We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joe Day. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joe below.

Alright, Joe thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Is it possible to be both happy and tortured by your own vision? If so, that’s me. I spend so much time imagining what is possible for me as an artist with no constraints. I have so many crazy ideas it gets overwhelming, especially when it comes time to figure out how to pull them off – whether funding, time, etc… there’s always things in the way. But…I love being an artist. I love imagining the impossible.

For me though, this question is the inverse. I actually do have a regular job (I’m a UX Designer), and have for the entirety of my musical career. So, for me it’s more about thinking of what it would be like to focus on art full time.

But, it goes even further than this. I’m the kind of person with a zillion interests, and when I get into something I go deep. For instance, last year I was in the process of starting a brewery with a friend. I have been brewing for a decade and really love it. Such a compelling blend of science and art. Last year, we had everything lined up: distribution, a location, and a core of local support for the concept. It was exciting and promising. At the same time I was writing songs for my next album and really loving the direction. And one night I realized I that pursuing the brewery would mean not making the album – there just would not be time & energy for it. This was a disturbing reality. I couldn’t imagine having these songs just sitting there and not bringing them to life. So I took a little time to think about it, talk it over with close friends, and pray. And through this process I had a very grounding realization: brewing is fun and rewarding, but music is core to who I am. I could be ok if I didn’t launch the brewery. I would be very much not ok to stop doing music. I’ve come to realize through this process that music is my vocation, regardless of what I do for a living.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a singer-songwriter in the Seattle area. I make sad, hopeful music. My story is complicated. I moved to Seattle area when I was 19 with some friends to start a band because we all shared a love for the Seattle music scene. Like many musicians I’ve had a string of almosts – almost signed a big record deal in the late 90s, almost signed with a handful of other small labels over the years, but for whatever reason the timing was never right and I’ve just kept going as an independent musician. My faith has always been a part of my work, and that lead to taking a job as a worship leader at a large church that eventually collapsed in a very public way.

It wasn’t immediate, but in the year following the collapse, my faith collapsed. I was having trouble sleeping. There were panic attacks. Eventually, I was diagnosed with PTSD, which was surprisingly a very helpful thing. It took a big, scary thing and defined it, made it smaller.

So, as a songwriter I’ve been working through these experiences. My music is for people sincerely wrestling with their faith. I try to create a safe space for the confusion, disillusionment, grief, and lament that comes with a crisis of faith since the church oddly enough really struggles to be that for people who are going through it. My hope is my music gives people hope to keep going, keep asking questions, and keep exploring their own heart in the midst of the struggle. It is said that “the way out is through” and so I make music for that journey.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I love this question. There are practical things that everyone can do that are pretty simple. And they are soooo needed right now.

1. Join your favorite artist’s email list. Artists more than ever need a way to directly connect with their fans, and email is still the best way to do that. Social media algorithms increasingly hide content from artists you follow, so if you want to stay in the loop, email is the way to go.
2. Buy merch. Seems small, but it helps so much.
3. Go to shows! Especially the shows of the smaller artists you love. Join their email list and buy their merch.
4. Cancel Spotify. There are many better options that support artists in more meaningful ways. Tidal and Apple Music are two. Pro tip: import your Spotify likes and playlists into your new streaming service for a way better experience.

Lastly, we need more arts endowments. Organizations like Sonic Guild are great. We need more of them!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

In one hand honesty, in the other mystery. Honesty to connect with the heart. Mystery to engage the imagination. I want my music to live in the tension between these ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joedaymusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeday/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyjoeday
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfv_LQXqwgy_A6qApaRGlbg

Image Credits

Jana Early
Kate Richardson
Buck Rivard