Are you on TikTok? I am not, which is why I’m never the first — or even among the first several thousand — to get that thrill of music discovery when someone like Joe P pops up. I also am blissfully unaware of dance trends, the latest idiotic teenage stunts and state-sponsored propaganda … so, you know, take the good with the bad I guess.
Regardless of whether you’re part of the social-media scene or relying on sharp curators like the music team here at Radio Milwaukee, the rush of excitement that accompanies your first listen of an artist is always there. It certainly was when the heavy, fuzzed-out riffs of “Everybody’s Different” — the first track off Joe P’s debut album, Garden State Vampire — rumbled through my earbuds.
That happened the morning of the fast-rising New Jersey artist’s visit to Studio Milwaukee, which he generously added to his travels between Madison for a Monday night show and a Tuesday night performance at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall. These “your only chance to see him in Milwaukee” sessions always have a little more juice, and Joe P squeezed every drop from it.
The solo acoustic performance still brought plenty of oomph, largely because of a vocal showing that shined in a simpler setting. On three selections from Garden State Vampire — plus “Don’t Wanna Love U,” the track that initially helped him gain traction on TikTok — the well-balanced warmth and strength of Joe P’s voice ably filled the space.
If he hadn’t yet won the crowd over (he had), the mid-set interview was just as entertaining. Admittedly, there are occasions when those back-and-forths during sessions can feel a little perfunctory. Joe P quickly proved to be 100% comfortable on stage, whether strumming or speaking, and had the laughs coming one on top of the other as he covered a range of topics — from Jersey pizza to the $800 worth of rope that became millions of views for his video for “Violet.”
It was a truly excellent session from end to end, and you can hear it right now using the player at the top of the page. Now is also the perfect time to become a Radio Milwaukee member so you can guarantee yourself a seat at our next Studio Milwaukee Sessions. Just head over to our membership page and check out all the new gear we just got in for our Fall Drive.
Set list
- “Birthday Baby”
- “Violet”
- “Don't Wanna Love U”
- “Off My Mind” (non-broadcast performance)
