( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Joel Christian Discusses Music, Songwriting, and the LGBTQ+ Community
ENSPIRE Contributor: Amitha Bhat
Joel Christian is a Los Angeles based musician and stylist who strives to express himself in every way possible. He recently released his dark-pop album, Dark Magic. He has always been obsessed with writing music, creating visuals, designing clothes, and anything that allowed him to express his creativity. He began writing music at the age of fourteen and fell in love with pop music and how iconic pop stars created their artistry.
He attended private school his entire life. Throughout those years, he always knew he was different. He felt this urge in himself to creatively express his imagination and that’s what led him to music. He loved the way it made him feel – liberated, safe, and all of the above. In an interview with ENSPIRE Magazine, Joel discusses his relationship with music, songwriting, and the LGBTQ+ community.
What does music mean to you?
Music is the cure to every emotion you feel throughout this life. Music allowed me to get lost in a world that inspired me, didn’t judge me, and allowed me to be who I was born to be. I felt alive with certain sounds, I felt pain with certain instruments, and I felt joyful through certain lyrics. When you put it all together – it is the foundation to everything.
What is your songwriting process like?
My songwriting process varies but I have noticed a certain way I do it. It mostly consists of me hearing melodies in my head, pulling out my voice memo and recording, or hearing certain words where I’m like “that would be a cool song title.” Some nights I fall myself getting lost deep into the lyrics, I feel my emotions and allow them to flow freely onto the paper. I want to write songs that are honest and 100% me. Every song I’ve ever released I’ve written the lyrics too.
Who or what is your greatest inspiration when it comes to music?
My greatest inspiration to music would probably be the iconic pop stars who took their visuals and artistry to the next level. Who were unapologetically themselves whether it was right or wrong. I have so many artists that have inspired me to do what I do, but also so many people surrounding me in my life, such as my fans. And most of all, myself. Damn, if I didn’t believe in myself, I’m not sure who would. It takes you to get to where you are, and I think sometimes people forget that. I’m not perfect, but I push myself and inspire myself to be the best artist I can be.
Can you tell us in your opinion an interesting fact about your debut album, Dark Magic?
Well, the album wasn’t going to come out so soon, but with the way the world is I wanted to release it and get it out there. Life is so short and making an album has always been a goal of mine and Dark Magic is so personal and such an interesting album that I had to release it asap!! A fun fact would be that I recorded one of the tracks, “Hell Raiser” in my bedroom during quarantine and never saw my producer once for the final end of it!
How do you aim to help the LGBTQ+ community with your music?
The LGBTQ is my family. I would do anything for them. The bigger my music gets, the louder my voice will be for the community and more ears will listen. My music is there to liberate. To remind the community that you can be anyone you want to be as long as you push yourself and believe in your truth. For so many years, I felt rejected and the one thing I reminded myself was – is that there is only one of me, only life. Hopefully my music can inspire those to create their own world and never be afraid to be who they are!
How has music helped you throughout your life?
Music has made me confident and powerful. It’s taken me places mentally, vocally, and artistically that I knew was there, but always felt afraid. Music is endless. From the sounds, the hooks, the lyrics, the melodies and so much more. It’s helped me be ok with my vulnerabilities and cherish how unique I am as an individual.
What’s next for you?
Well my debut album, Dark Magic just came out! Unfortunately, the world is at a pause right now with the pandemic, but I’m happy the music is out and the fans can enjoy it. I am currently working on promoting the album, releasing the merch collection, and some other secrets you’ll see once they come out!
Joel is committed to expressing himself creatively in every medium from fashion to music. Everyone is definitely excited to see what is has in store post-pandemic!
To learn more about Joel Christian, visit his spotify: Joel Christian on Spotifyopen.spotify.com › artist
