Justus Proffit - "Big Mistake"

Justus Proffit is a Los Angeles native, but he’s made an unlikely impact here in Hudson County, New Jersey. Back in 2018, he signed with Hoboken’s Bar None Records, who subsequently released his debut full-length, LA’s Got Me Down. Since then, I’ve interviewed several of his labelmates on the Look At My Records! podcast, including Winter and Pardoner, and asked how they connected with the Hoboken imprint. They all replied with a variation of the same answer, which is that Proffit made the introduction and passed along his recommendation. Proffit’s opinion is held in high regard amongst those at his label home, and with good reason, as he’s a very talented and meticulous songwriter in his own right. His songs deftly combine the reflective and personal lyricism of Elliot Smith with the lo-fi pop sensibilities of genre luminaries like R. Stevie Moore.

“Big Mistake” is the second single Proffit’s forthcoming sophomore LP, SpeedStar, and it grapples with the songwriter’s newfound sobriety and represents a personal reassessment of some of those prior, substance-fueled experiences. Moving at a brisk clip, he revisits hazy nights shared with friends amongst some sonic elements that feel distinctly Flying Nun-esque, like a sprightly organ-sounding synth and bright, jangly guitars. He also works in some gooey harmonies and a guitar lick that manages to fit right into a song where you wouldn’t necessarily expect to hear one. It’s a delightful tune.

You can listen to “Big Mistake” on your streaming platform of choice. SpeedStar is set for release on August 20th via Bar None Records. You can pre-order it on vinyl or cassette via Bandcamp. Keep up with Proffit by following him on Instagram and liking him on Facebook.