Joël is a man of integrity.
Today, the multidisciplinary Toronto artist released his new single ‘Woes’, the second effort from his genre-bending GRUNGE GOSPEL (SIDE B) EP due in late May.
In terms of alternative R&B, Joël blends pensive remarks and a conscious rationale associated with his musical styling to identify with listeners.
With a faith-based foundation manifesting from his religiously devoted upbringing, the notion of spirituality existing in Joël’s bilateral world is prevalent; championed by a contrasting adherence to the grunge aesthetic. While records like ‘Vent’ and ‘So Blue’ transcend meaning in terms of vulnerability or being emotionally intact with your true self, the Canadian tastemaker’s experience-based prose fuels a didactic encounter that is universally embraced.
“Every single song I get attached to and feel vulnerable about; I treat my music like a journal essentially“, says Joël.
Controlling the narrative and logging your version of the truth in song is a position of influence endowed with significant power. As of late, music has remained the one constant facet of entertainment that has united a quarantined world. Joël’s intrusive rhyme scheme and infectious drive towards incorporating pithy innuendos throughout his soundscape offers a warranted sense of transparency – simply put, his amiable personality induces comfort.
The alternative R&B crooner pens his gospel of stylized caterwauls amidst a compelling overtone that personifies objectivity. With a promising future ahead, as a direct byproduct of grit and determination, InYaEarHipHop had the opportunity to share a conversation with Toronto’s unorthodox wordsmith.
Joël | Courtesy of Listen Up
I’m interested in learning more about the man behind the music – Moreover, who is Joël?
Joël is very humble, more like a big introvert. At the same time, I feel like one of my biggest strengths (when it’s done right) is interacting with people too.
I just feel like I’m easy to approach – whether people are asking dumb questions or just saying shit, whatever the case may be, people just genuinely approach me.
I’m just real easygoing.
I peeped that you’re from Toronto, right?
Yeah, yeah, yeah – Toronto, let’s get it.
Toronto has a varying soundscape. The range of ethnic groups and just the cultural influences in general, it’s like a melting pot of diversity. If you don’t mind me asking, did growing up in that environment play a role with influencing your sound today?
Yeah, a bit. I’m definitely influenced by my environment and what’s around. I kind of always stuck to what I know and what I like.
I remember a period of music where a lot of R&B artist had like this one sound, everything was so abstract, almost like it became this Toronto sound.
I stick to my influences and the different things that I prefer.
It’s important to have a little bit of whatever is going on today (in society) just to make it fit.
At the end of the day, I mean yeah – I want people to listen to my shit, but I don’t try to think about that too much.
How do you manage to find that balance in remaining true to your authentic sound while simultaneously adapting to an ever-changing industry?
Fasho like, it’s important to listen to what’s going on around you.
I feel like there’s education in everything, it doesn’t help you to be stuck in your own way.
There’s knowledge and we’re forever learning.
On paper, it’s easy to read that you’re considered an alternative R&B artist. With this whole notion of title association, do you feel like being classified under a specific genre narrows the scope of creativity?
To be honest, I think it’s cool.
I was never really a title person, titles never excited me.
Some of my favorite artist are alternative artist, like Frank Ocean for example.
My favorite vocalist is Jazmine Sullivan, like I study her and shit. She’s a mixture of R&B and soul; her voice alone has a Gospel feel.
In terms of spirituality – With your father being a pastor, has religion ever factored in musically? I imagine that could potentially create a conflict of interest in a sense.
It definitely gives me a conscience haha.
I wouldn’t even call myself a religious person, I’d say I’m a son of God.
I feel like there’s so many negative points attached to religion, a lot of rules and segregation involved.
I can’t think of the last time I’ve physically been in a church on a Sunday, but it’s in me, in my character; just me knowing that I can’t do anything without God.
I just think about shit more.
Talk to me about your new single ‘Woes’, how did it come together?
To be honest, I wrote that song in probably like 15 mins. I was out in LA, just trying new things, experimenting a lot.
I feel like no matter how far I get, compared to where I started, it’s like climbing up the stairs every time. No matter how far I walk up that stair I feel like it’s still people out there that don’t support.
Nowadays, I get more love from people that I don’t know versus people that I grew up with.
It’s almost like a little cloud over my head, something that I’ve expressed to my homies and people that I talk to now.
It’s just a thought that came to mind.
How would you best describe Grunge Gospel?
Grunge Gospel is like the two sides of me.
I grew up on Gospel music, Soul, R&B and Hip-Hop – that whole kind of urban based music.
It’s what I love and it’s somewhat instilled in me.
A song I actually wrote a few years back (‘So Blue’) was so grungy and raw, it reminded me of the slower songs Nirvana or Smashing Pumpkins would put out.
We kind of just decided to mesh the two and create a new sound.
Musically, has there ever been an instance where creating has left you feeling vulnerable or emotionally intact?
Every single song I get attached to and feel vulnerable about. I treat my music like a journal essentially.
Sometimes I may be going through shit that sucks or sometimes I might be hella happy, so I just write how I feel – it’s life ya know.
I just try to be true to self and just be 100.
I just write down what’s happening in front of me with hopes that someone can relate.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, how have you managed to cope with social distancing and self-quarantining?
It’s weird, almost like I’ve managed to pull back from social media.
In my personal life, I’ve been going through a lot, moving place to place, I just got situated right now.
I’ve noticed more people have been on life and doing their own thing.
In terms of having a plan in place, I’m just doing me.
Writing as much as possible, reading and just being present.
More self-growth and being in tune with your true self.
To stay connected with Joël and for future updates, follow him on social media via @blamejoel.
