Justin Mauriello

Justin Mauriello
Justin Mauriello during a sound check in 2008.
Background information
Also known as	El Pito Grande Goldtoof (early years in Zebrahead)
Origin	La Habra, California, U.S.
Genres	Alternative rock punk rock pop punk skate punk electronic rock alternative metal
Occupation(s)	Musician singer songwriter
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Years active	1995–present
Labels	Glassnote In-n-Out
Associated acts	Zebrahead Darling Thieves Olympic Crush Z3N Mafia

Justin Mauriello (born 1975) is the lead singer and guitarist for the alternative rock band Darling Thieves, and former guitarist and founding member of punk rock band Zebrahead.

Musical career

Zebrahead (1995–2004)

Mauriello was a founding member of the band Zebrahead,^[1] with lead guitarist Greg Bergdorf and drummer Ed Udhus (both formerly of the band 409), and bassist Ben Osmundson (formerly of the band 3-Ply); they began collaboration through sharing the same rehearsal space, forming Zebrahead to incorporate musical elements of ska-punk and hip-hop, while recruiting rapper Ali Tabatabaee. Mauriello left Zebrahead shortly after their 2004 Japanese Tour.

I Hate Kate/Darling Thieves (2004–present)

Mauriello had founded the band Darling Thieves, (then I Hate Kate), while still in Zebrahead, and it became his main focus; Darling Thieves released their first album Embrace the Curse in 2007 (As "I hate Kate", the band was later renamed after Justin's ex-girlfriend threatened a lawsuit), with music videos for the singles from the album: It's Always Better and Bed of Black Roses. A second album, Race to Red, was released in 2010, with music videos released for tracks "Unspoken" and "Free Without You". In 2012, the band's 2nd EP, "The Extended Play", was released. Darling Thieves has been on hiatus since then, while Justin focuses on his new solo EP.

Solo career & Olympic Crush (2010–present)

Mauriello released a covers album, titled Justin Sings the Hits. Since 2012, Justin has been living in Nashville, Tennessee. Mauriello's solo EP, titled How's Life In California, was released via streaming on Spotify on January 13, 2015. In 2017, Mauriello announced his newest musical project, Olympic Crush. He has made 3 songs, Stars, Mr.Eager and Here In This Crazy which are on Spotify. In October of 2019, he made a new project called Z3N Mafia and created a song called InstaFamous with former Zebrahead member Greg Bergdorf. Recently in April of 2020, he reunited with members of Darling Thieves and created 2 new songs, Are We Too Old To Feel This Young and Electric Avenue, a cover of Electric Avenue originally from Eddy Grant.

Discography

Solo

• Justin Sings the Hits (2010)
• How's Life In California EP (2015)

Darling Thieves

• Act One EP (2006)
• Embrace the Curse (2007)
• Race to Red (2010)
• The Extended Play EP (2012)

Zebrahead

• Zebrahead (1998)
• Waste of Mind (1998)
• Playmate of the Year (2000)
• Stupid Fat Americans EP (2001)
• MFZB (2003)
• Waste of MFZB (2004)

References