Q&A with local Musician, Joey Knouse
Friday night, artists Joey Knouse and Virginia Masland headlined our outdoor concert series for June, playing right here in the backyard of the cafe. We believe music is a joining force, with the ability to bring strangers together for a shared experience, one of the reasons we host monthly concerts! Thanks to everyone who joined us in June and in case you missed it, you can read more about our musicians on the blog this week and next. Joey was generous enough to share some of the story behind his music. Check out his responses below:
When/how did you make the jump from music listener to creator?
J: Well I have always played drums. Since I could remember I have always been tapping and banging on tables and what not. I played drums in school but around the age of 15 my brother's friend gave me a guitar, the one I still play today. This guitar was the real impetus for my songwriting. I always wanted to convey the things I was feeling but struggled to do that with my drumming, so guitar and singing gave me that outlet. I still consider myself more of a drummer than anything else.
If you could be front row at any concert, whose would it be?
J: Without a doubt it would be a Pinegrove concert. I’ve been front row to see Pinegrove and it was a life changing experience for me. The band is on hiatus right now, so if they ever go back on tour, I am going to do whatever it takes to be front row
What is a song that makes you feel something?
J: There are so many songs that make me feel so many things! One song I always come back to is Old Friends by Pinegrove. I really resonate with the sentiment of missed opportunities, nostalgia, and the feelings around how time wears heavy on relationships and places.
Can you give a little background about your musical style/influences?
J: My musical style is heavily influenced by the americana/folk scene of the 2010’s. My sister was ahead of the curve on a lot of this music growing up and I really liked the DIY, raw style that accompanied much of this music. I also feel heavily influenced by the emo writings of bands/people like Hot Mulligan, Pinegrove, and Pheobe Bridgers. I should also note that the first few years of my playing was completely influenced by Pearl Jam, Sublime, and Frank Ocean. I have always been all over the place musically.
Where else can we find you this summer/how can we follow you?
J:You can find me this Summer opening for the Taxpayers July 17 and at Tuscarora Records’ Community Day September 28th!
You can also reach me @joey_knouse and @joeyknousemusic on Instagram.