Music Review: Joe Dolman

There's always a common misconception linking the real talent in music to the managing companies of artists based in London; but this is merely a constrained idea that's exactly the opposite of what people should be thinking. Some of the greatest musicians come from the smallest of places, where simplicity is just a way of life. It's in the less widely recognised places that the best and most mellifluous music can really be shared within a community. Joe Dolman, an 18 year old singer/ songwriter, originating from Leamington Spa, is one of the exceptional talents to brace the music industry with a belt of passion and fervour for the beauty and soul behind music. Currently, the "alternative/pop/folk" singer is reaching the end of a small 'Learning To Fly' EP tour. Having made his way to my local town, I took a visit to check out the emotive tunes that had me immediately entranced.

"I've already done everything I thought I'd do by now so I just really enjoy playing and posting videos online" says Joe, when I get a minute with him as he comes off from playing an eclectic set of crisp tunes. "If it doesn't get any bigger than this then that's fine, I'm happy doing what I'm doing; I just enjoy it." Evoking a deferential and modest character, Joe exhumes the ideals associated with music artists, often to be disproved: passionate about his music and light about the way in which the crunch for money is a contingency.  "But obviously I'd love to to be able to carry it on and hopefully make a living out of it, but even if it doesn't happen then it doesn't happen; I still enjoy it and that's the main thing."

In every song sung, Joe serves up a sweet set of vocals chipped with instrumental artistry. When I asked about his song writing progress he commented, " I write loads and loads of lyrics and things that I think of". He then proceeded to add, "I have a couple of ideas and then I'll just work from there and imagine the song into reality." On his latest EP, Joe casts invigorating perspective on the acoustic genre, inserting both a joyful and nostalgic taste of what I hope is soon to develop into an album. On tracks such as 'Learning to Fly', the melodious and memorable harmonies combined in the addition of backing vocals from a female artist helps establish the rich folk/ acoustic sound with an especial quality. After introducing me to 'Tony', his cherished guitar, Joe explained, "I really like getting the opportunity to play on other peoples' music". He described how he often takes an active involvement in music such as Rosie Samaras' tracks, working as her guitarist, bass player and adding in backing vocals: soon to be featured on her latest EP (later released in the summer).

On questioning the nature of his shows and what is better, whether it be small gigs or wide-scale performances, Joe answered, "I love playing to anyone who will listen. It's great playing massive venues". Late last year the young singer featured on the BBC Introducing Stage at Hyde Park. "I did Hyde park in September which is incredible" he explained, "but at the same time I enjoy playing gigs like this where there's just a few people here". In a genial tone he added, "It's intimate and everyone's really friendly".

One of the greatest issues in making it as an artist in such a competitive and highly sought after industry is in the ability to stand out from the crowd. Many people explain how it's simply down to working hard and pre-emptying the ideas about what makes a popular singer, since even in the charts the greatest hits need no longer be simply mainstream pop tracks. But as I spoke to Joe and began to understand the real impact music was and is having on his life, from the humble beginnings of a banjo-playing kid to an established, flourishing artist, it threw a spark of surprise within me when he said, " I think it's believing in yourself". Here, he explained that it's this that affects how you go about getting noticed.

Certainly an artist worth recognition, not just for his music, but also his driven and forward persona, Joe is patently an artist we should be keeping an eye on in the future.

You can purchase Joe's latest EP here.
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