In this interview spotlight, we chat with singer/songwriter Joe Powell about this experiences at Musicians Institute in L.A., his new single Where I Am, navigating the digital age as a musician and more.
Full Q&A, links and a stream of Where I Am can be found below.
Hey Joe, welcome to MTM. What’s the weather like in Dilberville, Mississippi this time of year?
October is probably the best month of the year for us,After a brutal summer it’s nice to have some cool nights in the 50-60’s and the days are in the mid 70’s.
How was your experience at the Musicians Institute in L.A.?
I enjoyed my time at MI. I went to the Vocal class,not because I thought I was a singer,nor do I concider myself a great singer today, but I enjoy writing music and I wanted to be able to sing my songs. I learned alot while I was in L.A.
Did getting away from your hometown influence your creative process?
It did,It was the first time in my life I was exposed to some many diferent cultures. I made some really good friends from all over the world. Being able to colaberate with them brought about a whole new perspective on writing for me,both musically and lyrically.
How so?
I had a good friend that was in my class named Dar, We had this thing where after school each day we would go back to one of our apartments and and write a song. He played guitar and I played keys back then. It didn’t matter how long or short the song was or the genre, but we would make ourselves finish one each day. That was a great exercise in songwriting, We came up with some really cool stuff. I owe alot to him because he was a very talented guy and being able to spend those days writing and bouncing ideas off each other was really fun. These days it’s mostly me writing,I miss having that connection musically with someone.I envy people in bands that can do that all the time,but on the other hand thats probably what forced me to learn how to play multiple instruments.
So how did you initially find yourself walking down this path known as music?
I don’t really know,It’s always been in my blood. I have just always had a deep appreaciation for all stlyes of music and lyrics.I love it when you hear a song and instantly it takes you somewhere,it may be a memory or a feeling, but something happens.
What motivates you to keep going?
I actually got away from writing for about 15 years,life happens as some people say. I still played but not as much.My son came to me one day and asked me to put my studio back together,he thought it would be fun to work on some stuff together.Growing up he had never shown any interest in any of the instruments we had in the house so after 17 years hearing this from him was a huge surprise. That was the single thing that got me back writing and keeps me going. He has since taken to guitar and is getting pretty good at it.
How is “Where I Am” different than your other songs?
It’s really hard for me to classify “my style”. One day I may write something very country and the next day it will be R&B,PoP. My first love was the piano so some of my favorites are much like early Elton john tracks.
Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
I wrote where I am sitting on my porch swing smoking a cigar playing my acoustic guitar. I had a lot on my mind and in a simple kinda way it all came out.
What challenges are you facing as an indie musician in the digital age?
Getting people to hear my songs has been a challenge. It’s a lot more work to be noticed these days than I ever thought it would be. There is so many people doing the same thing. I know there is at least one person in every city out there that would get what I do, I just have to figure out how to connect with them.
On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
It has definitely helped. I have so much power in my little home studio its crazy. I have everything I need to produce great music.
The sad thing is I don’t know half of what I need to know to use all the programs and plug-ins I have. I prefer to get my songs to a point where i’m happy with them and the find someone to mix and produce the final product. I had Paul Drew from the UK do “Where I Am” and I think he did a great job.
How do you feel about streaming services?
I think they are awesome, I love to look at my tunecore account to see my streams and where they are coming from.
Any attachments to the physical formats: vinyl, 8-track, cassettes, CDs?
not yet
Where can readers find you online and listen to more music?
Have anything else before we sign off?
I can’t think of anything else, Thank you for doing this!
