The 13th Ward Social Club is the creative workshop of Justin Catoni, a self taught musician who started in the underground scene of the early-90s. After experimenting with samples and synths, he briefly studied jazz and classical composition before finding a home in the folk traditions of Africa and Europe. He stumbled into his own style when borrowing instrumentation and structure from each, described as "Gainsbourg and Kuti leading a religious procession."
He has released projects in samba, jazz, afrobeat, funk, soul, reggae, hip-hop and electronica. His high-energy solos can be found on “Belmont,” while the percussion on “Bixiga” keeps time while rarely finding a pattern. When asked about Catoni's style, music critic Matt Gagnon replied, "I wouldn't let him play the dinner triangle for my deaf son."
Catoni's work has been featured on PBS television, BBC6 and KCRW radio. He has participated in teaching workshops for the NYC school district and a screening for the RISD Museum.