TOTR introduce Joel Culpepper
1) Introduce yourself, who is Joel Culpepper?
Joel Culpepper is a hard worker, a son, and a brother. But at heart a passionate musician looking for his next gig in the next city.
I love singing, it’s my release from the everyday stresses of life and writing is an expression that presents endless outcomes. I’ve been performing for a while now with my band doing shows in and around London trying to embrace the people with heart felt music.
2) How did you get into music, what/who influences you?
I got intomusic like most, growing up in a soul household I was exposed from an early age to Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, UB40, Sade, Omar, Michael Jackson, the list goes on.
When I heard Stevie Wonder sing “magic” I knew I wanted to sing for life, fused with an early love for Hip hop, music was something I felt compelled to do.
I have eclectic taste buds so it’s hard to really say what influences me because life alone influences me and as for music it goes from David Ruffin to listening to elbow it’s that random. I guess, realness and radical thinking but sincerity at its core inspires me.
3) Tell us about your current project?
“I Love ginger beer” is the current project, I hear you laugh at the name, but to be honest I genuinely do love ginger beer.
I love ginger beer is a concept album designed with a message, what that message is for you is different for me and also different for him or her but believe when I say it will have something for all.
I have been hard at work with hip-hop producers Blackmale Beats who have produced the project. Our creative intent is to involve the best musicians and artists. As for who’s involved you’ll have to look out for that, I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise.
4) You released the mix tape ‘Joel Culpepper meets J Dilla’ where you sang over J Dilla beats. How was that received and how did that project come about?
J Dilla was a remarkable person that left an in print on a lot of people without them really realising and I am one of those people.
My introduction to Dilla came through the group slum village with the track “get dis money” Just talking about it I can hear the beat in my head. At the time I didn’t know who the producer was but I was into it big time.
Fast-forward 9 years whilst working on ginger beer and listening to a lot of J Dilla I decided to do a short mix tape of some of my favourite joints from the producer. It was quick, organic and I have fond memories of recording it.
The project was well received we got a few blog shout outs and some Dilla fans really reached out and showed love which meant a lot to me as I know his music is so loved and respected!
4) Other than you, are there any other emerging artists that we should keep an eye out for?
Yes, Kay young is an extremely talented rapper/singer, she also produced my first mix tape “The adventures of pensmith”, so I will add talented producer to that too.
Look out for Art Daley, Jasper Erkens and production duo Blackmale Beats just to name a few.
5) What are your thoughts on the UK music scene at the moment?
The UK music scene is really exciting at the moment, it’s edgy and creative, and I love the individuality of some acts also. It’s great that it has a worldwide platform now and is appreciated by the masses. No one can do it like us and it’s very evident when people try, we do us very well!
6) Where do you see yourself a year from now?
Hopefully still making music I love and have a passion for, I’d love to see it heard by a few more people, but who knows what the future holds for me.
7) Last, but by no means least you recently performed at our April “TURN OFF THE RADIO” event. How do you think your set went and what are your thoughts on the night?
I loved every minute of the performance and really enjoyed doing the night. The main reason being apart from the good music was the good people. It’s refreshing when events cater for both and I think when it comes to music’s most diverse night; Turn off the radio wins hands down!
*YOUR CHEQUE’S IN THE POST JOEL :-)
Follow Joel on Twitter @Jculpeppermusic, also to listen to and download Joel’s previous mix-tapes you can visit his bandcamp here.
