Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Fee.
Hi Joe , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started out playing rock music – drum set, electric guitar, and electric bass. I became interested in jazz in my teens and was quite obsessed by it for a while, particularly the stuff that was happening in the 60s and the Miles Davis electric period. That led me to delve into other styles of music and I eventually went on to study and perform classical music as a percussionist, focusing on 20th and 21st century music. Around 2015, I decided to focus on composing and since then, I’ve been writing music for dance and video. I am putting together an album of some of my favorite pieces that I have written over the past few years and I plan to have it out within the year. And I’m currently editing a new music video that will be out soon as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think there is always a struggle of some kind because every time you try to write a new piece (whatever medium you are in), there is a risk and a period of learning or transition. In the end, no matter how much you plan, you can never really predict where it will go. Of course, that is the beauty of creating, but it can be a daunting prospect while you are in it.
There is a level of acceptance that you need to have in order for a piece to evolve the way it needs to. A kind of trust, especially of your intuition. These days, that is the thing I think about the most. Not trying to overly control everything or analyze the process too much.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m really interested in letting all of my influences and experiences come out naturally when I write. I’ve had the pleasure of performing a wide range of music and so a lot of times, there is a blend of instruments and aesthetics in my music – using electronics in combination with various percussion instruments and including world instruments from time to time. At first, there was a conscious decision to experiment with these textures and how they might interact. But now, I find that the instrumentation and the music is becoming more organic and expressing itself naturally.
In terms of visuals, I have been very interested in filming in natural settings, particularly places that suggest transcendent possibilities like caves or monolithic structures. I am very excited to continue on in this area and travel more as these projects develop.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’d say it is really about being open to new things and trying to consistently challenge yourself. I think it is important not to become too comfortable.
Contact Info:
- Website: joe-fee,com
- Instagram: @joefeemusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@joefee1085
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/joe-fee-music
Image Credits
Photos are stills taken from music videos :
Produced/Directed by Joe Fee
Cinematography : Benjamin Steeper / Drake Woodall