Joe Brooks is a critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter whose music and lyrics have connected with millions of listeners around the world. It’s his ability to create timeless and universal tracks that have made him a standout in the community and one to keep your eye on. His latest single, “Memory Foam,” is no different. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Joe about his career, “Memory Foam,” and more!
PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Joe: I was kind of late to the game. I didn’t start singing until I was sixteen. My sister played a big role by introducing me to the likes of Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and Matchbox Twenty on our journeys to and from school. This helped me fall in love with playing my acoustic and figuring out what combination of words sounded the least lame. From there, I’ve rarely found a greater peace in my life than the hours following a live performance. That indisputable feeling naturally reinforces that this is my true calling.
PC: You’ve got a new single out now. Tell us the inspiration behind “Memory Foam.”
Joe: “Memory Foam” is knowing that deep down the love you had and the bond you created with someone who was once your world is still somewhere inside them, and no matter what hurtful things were said or what mistakes were made, instinctively you know it was buried and not forgotten.
PC: In addition to your own music, you’ve also helped other up-and-coming artists find their voices. Why has that been so important to you? How have those experiences lent themselves to your own career?
Joe: A passion of mine is seeing raw talent in someone and helping them to realize their potential. I never really had a musical mentor when I was coming up, and with all the trial and error of my career, I like to think I can guide younger talent to help find their authentic voice and vision as an artist. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to do so.
PC: Of all the music that you’ve released, if you had to pick one song that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Joe: As a typical artist, I always prefer my most recent material and tend to cringe at the older stuff. Though I’m proud of the “Superman” days, I definitely will say “Memory Foam.” It feels like with each song I release I’m able to emote with more maturity and reveal more of myself lyric by lyric. Though five-minute, mid-tempo songs with no TikTok campaign or in-car lip-syncing videos won’t set the matrix algorithms alight…I really don’t care. This music will find the ears it needs to and those people will feel heard. That’s the power of true art.
PC: You are a very goal-driven artist. What are some of the things that you hope to accomplish in 2023? What does the year have in store for you?
Joe: I’d like to have my first-ever vinyl in the works.
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Joe: Anything from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to Sultan + Shepard. Those are probably the two ends of my listening spectrum.
PC: First album you bought?
Joe: It’s so embarrassing! I remember it so well as I was super excited. I was probably about eight or nine and I bought Boyzone, Said and Done, on cassette tape with my saved-up pocket money. Needless to say, I was a huge Boyzone fan. [laughs]
PC: First concert you attended?
Joe: Oasis at the Rose Bowl cricket ground back in my hometown when I was around fifteen. I was wearing a brand new white hoodie which, as I climbed onto my friend’s shoulders to try and see Liam Gallagher balance a tambourine on his head, was doused in red wine by a friendly Oasis fan.
PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Joe: Honestly, there were so many pivotal albums throughout my teenage years in particular. Matchbox Twenty’s Yourself or Someone Like You was an album that didn’t leave my car CD player for about a year. I’d listen every day on my way to and from school, and that ultimately helped shape my songwriting more than any other record.
PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Joe: The El Rey in Los Angeles is one of my favorite spots to watch shows. I’d love to experience it from the stage at some point.
To keep up with Joe, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Listen to “Memory Foam” today.
Photo Credit: Delia Bush
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