Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Brown
Hi Joe, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I actually started out as a tuba player in middle school, which is kind of funny considering where I am now. I stuck with it through high school and even started college as a music education major on tuba. But at the same time, I had taught myself guitar during the pandemic and was writing songs on my own. I just kept feeling more drawn to that side of music. It felt a lot more genuine to me. Eventually, I switched my focus completely—I changed my major, started playing out more, and really leaned into songwriting and guitar as my main thing.
Over the years, I’ve been shaping my own sound, which is really rooted in 70s folk and soft rock—artists like Joni Mitchell, CSN, Little Feat, the Grateful Dead. I love that living and breathing organic feel, but I want to bring it into a modern space.
Along the way, I’ve gotten some really cool opportunities. I was selected as an Artist in Residence at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which led to a part-time job performing in their Interactive Garage Exhibit. I’ve been building my career, playing gigs wherever I can, and also music directing a Beatles tribute band. I’ve done everything from solo acoustic sets to leading my own full band.
Right now, I’m in this interesting space where I’ve had a lot of success, but I’m still not necessarily reaching a ton of eyes. I’m just focusing on making the best art I can. It’s been a slow build, but I kind of love that—everything I’ve achieved has been real, earned, and built on a strong foundation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say smooth, but I also wouldn’t say rough necessarily. Maybe “Long and Winding” is the right way to describe it. I think one of the biggest struggles has been figuring out how to actually make a career in music in a way that feels sustainable. There’s absolutely no clear blueprint, and especially as someone who’s more interested in songwriting and live performance rather than chasing trends on social media, it can feel like a slow climb.
This sort of goes hand-in-hand with another challenge, which was switching gears from music education to being an artist. I spent years studying classical music and education, and for a while, I thought that was going to be my career. When I realized that my passion was really in songwriting and guitar, I had to start from scratch in a lot of ways—learning how to manage myself, how to book gigs, how to actually find a living from this. That transition wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
I’ve learned that the slow road isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I’ve built everything organically, and while I might not be “discovered” in a mainstream sense yet, I know that the foundation I’m creating is solid.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, and I specialize in creating music that blends that warm feel of the 70s with a modern touch. My biggest influences are artists like Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, LIzzy McAlpine, and John Mayer—music that feels timeless but still deeply personal.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just chasing trends or trying to go viral. That has always felt incredibly superficial to me. I’m really focused on making music that lasts. I care a lot about songwriting, storytelling, and musicianship, and I want my music to feel like something that you can keep coming back to, like your favorite record from years ago. I also love playing live, whether it’s solo acoustic or with a full band. My band, the Joe Brown Band, is made up of my favorite musicians who just so happen to be my best friends.
As for what I’m most proud of, I’d say being a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Artist in Residence was a huge moment for me. That opportunity really validated the work I’d been putting in, and it led to me working at the Hall in their interactive Garage Exhibit, where I get to teach visitors about rock music while playing it. I’ve also had the chance to music direct and play guitar with a Beatles tribute band, which has been an amazing way to dive deep into one of the most legendary catalogs of all time.
At the end of the day, I think what really defines my work is that I’m in this for the long haul. I need music. I’m building something real and tangible, and I love that the people who find my music feel like they’ve discovered something special.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
This list could last pages, but I’ll try to be brief.
I have to start with my family. I’m the second oldest of five kids, so family has always been a huge element of my life. It’s hard to escape with numbers like that. More specifically though, my parents were the people who turned me onto some of my favorite artists, such as the Beatles, Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, and Pink Floyd. My siblings are just great support systems and I’ll forever be impressed by the unique ways that each of them are a best friend to me.
I also mentioned before that my bandmates are my best friends. I have been playing with Dom Lamarca (Lead Guitar, BKV) since the Stoops days and he has been the best guitar teacher that I’ve ever had. I met Brian Fink (Drums, BKV) in college. He was the jazz drummer and we were asked to play a house show together one night. This show was a nightmare, but Brian was a pro and completely enamored me with his knowledge of the Grateful Dead. Quinn Brown (Bass, BKV) is the youngest of the group and brings a “Let’s get weird” energy that keeps our hearts in the music.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame team has also been a huge part of my journey. Getting the Artist in Residence spot was already an honor, but then being brought on to work in the Garage? That’s been such an incredible experience. I’ve met so many musicians, industry professionals, and just great people who have inspired me and helped me grow.
Jim Stewart and Nate Saggio have been great mentors to me in the recording/engineering space, and Sean Murphy and Patrice Cokely have been great mentors in the music business realm.
Aside from this, anyone who comes to a show or listens to my music. I don’t know if people necessarily realize how meaningful these things are for an artist. Anytime that I can make a connection with an audience or individual is truly what keeps me moving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joebrownmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe_brown_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560650276959
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@joebrownrecordings
- Other: https://linktr.ee/joebrownmusic?utm_source=linktree_admin_share
