While completing his Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, Justin began work on his first professional solo studio project. Volume 1 was released on March 14, 2010, followed by Volume 2 on December 10, 2010. That same year, he was named Solo Artist of the Year by the Dayton Daily News.
Today, Justin Cost continues to create music that values originality, vulnerability, and personality—music that doesn’t aim for perfection, but connection.
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