Steady on the Grind: Justin Rabin’s Relentless Rise from Miami to the Minimal Mainstage
Justin Rabin
This week, The Groove Palace welcomes Justin Rabin, a Miami-born DJ and producer whose rapid rise is a testament to hustle, vision, and dedication to the craft. From a spontaneous start with a borrowed DJ board to spinning at some of the city's most respected venues, Justin’s journey is fueled by relentless drive and an evolving sound rooted in minimal and tech house. With support from key players in the underground scene and a growing catalog of sharp, high-energy productions, he’s become a name to watch. Now, he steps up with an exclusive mix for The Groove Palace—dripping in groove, peppered with unreleased cuts, and built to move the dance floor. Stream it now on The Groove Palace SoundCloud.
Before Justin Rabin was crafting rolling basslines and playing Miami’s most exciting parties, he was walking a different path—literally. A collegiate golfer with a structured routine, Justin’s transition into the world of underground house music was unexpected but natural. After a fateful night at Club Space with friends, his curiosity evolved into obsession. One borrowed DJ controller and a USB later, he found himself playing his first frat gig—and before long, a sold-out show at Le Rouge.
The Spark That Ignited the Sound
It wasn’t long after that first gig that Justin knew spinning wasn’t enough—he wanted to create. Just one day after finishing his golf season, he downloaded Ableton and dove headfirst into production. What started with curiosity quickly turned into a fast-tracked journey: within just a few months, he was signing records and landing releases with labels like Lost Minds and Get Busy Records.
His secret? Relentless learning. Justin sought out producers he admired and paid for one-on-one sessions, most notably with Ferra Black and UK-based Brendan James. These sessions gave him the technical skills to match his natural ear—something he credits as his true edge in the studio. His first major breakout came with his "Diamonds Dancing” Edit, a track that gained support from Chase West and helped solidify his presence as a serious producer.
A Sound of His Own
Justin’s tracks fuse stripped-back minimal grooves with sharp vocal chops, one-shot synth stabs, and heavy-hitting basslines. While his early influences came from crowd-pleasers like John Summit and Fisher, it was discovering more refined underground sounds—like those from Solid Grooves and Short Circuit—that truly shaped his aesthetic.
He isn’t interested in following trends. “I’m not going to conform to other sounds,” Justin explains. “I want to build my own artistry, rooted in individuality.” This approach has paid off. His catalog continues to grow, and he's recently landed a release on Sounds Like Trouble, which he had set as a 2025 goal.
Beyond the Booth: The Birth of Unjust
In true DIY spirit, Justin recently launched his own imprint: Unjust. Designed to house his darker, more experimental tracks that don’t quite fit conventional label molds, the project is a passion-fueled playground for sonic exploration.
“Some of my favorite tracks didn’t get picked up—but they still deserved to live,” he says. His second release on Unjust, a collab with Nate Ash titled “Materialistic,” has already gained traction from names like Marco Carola, Franky Rizardo, Dennis Cruz, and Yaya Tamango. With branding in the works, Justin sees the label eventually growing into a full-fledged party and platform for like-minded artists.
Growing the Right Way
Though Miami is home, Justin has his eyes on the global scene. While he’s played across New Orleans and in Miami hotspots like LIV and Jolene Sound Room, his next chapter is focused on growth outside the 305.
“I’m not trying to play every gig—I’m trying to play the right ones,” he says. His recent performances at events like the Pink Party during Miami Music Week and Art Basel have helped solidify his name within Miami’s underground circuit, where he now works closely with the team behind PNK Records, who also manage him.
Words of Wisdom: Advice to the Next Wave
Justin’s biggest piece of advice for aspiring producers? Don’t be afraid to reach out. “Most people in this industry are pretty nice. If you have questions, ask. If you like someone’s track, hit them up. I’ll show you how I did it—I promise, it's not that difficult.”
For DJs, it’s about selectivity and strategy. “Don’t take every gig just to play. Be smart about your image, the lineups you’re on, and the crowd you want to build. Once you're known for quality, people will follow.”
The Groove Palace Exclusive
Justin’s mix for The Groove Palace is a true reflection of his current sound: sleek, deep, and undeniably groovy. It’s packed with unreleased edits, punchy minimal rhythms, and club-tested gems.
Listen to TGP025 now exclusively on The Groove Palace SoundCloud.