By Eleanor Davies
Since the likes of Lily Allen burst onto the music scene after being ‘spotted’ on MySpace, it has become as big a breading ground for talent as shows like The X Factor, but with the subtle difference that you can build a loyal fan base before you make it big.
And the newest singing sensation, Joe Brooks, has made fans on both sides of the Atlantic, with well over one hundred thousand ‘friends’ on MySpace.
“I think the key word there is ‘Loyal’,” he tells me. “I wanted to build a loyal fan base that grew with me and my music and me with them. I truly have the best fans in the world, they are so good to me.
“The trouble with shows like The X Factor is that you’re here today and gone tomorrow, and then no one really cares,” he says, honestly. “I wanted to write and produce my music with control over who I work with and how I’m presented to the world. So I guess these shows are good for people with talent but who don’t know how to get it out there.”
And Joe has been careful about whom to sign a recording contract with, not wanting to lose control over his songs. However after signing with Lava Records/Universal Republic, his career is going from strength to strength, playing gigs across America, festivals in the UK and a tour is planned for November!
“I’ve been lucky enough to play to sell out crowds on both coasts,” says the 23-year-old. “I head out on the road with 20 plus shows to discover real America soon. It’s difficult to comprehend the size of the country let alone tour it,” he laughs. “But it’s all about leaving doubts and worries behind and just doing it.”
So with all that exploring of America he must be looking forward to heading home for a while and back to his native Southampton.
“Southampton will always be ‘home’ and I always look forward to going back every few months. The thing I miss most is being around English people with our genuine, no frills attitude, it’s a nice way to keep your feet on the floor.”
And here in Essex we can’t wait to welcome back the UK’s answer to Jack Johnson, when he plays at Virgin Media’s V Festival in Chelmsford next month, and Joe can’t wait either!
“This is my first time at V and I can’t wait,” he enthuses. “There are some awesome bands this year, I’m excited to come home, see friends and family, jam with my band and then play to thousands of people.
“Sometimes I have to pinch myself, I’m very grateful to be able to do this as a career.”
And if you can’t wait until then to see and hear Joe then head to his MySpace page, where you can download his current single, Superman and pre order his album, Constellation Me, which is out 7 September 2010.
“Expect to hear diverse sounds from stripped acoustic to some mean organ, horns, strings and a soul choir,” Joe concludes. “I can’t wait for it to be out there and for people to be passing it around, blaring it in their cars or falling asleep to it, it’s got a lot of variation.”
To hear more of Joe’s ‘diverse sounds’ head to his MySpace page: www.myspace.com/joebrooksmusic or catch him on the Union Arena Stage at V Festival, Chelmsford on Sunday 22 August.