Monochrome Sweatsuit is the moniker of shredgaze guitarist Justin Tolan, who performs both as a solo artist and with the band Crispin Wah. 

 

Originally from Atlanta, Justin started playing guitar in 1995 and became an instructor at age 16. His dedication led him to attend Berklee College of Music on a scholarship, where he earned a degree in Professional Music in 2009. During this time, he performed with the rock band RIBS, sharing the stage with acts like Helmet, Circa Survive and O’Brother. 

 

In 2013, Justin returned to Atlanta and gained local attention by winning Steve Vai’s “Best in Shred” contest, which gave him the opportunity to open for Vai in Tennessee. This marked the birth of his solo project, Monochrome Sweatsuit.

 

Collaborative efforts continued in 2015, after a meeting with LA-based producer Caleb Stone led to the creation of Armadillo. Soon after, a fateful encounter with bassist and producer Bruther Brown sparked the formation of the band Crispin Wah, adding another layer to Justin’s creative output. 

 

By 2023, Justin has released seven projects as Monochrome Sweatsuit, alongside multiple albums with Crispin Wah and Armadillo. Outside of performing, Justin offers virtual guitar lessons and works as a freelance sound designer.