ALTERNATIVE R&B ARTIST JOËL CO-SIGNS WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA AND DEF JAM RECORDS, AND DEBUTS NEW SINGLE “THINKING ABOUT YOU”
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“most exciting and unpredictable new prospects” by Pigeons and Planes
16 JUNE 2023 (TORONTO, ON) – Today, alternative R&B singer/songwriter Joël Lobban (FKA Joël) marks his musical return with the unveil of his new single, “Thinking About You” via label partners Def Jam Recordings stateside and Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company.
LISTEN TO “THINKING ABOUT YOU” HERE
The mellow, yet edgy R&B-infused track “Thinking About You”, was co-produced by Joël’s close collaborator, Colin Munroe (Drake, Kendrick Lamar) and recorded between Toronto and Los Angeles. The song is accompanied by an official video directed by Dragan Andic (The Weeknd, NAV) that immerses viewers in a visceral and unpredictable narrative of heartbreak and depths of human connection.
WATCH OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE
“Lots of life happened since I last shared music with my fans. I’ve been trying to figure out the words to explain my absence from music, but I figure best to let it speak for itself. I’m excited to share this new chapter with you, I’ve missed y’all heavy!!” says Joël of the new music. “I feel I’m deep in my purpose. I’m deep in my calling.”
After establishing himself as an artist to watch with the release of his debut album GRUNGE GOSPEL in 2020, Joël garnered praise for his unique blend of experimental R&B and powerful vocal abilities. His musical style beautifully intertwines gospel influences from his upbringing as a pastor’s son with a nostalgic nod to 90’s era-rock, drawing inspiration from bands like Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins. Taking a step back to refine his artistic vision for his next project, Joël shares the music, "Thinking About You", as an enticing preview of what's to come on his highly anticipated EP, scheduled for release later this year.
Stay tuned for much more to come from Joël in 2023.
Lead Press Image / Credit to Dragan Andic / The 97 Collective
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ABOUT JOÊL:
Joël is ready for his moment in the spotlight showcasing his gospel of hybridized experimental R&B against a commanding vocal range and devastatingly personal songwriting. Joël grew up as the song of a Pastor in a religious household and he escaped first with basketball and then with music, consuming the catalogues of Lil Wayne, gospel records and Nirvana equally. Now the artist’s sights are set on combining his influences into a sound that’s unique, youthful and urgent – just in time for a new decade of music.