Getting To Know: Joe Blakeley

Emerging from the rugged coastline of West Cumbria, Joe is a rising multi-talented musician set to soundtrack your most nostalgic summer memories. Drawing inspiration from the cinematic soundscapes of Lana Del Rey and the storytelling genius of Hozier, Joe crafts music that feels both refreshingly new and soothingly familiar. His journey began with piano lessons in school, evolving through years of scribbled lyrics and local singing groups, ultimately finding his voice at the Soundwave music charity. Fresh off serenading crowds at Kendal Calling 2024, where he delivered stunning covers from Vance Joy to Paolo Nutini, Joe is ready to take the spotlight and share his unique sound with the world.

1. Your music is inspired by the cinematic sounds of Lana Del Rey and the storytelling genius of Hozier. How do you blend these influences to create a unique sound that resonates with your audience?

I've listened to both of these artists for a while now, and they have become two steadily grown favourites of mine. I feel like I'm in a movie when I listen to Lana Del Rey's music, it just takes me somewhere. I want to have this effect when creating my own music. I almost start to think about, if this was playing in a movie, what would be happening in the scene? This just helps me zone in on creating that cinematic effect.

When it comes to Hozier, I enjoy the story he can write in his music. I love how he can bury such specific meanings and references in his songs, I always try to figure them out and find out where they come from.  Whilst I definitely wouldn't compare myself to either of two of these artists, they certainly play a big part in my inspiration.

2. You've mentioned that your love for music started at a young age, with experiences like learning piano in school and participating in singing groups. How have these early musical experiences shaped your approach to songwriting and performance today?

I think throwing myself into such creative environments from such a young age has really helped my drive my 'artistic eye'. From first touching a keyboard when I was 7 years old to where I am today, I've met so many people with different musical tastes that it's been hard not to explore them and discover what resonates with me and what doesn't. From here, I've been able to, sort of, narrow down what I want to perform and write about. Though there is still room for things to change, I wouldn't want to shut myself off to anything. 

3. Performing at events like Kendal Calling 2024 and Whitehaven Alive 2023 must have been incredible experiences. How have these live performances influenced your growth as an artist, and what have you learned from connecting with audiences in these settings?

Whitehaven Alive 2023 was my first major performance, I was on a local/emerging talent stage. It really gave me a feel of what it's like to have people who you've never met stand and watch you sing, I won't lie, I was terrified. Though I don't think people talk enough about the difference between singing outdoors and indoors, the gig I did after Whitehaven Alive was inside a store and that seemed even more intimidating for some reason that I can't put my finger on.

Kendal Calling 2024 was my most recent performance, and probably the biggest, for me. I was on the Roots stage, a brand new emerging talent stage programmed by a local music charity called Soundwave. It was amazing. A lot of gigs I have done in the past, people will come and watch but they will just carry on with their day, actually having people come out of their way and listen was something else.  I did a solo and some group songs with fellow singers, everyone did incredible. 

4. Your lyrics often evoke a sense of nostalgia and aim to create a 'surprisingly nostalgic summer haze' for listeners. Can you share more about the themes and emotions you explore in your songwriting process?

At least right now, I'm trying to create something that feels unexplainably familiar and lets whoever will be listening to build their own world around it. I guess a big part of my writing and 'world-building' comes from living in West Cumbria. I'm based right in between the coast and the Lake District, so when it comes to building a 'picturesque' atmosphere, I'm not really short of inspiration. 

5. As you continue to build your musical career, what are your goals for the future? Are there any specific projects or collaborations you're excited to work on next?

I want to release more music and go fully into the songwriting process. It's certainly the hardest step for me, mainly because I want it to be right, but the more I do it, the more I release what I want to write about. I'm currently working on a release with another local musician, Grace Holden-Cook. We've been working away at it, we absolutely share a similar vision for it.