In an uncertain world, one thing is for sure; Joel Culpepper has an unforgettable voice and a distinctive style that defy comparison.
In June 2014, Joel was BBC Introducing artist of the week and later invited to perform on the BBC Introducing stage at Bestival. In May 2015, Joel joined Paloma Faith on her Australian tour as the main support act. Performing in packed venues, including the iconic Sydney Opera House, Joel gained new fans and praise from the Australian media for his notable performances.
Joel followed up the success of his debut EP, ‘Skydive’, with the release of his second EP, ‘Tortoise’ in January 2017. ‘Tortoise’ saw the cream of the music scene including Grammy award winning producer Jimmy Hogarth, Roy Davis Jr., and Jools Holland’s Musical Director Phil Veacock, queueing up to work with Joel. His ‘Afraid to Be King’ single was a BBC Radio 6 Music Record of the Week earning him a Gilles Peterson session, with further radio support for Joel coming from Lauren Laverne, Annie Mac, Chris Hawkins, Huw Stephens, Trevor Nelson, Mary Anne Hobbs, DJ Target, Toddla T, Charlie Sloth, Jamie East and Steve Lamacq.
But it is the dynamism, energy and impact of his live shows where Joel is at his undeniable best. Recent outings, including a European tour, a sell-out show at the Jazz Café and appearances at Camp Bestival, Reeperbahn, Holy Groove festival, Standon Calling, Wilderness festival, LIM festival, All Points East and The Great Escape have showcased honest, real and transcendent music with a vocal talent that is as rare as it is exceptional.
Blazing into 2019 with a sizzling slice of bittersweet sunshine soul, Joel and long term collaborator and producer Swindle team up with UK rapper Kojey Radical for latest track, ‘Caroline No’. Following hard on the heels of Colors of Berlin performance ‘Woman’, which has racked up over 5 million YouTube views and 1 million+ Spotify streams, and a guest vocal spot on DJ Yoda’s ‘London Fields’, ‘Caroline No’ is the sublime first fruits of an eagerly awaited debut album. Bringing together timeless soul music with seductive and sensual vocals, the album, due for release in 2019, features collaborations with FKJ, Swindle, Redinho and Guy Chambers, among a litany of stellar musical talent.
This is a standing show.