BassDbler is the musical persona of bassist and composer JD Short. While playing in bands during the mid-to-late nineties’ independent music scenes of Chicago, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Louisville, Short gained a wealth of professional experience. He then focused on formalized musical training at the University of Evansville and Indiana University Bloomington. Upon leaving Bloomington, Short moved to California where he built basses and guitars at Rickenbacker. A few collaborations, including a stint with the Orange County Avant Garde Jazz Ensemble ensued.
When Short left the OC and relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, his interest in electronic music began to solidify. By the time he returned to California, Short had realized that electronic music spoke to his DIY nature; at its core, electronic music wasn’t too far a leap from the ethic of Fugazi. This realization gave rise to new understandings and explorations, resulting in the debut primarily electronic, Dune-themed concept album Slow Blade Penetrates the Shield. The follow-up album, Machine & Ghola incorporates more acoustic sounds alongside electronic soundscapes.
Short also composes music for short and feature-length films as well as currently serving as the Music Director for the Giant Fire Breathing Robot website and family of podcasts.
BassDbler 