Author, composer and performer from south-east London, Joel Culpepper, 36, unveils his latest track "Poetic Justice" on January 15.
Joel Culpepper is an artist revealed in particular via the platform A COLORS SHOW, with a video of his performance Woman, which now has more than 12 million views since its publication, 3 years ago. And to describe it in a few words; This singer has a remarkable vocal ability (combination of soul, neo-soul and contemporary funk influences), he is embellished with a liveliness on stage and dotted with retro touches, not to mention his fantastic dark glasses that accompany him everywhere!
Joel Culpepper or the stage beast?
Since his first album entitled Skydive, released on January 10, 2012, Joel Culpepper has advanced by leaps and bounds and has blended into the British artistic landscape that is emerging in a dazzling way.
His second album, Tortoise, released on January 27, 2017, was another turning point. Indeed, it highlights the raw and singular voice of the singer as well as his lyricism. In our big favorites, we find the punchy title on which we just want to sway: Woman. The latter was performed at COLORSXSTUDIOS with such an attitude and presence that it seems that the music transcends it. Joel Culpepper sings passionately with his guts and that's what we love!
To discover also in his album in preparation Sgt Culpepper titles such as: Sheriff, produced by Redinho in 2019, where we totally melt for his style and his timbre of voice that approaches without difficulty as much treble as low!
Or the double output of the clip, Return/W.Has.R, produced by Swindle in the form of a short film. Clips do not have a decorative purpose at home. On the contrary, they are inseparable with beautiful colorful and surreal shots. From then on, we take as much pleasure in seeing him actor of his clips as in listening to them.
Julian Knxx, poet and interdisciplinary artist who also directed the music video Poetic Justice, likens Joel Culpepper to a "James Brown of today". And it is true that after immersing ourselves in the performance of James Brown's Sex Machine (accompanied by Bobby Byrd) at Teatro 10, dated 24.04.1971, we do indeed find this charisma and hypnotic energy, not to mention his spectacular footwork. In any case, being compared to "The Godfather of Soul" can only be flattering!
"Poetic Justice": a contemplation of love
For the realization of this clip, Joel Culpepper and Julian Knxx have also talked a lot in order to best transcribe love in the broadest sense, whether in family relationships or in love. His more recent music is also darker, rawer and more avant-garde. A desire of the performer who wants his music to be as raw and free as possible.
He welcomes us into an immersive and psychedelic world with catchy rhythms and a raw, personal narrative. Its clip, worthy of a short film with a well-honed staging, highlights the contrast of the lights with a strong presence of darkness and shadows.
Poetic Justice, of the same title but to be distinguished from that of Kendrick Lamar feat. with Drake, summarizes real life, relationships, love and pain, daily inspirations, which he interweaves in his music that could be described as liberating. A perfectly embodied duality of the soul through it, between sadness and happiness but with moral strength and resilience to face difficulties.
Joel Culpepper wanted to work with professionals such as Thundercat, Joseph Mount of Metronomy, Tom Misch, Paul Epworth and Flying Lotus to name a few.For his last title, he will indeed realize his desire with a collaboration with Tom Misch, who accompanies him on guitar.We let you discover his clip below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUp8H3j0_Tk
The year 2021 seems to bode well for Joel Culpepper with a new album that should be released. You can already get a taste of it with W clips .Has.A. , Return and Poetic Justice which are already available.
