Joel Culpepper
Unafraid to take creative risks and break the mould, singer/songwriter Joel Culpepper is a fearless artist whose sound skips over hip-hop and soul, playing tribute to the music that's inspired him to make it.
"I think I like the idea of taking risks. I think establishing yourself comes hand in hand with a risk."
Culpepper's anticipated debut EP 'Skydive' takes the listener on a story-teller's journey of love and life's lessons. "I think for me, what I hope stands out is that the audience know I mean it.
"I believe in what I am singing about and love what I’m doing and am enjoying myself. Hopefully people can enjoy it with me. It is my reality show."
To launch his new material, Joel unveils 'Heaven' taken from the EP and 'B.I.G', a tribute to legendary rapper Biggie Smalls, which is given the Culpepper treatment. A gentle, inspiring track peppered with Biggie-isms but unarguably Culpepper in style and delivery. A visual for the track will drop around the EP release.
Since 2009 and the release of Joel's first music project 'The Adventures of Pensmith', the singer has continued to impress with his distinctive sound and stage presence.
His band, ‘The Transformers’, provide the musical backdrop for his shows which push boundaries and offer audiences an intense and energetic set of music. Living up to their name; each musician plays at least two instruments; 'transforming' during Joel’s dynamic live sets.
Joel has recently performed at; YOYO'S Notting Hill Arts Club, Jools Holland's Boisdale, Cargo, XOYO, Hard Rock Cafe and Boomtown festival.
In 2011, Joel released his second Mixtape, ‘Joel Culpepper Meets J. Dilla’, a tribute project to the late, great producer. This generated considerable interest amongst bloggers and music fans, successfully showcasing Joel’s strong song-writing skills and quirky vocal style.
With a distinctive style inspired by British fashion and model culture, Joel has been described as 'the UK's answer to Andre 3000 and Mos Def'. Determined to champion individuality through music, Joel delivers an EP that's honest, thoughtful and unforgettable.
Live dates:
8 September 2012 - Arts Fest Birmingham
21 September 2012 - East Ender Fest London (alongside TY, Black Twang, MF Doom)