Pick Pocket

Pick Pocket delivers gritty, soulful, modern blues with deep roots and raw conviction. Channeling the fire of Stevie Ray Vaughan and the soul-stirring storytelling of Bill Withers, this powerhouse trio blends blues, rock, and vintage soul into a sound that is both timeless and unmistakably current.

With searing guitar work, deep-pocket grooves, and emotionally charged vocals, Pick Pocket doesn't just play the blues — they live it. Their performances move effortlessly from slow-burning soul to high-octane blues-rock, driven by tight musicianship and an undeniable chemistry forged through years of professional experience.

Rooted in tradition but never confined by it, Pick Pocket brings authenticity, energy, and heart to every stage they step on.

Justin Gillen - Guitar & Vocals

A native of Pomfret, Connecticut, Justin Gillen began his musical journey at age 12 with a guitar in his hands and a relentless drive to master it. Over the past 15+ years, he has built a professional career performing throughout Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and across the United States before establishing a home studio base in Pennsylvania.

Deeply influenced by blues, rock, alternative, and soul, Justin's playing reflects inspiration from legends like B.B. Kingand Led Zeppelin, as well as masterful solo performers such as Tommy Emmanuel and Chris Stapleton. Years of disciplined practice laid the foundation for his dynamic guitar style — expressive, powerful, and deeply rooted in feel.

After establishing himself as a guitarist, Justin expanded into vocals, adding emotional depth and range to his performances. As the former frontman of his band Second Wind, he sharpened his presence as a lead singer and performer. In Pick Pocket, Justin brings commanding guitar work and gritty, soulful vocals that define the band's signature sound.

Rodney Dunton - Drums

Rodney Dunton's musical calling began at just four years old when a trip to the Bahamas exposed him to the mesmerizing rhythms of a steel drum band. Captivated by the power of percussion, he knew immediately that rhythm would shape his life.

Growing up influenced by greats such as Ray Charles, Isaac Hayes, Barry White, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Journey, and Rush, Rodney developed a style that fuses groove, precision, and musicality.

A graduate of Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, Rodney earned the opportunity to tour Europe with a national youth orchestra, performing in renowned concert halls and amphitheaters. He later received a scholarship to Hampton University, where he immersed himself in gospel choir, marching band, jazz band, and corporate performance ensembles. His marching band experience had a profound influence on his discipline, timing, and dynamic control.

Today, Rodney's drumming anchors Pick Pocket with authority - blending finesse and power to create the driving heartbeat of the band.

Andreas "Dre" Holmstrom - Bass

Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, Andreas "Dre" Holmstrom developed his formidable bass chops before taking his talents to Boston, New York City, and ultimately Washington, D.C., where he became a sought-after presence among East Coast musicians.

Drawing inspiration from bass pioneers like James Jamerson and Jaco Pastorius, along with modern masters such as Marcus Miller and Pino Palladino, Dre has cultivated a style that balances groove, melody, and feel.

His bass lines are both rock-solid and tastefully expressive - locking in tightly with the drums while adding texture and movement that elevate the band's sound. In Pick Pocket, Dre provides the deep pocket and soulful foundation that makes the trio's blues-driven sound hit hard and resonate deep.