What started out as a small collection of songs based on some folk legends about cryptids, has now become a local mainstay of lore and indie rock music. Making metaphorical connections between mysterious creatures (like the Mothman & Loch Ness Monster) and his own life, Joel's original intention was simply to record 3 songs with no official plans for any kind of album release, let alone the formation of a band. With the help of two long-time friends and drummers, Ryan and Jeremy, Joel accomplished what he set out to do. However, shortly after the spontaneous decision to release the Diversions EP, some of Joel's musician pals took notice, and suddenly, a band rag-tag band was formed. JOEL (the band) played a couple of small shows in 2015 and 2016, but it proved to be short lived. But like the cryptids in these songs, JOEL would only temporarily faded into obscurity.
In late 2019, Joel and his drummer, Ryan, collected the necessary musicians to play a one-off gig. The show was a hit, and just like that, JOEL had wind in the sails again. Plans were made for the following year… 2020. You might have guessed it, in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the band fizzled. JOEL had come and gone yet again.
Nearly 3 years passed. Late in 2022, with the encouragement of some friends, Joel began writing songs again and thinking about playing solo acoustic gigs. In a similarly unexpected way as before, JOEL (the band) was suddenly brought back to life. Joel and Ryan would seek out close friends, Ryan “The Wiz” to play bass guitar and Owen as a second guitarist. In February of 2023, the band JOEL stepped onto the stage again for the first time and hasn't stopped playing gigs since. Along the way, the band picked up lead guitarist, Greg, who has really helped to define the sound of this new version of JOEL.
JOEL is now excitedly waiting in anticipation of the band's first full-length album that is releasing in 2026.
Be sure to keep an eye on the band's local show schedule so that you can experience the spooky story telling and haunting sound of JOEL.
MEET THE BAND
Joel
guitar / storyteller
Meet the band's founder, namesake, and lyricist. Joel is the resident weirdo that won't shut up about cryptids and UFO's.
Ryan (The Fanch)
drums
The other founding member and drummer of the band, Ryan has never batted an eye at Joel's weird ideas, and his friendship is as steady as his tempo.
Ryan (the wiz)
Bass guitar
The smiley half of the rhythm section. Ryan is Joel's childhood best friend, a tuba player turned bass player, and a tech wiz.
greg
lead guitar
Greg brings the vibe with melodic guitar lines that are eerie and catchy. He is a big creative force in the band. He's also the band's recording engineer and producer.
Owen
Keyboard / guitars
The fifth and often invisible member of the band. Owen is a man of many talents. He plays guitar, the Fender Rhodes, and somehow manages to get pictures of the band (even though he is often not pictured).