JD Short is an American-born, London-based bassist and composer. His solo project BassDbler blends bass guitar, electronic textures, glitch-infused rhythms, and natural soundscapes into highly composed, math-infused instrumental pieces. The result is cinematic trip-hop soundtracks inspired by the Dune book series. Every element of BassDbler’s music—from programming to performance—is created by JD himself.
JD approaches the bass not just as a rhythmic foundation, but as a melodic and compositional instrument.
Outside of BassDbler, JD is a co-host of the Guitar Nerds podcast, the bassist for the US-based political punk band Beltalowda, and an active session player in various London-based projects. He is also a proud member of the Musicians’ Union, advocating for fair treatment and support for working musicians.
Preferred Links:
Bandcamp: bassdbler.bandcamp.com
Instagram: instagram.com/bassdbler
Additional Links:
Threads: threads.com/@bassdbler
Bluesky: @bassdbler.bsky.social
Facebook: facebook.com/bassdbler
Album Releases (most recent first)
BassDbler
May His Passing Cleanse the World
The Universe Is Ours
Machine & Ghola
Slow Blade Penetrates the Shield
Beltalowda
Three Songs Minus Repeater*
One Nation (Under the Gun)
The Days That Are Given and The Ways We Live Them
Another Day / America Is
Unheard Language
Additional notes:
BassDbler
BassDbler tracks and albums are composed as soundtracks to the Dune book series, often using recurring leitmotifs across songs and releases to reflect key moments and themes from the story.
The Universe Is Ours – album based specifically on Navigators of Dune
Machine & Ghola – album based specifically around Heretics of Dune
Beltalowda
Bandcamp: beltalowda.bandcamp.com
Beltalowda is a socio-political punk/post-punk band that backs its message with action by donating at least 50% of all album sales to social justice organizations. Beneficiaries include the Indian Law Resource Center, The Bail Project, Everytown for Gun Safety, Trans Women of Color Collective, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum.