INTERVIEW: Joel Brogon Doesn't Shy Away From Who He Is

Hailing from South Texas, Joel Brogon brings a fresh voice to Americana. His musical journey is deeply influenced by a rich tapestry of genres, drawing inspiration from classic singer-songwriters, folk sounds of the ’70s, and traditional ’90s country music. At the heart of Brogon’s artistry lies a profound commitment to narrative storytelling, weaving tales inspired by his own life experiences and those of the community around him. Through his songs, he sheds light on a wide range of topics, from the beauty of nature to social justice issues like LGBTQ+ rights and environmental stewardship. In our interview, he discusses his influences and the process that went into his new song “Erase These Scars.”

Who are some of your musical influences?

My biggest influence is probably John Denver, but I am also deeply influenced by female artists like Nanci Griffith, Kate Campbell, and Cheryl Wheeler.

Do you have any songwriting tips you can share?

Keep everything you write, even if you think it’s shit at the time. You never know what you might use at another time whether it’s a line or an idea.

Tell us about your favorite show you’ve ever played.

I recently played in Amarillo Texas at the Amarillo Art Institute’s First Friday Artwalk. One of my favorite shows as of yet! So many people were genuinely interested in my original music and were very generous in buying merch and tipping.

Do you play covers at your shows? Why or why not?

I don’t play covers save for maybe one or two. I feel that as a songwriter I’d really like to convey my own ideas and express myself rather than try to sing someone else’s song. If I don’t have something unique to add to it, I’d rather respect the original artist’s intent.

How do you feel your queer identity ties into your performance style or music?

When I first decided to pursue releasing my music, I decided right away not to hide who I was or shy away from LGBTQ+ themes and imagery in my writing. I want younger folks that see me playing out to know that it’s okay to be who you are no matter what, even if you are in a genre that’s not always Queer friendly.

Recent release you cannot stop listening to?

I’m currently wearing out Kaitlin Butts’ new release Roadrunner! I love “Buckaroo.”

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