Born and raised in New York City, Justin Strauss began his music career in the late 1970s, quickly establishing himself as one of the city’s most influential and versatile DJs. By the age of 18, he was playing at the iconic Mudd Club, mingling with the artistic vanguard of the downtown scene and developing a style that seamlessly bridged punk, disco, new wave, and early hip-hop. His decades-long residency at the Paradise Garage, Limelight, and Tunnel cemented his role as a central figure in the evolution of New York’s nightlife.

Strauss’s impact isn't limited to the DJ booth. He has produced, remixed, and collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Depeche Mode, Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, Erasure, and Beyoncé. As one half of the beloved duo Whatever/Whatever, alongside Bryan Mette, and with projects like A/Jus/Ted and Most Excellent Unlimited, Strauss continues to push boundaries, channeling his encyclopedic musical knowledge into productions that are as forward-thinking as they are rooted in club culture’s storied past.

With a career spanning over four decades, Justin Strauss remains a revered tastemaker, celebrated for his deep crates, genre-defying sets, and enduring passion for connecting people through music. Whether behind the decks at international festivals or underground parties in Brooklyn, Strauss demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the energy and innovation that have always defined his work.