S2 E9: A Committed Path to Stardom w/ Recording Artist, Joe P
Listen Now!
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Joe P. Bio
When the onset of the pandemic brought about the dissolution of the band he’d fronted since eighth grade (Deal Casino), Joe P Found himself in isolation with time to step out and experiment on his own. From the refuge of his New Jersey basement studio, he threw himself into writing, recording and producing his most personal material to date. Posting homegrown ideas to TikTok, Joe P watched as his raw acoustic videos drew millions of views and over 300k followers in just a few months. Among those new fans was Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, who kicked Joe’s career into hyperdrive by duetting alongside his self-made “Fighting In The Car” video. A deal with Neon Gold/Atlantic was quickly followed by the acclaimed release of Joe P’s acclaimed debut EP, Emily Can’t Sing, highlighted by such singles as “Leaves,” “Fighting In the Car,” and “Off my Mind,” the latter of which is held steady at #1 on the Triple A charts and more recently has been reimagined and re-released with the help of Grammy-nominated, K.Flay.
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When you’re young and introduced to instruments, it can feel like it’s just another ‘toy’ to play with compared to when you are introduced to instruments when you are older and perhaps feel the need to ‘master’ something and practice deliberately.
As you get older, you can develop discipline with your instrument, but it could be in a way that is meaningful to you, like practicing to perform, write songs, or to be able to do ‘cool’ things with your instrument rather than feeling pressure to reach some external standard.
Going to college could feel like an expectation that is not questioned, even when being at an age when you may not know exactly what you want for yourself from a college or in your career. Sometimes, the journey after high school can evolve over time. There really is more time to figure yourself out.
Sometimes you may not feel disciplined in a particular domain, but if you find your passion and a reason for it that comes from yourself (not an external ‘bar’ to reach), that discipline might be where you can really develop discipline in a very meaningful and motivating way. Sometimes kids can become a ‘master student’ at something they are passionate about.
It helps to have others in your corner who understand your passions and want the best for you and nurture your engagement in the passions.
Sometimes parents don’t know how to best parent their child when they are so focused on their passions. It may seem like taking away the passion in order to motivate the child to do more of their other responsibilities will work, but it may not actually work. It can help for the parent and child to explore and collaboratively talk about what makes the most sense even when the answers are not clear or evident at first.
Giving the child space to go out and dive into their passions, this can also be done while also being a guide and setting responsibilities.
The passion demonstrated by the child may be a window into how they are as an adult pursuing their passion.
Self-esteem can really skyrocket when finding your passion on which you place your energy and concentration.
When others appreciate you living out your passions, it can feel validating to your identity in some ways even though you may pursue your passions even without others witnessing or validating it.
Sharing your passions with others is like making a contribution to others around you when they appreciate what you are producing and putting out there.
Creating music can be a different process each time, which can keep it fresh and interesting. It can take a lot of confidence to ‘send it’ and give your best into creating a song, even if it turns out to be ‘great’ or not, that’s what it takes to tap into what you have within you to try to create something. When you care a lot about what you are doing you can want to do it in a way that makes sense to you and feels right to you.
It can help to remember that you’re not supposed to always feel clear all of the time.
Holding onto your foundation in doing things that you love for love’s sake can keep you steady when putting yourself out there.
We are all learning about ourselves and adjusting parts of ourselves over time.
Experiences are often where great song ideas come from.
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Alexis Reid 00:00
Welcome back to the Reid Connect-ED podcast. This season, we've been interviewing interesting individuals who have their own unique path toward excellence. In each interview, we've tied in themes of performance, psychology, relationships, mental health and learning as a way to bring light to the process behind the scenes. Today, we're so excited to have Joe Perella, otherwise known as Joe P, join us virtually from his bat cave in New Jersey. Joe p is a singer songwriter, formerly the lead of the band deal casino, who is a rising star who has always shown bright in our eyes, and has been touring across the country in Europe to share the music he's mostly created in his basement. So you may know him from the stage music streaming platforms or social media posts from his basement or backyard. To say his path has been unique is an understatement. I'm not even sure we can exactly label which category or genre your music fits into, but we can say with certainty that Joe P rocks a show like none other. He's got an awesome voice. His style is super creative, and he is so genuine, teamed with his presence in connection to the music. His sound is contagious. Joe has a following in fans that show unwavering loyalty and enthusiastically sing his songs as if they'd known them for decades. Joe P just has it the Je ne sais quoi. Although Joe P is super accomplished in his field, it's important to note that we try to bring on guests who to the podcast who really respect the work that they do. And not only do we see their successes, but we really respect them as individuals, not just for their successes, successes and accomplishments, but because of their experiences, perspective, wisdom, inspiration and character. And with that all being said, we want to welcome our cousin, the one, the only op.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 02:08
Oh, what's up? Everybody?
Alexis Reid 02:12
We were joking before we started that. It's ironic that Jerry and I are here in studio on Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts, right around the corner from the Berkeley School of Music, where, wow, after high school, had a little experience,
Joe Parella (Joe P) 02:29
yeah, so kind of Yeah, you know what? My path to excellence began right there. So there you go.
Alexis Reid 02:34
Well, I you know whether or not Berkeley was the impetus for the path to excellence. I think your time here kind of solidified who you are, musically, the things that you knew you wanted to do, and the path to get you there. I almost feel like and I remember you coming up in high school with Emily to visit Boston and to check things out and and when you're here, though you were super immersed in pretty much everything you did. We did get to see a few shows together when you were here, but I I know that you also figured out what you did, like, what worked for you and what didn't. I think that's such an important part of the process, and I really want us to hone in on this, because in my work, Joe, I really help people, especially learners, to say like, what does and doesn't work, because sometimes we feel like we have to get pigeonholed in one aspect of things or another, and sometimes that stifles our whole passion and purpose and that whole path towards wherever we're supposed to end up. So, you know, just to kind of get things started off. I know we were joking a little bit about college, and you know, college isn't for everybody, and in fact, sometimes that defeats the purpose of us working towards our goals. So tell us a little bit about like, how you found your music. You can talk about Berkeley to start, or go all the way back to first time you picked up a guitar. Sure.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 04:01
I mean, I guess it really started when I was really little, because music and guitar was, like, when you're that little, you're that young, like, you know, five years old or something, a guitar and singing and a piano is just like an extension of, like your toy chest, right? So I had, like, Hot Wheels cars, I had Legos and there was a little piano in there. Like, that's what it was, kind of like, weird subliminal, you know, whatever it was, you know, like, I because I've seen home videos of me, and I'm like, playing with, like, trains and stuff, and there's like, a stupid little drum and a piano. And I'm like, wait a minute, I was getting brainwashed to love music at that young that's crazy. So I didn't see any. I never saw there was no like, is now, it's funny when a lot of like people, adults, or even like, you know, if you're in, you know, high school, like, and you start learning an instrument, you're a little more self aware, which can can cause you to think of things as like, oh, I have to go practice. Or today, I'm going to sit down. And practice guitar, like things like that, you know, and be disciplined when you're little. Like, you don't need discipline. You have to be disciplined when you're little. You don't you have no idea how to discipline yourself. So if you're doing something like playing an instrument, you're just fully free, I think, to, like, actually, just just go into it as purely as you can, like any kid. Like, how we always say kids are kind of the most, you know, they have the most pure outlook on the world that applies to when you, you know, start playing music. So eventually it just kind of, I got lucky and like that. It was, it was blurry, and just went right into like that, a little more, you know, eighth grade, freshman year high school, where you start to become a little more self aware. But I was, now, I still didn't think of it as like, Oh, I'm going to practice today. It was just like, Oh, I'm going to keep doing this toy. It's still a toy to me. It's still this stupid, fun, playful thing. And when I started realizing, like, you can make songs, or, you know, we can, you know, my friends, we started a band, and, you know, in like, eighth grade, and we could be in the talent show, and we can, you know, there was just this weird, like, magic. It was like magic where I was like, we can just get together and try to rehearse, and if we do everything right, it's gonna sound a certain way. That's so cool. Like, what a simple concept, but like, what a fun like, it was like living in a video game, right? Because at that age, I should have been really into video games, but because I had this, I wasn't as into those kinds of things, or, like, movies and stuff. Like, I just was like, We can do this in a garage, the stuff people see in, like, you know, YouTube videos and movies all day. Like, we can, like, make magic. Like, let's do it. So I think that was the beginning of loving being a in a band, or creating, you know what I mean? Like, rather than just, I need to learn guitar, you know, study the greats. Like, I love guitar playing so much. Eventually, that kind of ended and it became a little more about like, well, what if, you know, I want to be able to perform. I want to be able to be on stage and and have something to say or have something to show. So that started with, like, talent shows and little contests and things battle the band like you get your first little like adrenaline rush. I think of being in front of strangers or people, you know, and and being super vulnerable, you know, it's like a we it's a very like, it was a very, when I look back on it now I realize how kind of like you need to force yourself to grow up, only in the sense of like that discipline area a little earlier than everyone else around you, like I felt like in when I look back, like freshman year of high school or and so on, I feel like a Friday night party would come up, and I had the thing in my brain that sometimes would go, Yeah, I want to go to that party because you're in high school. Like, what are you doing? Or I would also sometimes just as easily go, like, you know what? I got really into this thing. I started, like, making, like, I'm gonna just stay home tonight, which is weird, you know, it's a weird thing to do when you're like, 17, you can drive and you can go, Yeah, well, no, I'm happy about it. I'm so happy that I had that, because I think, like, all that time by myself, I was able to learn a lot about myself without knowing it, you know, because I'm not that, like you're a sponge. You're a sponge when you're really little, and then it doesn't really end, you know, until maybe, like, after, even after, after college, like you really are a sponge in different ways throughout so I feel like even in high school, I was a sponge, sitting in my room alone, though, and I didn't know what I was kind of like, absorbing by being there and being cool with just being alone and happy with that and content and not like I need to be with people. I'm like, I need to drink. Like everyone was drinking, and I wasn't really drinking that much. And I, and you, I felt weird because I was like, I want to be it's like, anything else, like everyone's wearing those sneakers, like I should be wearing those sneakers right when you're in that age and like, so maybe I should be doing this too, but I just couldn't. I never fell into like, peer pressure or anything like that. I think because I knew I had me in my room alone, like I had that like, lesson that I taught myself of like, Oh, I'm okay with like, being the weirdo. That's what's weird. You're, you're okay with being the weirdo in your room, like that. If you can do that, you can do anything like you're, you're able to handle any situation. You know what? I mean, it's like a ultimate confidence, I think so. So that just became that, and then going to Berkeley and college was just like, you know, everyone just goes to college. It was like, everyone's going to prom, I'm going to go, everyone's going to college. Like, there's, there was no, there was no, actually, like, thought about it as much as it was just like, Okay, I have to do this thing now, you know, this is, like, what my parents have been talking about forever. And everyone talks about it all, you know, senior year, and your guidance counselors are telling you, you know, we think, Where are you going to go? And you're at the age where, again, your brain is just thinking in terms of, like, I always think it's so funny how I was, I was asked to make, you know, however much money, decision. Of where I'm going to go to college. So it's kind of, I just think it's a little like twisted that we expect kids like senior year, whatever, 17 years old 18 like to be making those kinds of decisions in a way that it's like this will determine the rest of your life. And, you know, so, so So what do you think? But also, Oh, I heard, you know, you think your life's over because that girl broke up with you that you dated for a month. You know, it's like your brain just isn't there yet. You shouldn't be in that. You shouldn't be in the driver's seat with that, you know, or, you know, which I don't even think, I think that's one of the big things that threw me off was like, Oh my God. You know, college determines the rest of your life. It's so scary that it almost scares you into like, I'm just gonna go, You know what? I mean, you're like, I can't not go. I can't fall behind. And then after it's been done, I've realized that, like when I have a kid, I'm so not going to put that, not pressure, but I'm not going to put that thought in their head. I don't think of like this decision, where you go, what you major in, what you decide to do, determines the rest of your life. It's like you go to college and you could take another four years after college and another four years and still have a totally new path. You know, it's like, there's so many there is so much time to figure out what you want to do and how you want to do it, that the idea of those four years, like being the whole thing, is so strange to me, you know? I mean, I just don't, I just don't think we should put that much pressure on it so. But when I went there, I thought,
Gerald Reid 11:33
I just want to say that what you're saying is so validating for a lot of individuals. Alexis, I work with, we really appreciate you being on the other end of it and looking back and because when you're in it, you can't think any differently, because this is your life, you can't have the perspective so for you to share that valuable. But I want to pull back a little bit before you get into like, post college and all that stuff, because there's so much said in childhood. And, you know, Alexis and I remember, you know, being with you during the holidays and stuff, when you started to really get into the guitar and how passionate you were about it, it was so refreshing, like, it's so refreshing when you see someone who genuinely, just really is into something, and it's so genuine. It's real. It's not for show, it's just because you love it. And I'm gonna refer back to an episode we had this season for a very elite hockey player, she said something very similar that you said, she said, when she was younger, she felt different, but she found hockey was something she just loved doing. She just wanted to do it for fun. She was out there all day long, just doing drills, finding other people who were like her to enjoy that with, and if they didn't be like, Okay, maybe we're just not meant to hang out together, because we have different passions. And I feel like you're very similar in that way, you found people to play, you know, in your garage with, and to just experiment with the music with, and to to be fully absorbed with it. So, you know, I'm just, I just want to ask you, like, how did that feel? Because there's a very organic way of learning about yourself, you know, there's a really good lyric by Steven Kellogg. He says something like, whatever you see on the screen is also something you can experience in real life. And your quote actually said something like that, right? You know, like people are watching YouTube videos about things that are happening, but actually you can go experience that in real life if you wanted to, and have the courage to go out there and discover yourself and your passions. So it's fun to hear you know how that felt for you, and your comments on that?
Joe Parella (Joe P) 13:23
Yeah, I think, like, you know, again, it's you're at an age where you're so not self aware yet you're not aware that you're disciplined enough to schedule a band practice. Like, I didn't know I was doing that. I just thought, you know, we're doing, we're doing a band practice. Like, let's all get to get, you know. And then if someone was, you know, late or was, like, not into it, I would have to be like, come on, like, we got to get into, you know, I was like, a manager at like, a restaurant, almost, you know what I mean, like, in this weird miniature way, I was, like, I became this, like, band leader, but I didn't know it. I didn't know I'm the leader of this band, and it's my job to make sure everyone does their job. Like, I had no clue that that's what was happening. So I would just, you know, you would just have a band practice. Then it would get over, and then you would go do and then it was like, Okay, now we're all going to, like, so and so's like, graduation party or, like, we're gonna just do, like, kid stuff. Now, you know, it was weird though, that there was, whenever the band practice thing happened, it was like, this very disciplined thing to do for four guys to get together and, like, work on something for a couple hours and try to be and try to get really good at it and focus in on it, like, super, super hard, to the point where we got it. And then when it was done, it was like, it was almost like we would go back to, like, being Tom Hanks. It was like the beginning of that movie, and then he's big, and that's our band practice. And then when he goes back, and he's wearing all the, all the he has all the giant clothes on, you know, that's like, that's what I felt like after the band practice. It felt like we, like grew up. 10 years to do this, like, discipline thing, of like, let's get this together, and then we would get done, and it was like, Okay, let's go play somewhere again. You know, we were back to being like kids again. So it's weird. It's a weird thing, but you could see that in sports in high school, like, there were kids that I remember thinking, like, it's amazing that these kids are staying after school, I quit after a year or two of basketball in high school because I didn't want to get yelled at by a coach anymore. I thought it was so crazy that I was like, You got this is I would, like, make jokes out of it. I would, I would be trying to, like, I just thought it was an extension of school. I didn't want to be told what to do, right? So. But I remember looking back now the kids that were really into it, like the star players who, like, would be like, Come on, Joe. Like, you're like, messing around. Like, take this seriously. That was me in the band. Like, that was my serious thing. I couldn't understand. Like, I wish I'd go back in time now and almost, like, appreciate those kids who are so into being an athlete because they were doing the same thing. Like, the crazy stuff kids would do that. It was like, you know, that takes so much discipline and so much like, work and effort, and you kind of have to turn off your kid brain, you know, you have to turn off that. Like, let's just have fun brain for a little bit to do something that's interesting. And it's the same thing with really good students in school. I think when you see the kids who were great students, I look back now and it's like, they were just really, really disciplined. I wouldn't even like, I used to think, Oh, they're just so much smarter than me, so that's why I can't do well in school. But now I look back, I'm like, I could do so well in school now if I knew what I knew now, yeah, I just didn't want to try. I just didn't want to try or be disciplined enough to listen or to sit there and do the work. But I look back and like, it was so easy, all you had to do was, like, pay attention a little bit, do some work, and like, the answers are right there for you, you know. And the kids that were good at that, I don't know if they were necessarily that much smarter than me, now that I think about it, it was more so that I think they were just like, ahead, ahead of their maturity. Of like, I need to sit here and, like, work on this, right? So I think there were versions of it everywhere. You know, in the band was, like, I couldn't find it anywhere else. I couldn't find it in sports, because I was the guy who was, like, the weakest player and like, the weakest mindset of like, I don't want to get yelled at by this, like, grown adult in between, you know, games and stuff and and then school was the same thing where I was like, well, that's the smart kid. I'm not the smart kid. And again, I also didn't feel a sense of like being an individual, I think, in school, because I felt like, I remember thinking, like, wait a minute, so best case scenario, I can get straight A's, but that's still the thing that's set for me. Like, the best I can do is still a bar that's set that it's like, even if I hit that, it's someone else's like, threshold of like, this is what's good. And I remember thinking, like, I'm not that inspired by that. I wasn't. I mean, I didn't know at the time, but I think that was a thing eating at me slowly. Was like, I couldn't have a draw, I didn't have a drive to do it, because it was just like a It was like seeing the finish line, as opposed to, like, just run as fast as you can until you get to the end. You know what I mean? And I didn't, I didn't feel anything from that where the band, it was like the needle only got pushed if I made it go. And then it was like chopping with a machete, a machete like you couldn't as soon as you went a little bit, you were there's another wall, and it's like, now, what are we gonna do? I don't know, you know, and school felt more like a really long road that you can see the finish line way over there, and it's just a matter of like, you're gonna, are you gonna stop running? Are you gonna keep going? But you're with a bunch of people, and I didn't like, I didn't like that sense of, you know, best case scenario, I'm just like everyone else. That's what I remember thinking. And I was like, you know, I wanted my parents to be happy, so I wanted to do well in school. But that was, that was the other thing. It was just for that. It was just for other people. It was always like, do well in school, because that's what you're supposed to do. And like, if I only had a reason like, now, if I go back, I would find a reason in a second to learn, want to learn, and want to do well, but they don't teach you that in school. They don't teach you how to view school like I think it would be so beneficial if they sat everyone down or found a way to just to just let everyone know
Alexis Reid 19:19
that funny, Joey, that's what that is. I think that's what your cousin Alexis is strange.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 19:24
Oh, yeah, I wish, I wish I had you.
Alexis Reid 19:28
I'm like, I wish I had an Alexis when I was younger. But, you know, you bring up so many important points and developmentally. You know, Jerry brought up what the hockey player on our podcast had mentioned to Mia about when she became so inspired by sport, right? And it's, you know, you're using the word weird. I think you're probably saying that because it was against the grain of what was quote, unquote normal back then, where you grew up in New Jersey. And, you know, I get that. We get that when you do something different. It always does feel a little weird and uncomfortable because it's it might be unfamiliar territory and things that we're not used to. I mean, as a kid, I think the beauty of I'm going to speak for myself, but also for you a little bit here and chime in if I'm wrong. I think the beauty of the way we were raised is that we had some freedom to explore and dive deep when we felt the passion to do that. And this quote, unquote thing you're calling weird, I think that was more of like you had this inspiration to be able to dive deep. And the thing that you were talking about in terms of learning and studying, you were doing that just not the way school was telling you to right exactly you were becoming exactly at music.
Gerald Reid 20:45
That's true.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 20:45
Yeah, no. So that's the thing I would it's so funny because I would play guitar for eight hours on, like, weekend days and stuff, I would play for all day. I would not stop. And, you know, weekdays I'd come home and they'd have to call me for dinner because it was so loud they would be, like, knocking on my door, you know, so, like, I was, I was always practicing. And I think, like, at a certain point my parents did kind of, like, get that. I think they because I really took my guitar away from me in order to, like, push me, like, you'll get it back when you, like, start taking school more seriously. Like, that was, they thought that was gonna work. And I thought it was too that's what was weird. I remember they did that, and I thought, like, oh yeah, this is genius. This is gonna be the thing that makes me do better in school, back in high school, and I didn't, and I I did, yeah, and I didn't do and I didn't do better at all I did. I did the same thing. And I think it was like, one of those funny moments where we were almost me and my parents were all kind of sitting there, like, what the hell I thought that was gonna be the thing that worked? And I was like, I was like, honestly, me too. Like, I can't believe this and but I think that was also a good realization of like, it was like, this proof that, like, you cannot force those kinds of things. You cannot force someone to work harder at something or whatever. Because, like, then I would, you know, when they get because I remember they gave me the guitar back. They're like, All right, yeah, whatever. I guess, go back. You know what's back to status quo. And, like, I think I went right back to playing guitar for eight hours a day. They were probably like, well, here's a little she does have discipline,
Alexis Reid 22:27
yeah, just not. But I have to say, and this is for our listeners who might be caregivers, who are going to have them listen to this episode and in here different perspective, because oftentimes I think parents get it into that trap that you're saying, like, you know, everybody has to do well in school and then go to college and then be successful in a career. And I think that, you know, when you zoom out and you look at people who are really successful, and we've been fortunate enough to have a lot of people on the show this this season to talk about their experiences. Oftentimes it wasn't just a straightforward path, and there were a lot of ups and downs and zigs and zags. But from a parenting perspective, you know, if you see and notice, you know your kid isn't doing well in school, you know, the thing not to do is take away the thing they love the most. You know, it sounds like punishment, but really that like, it's almost like taking off your arm and telling you to swim, right? It's like, it's like, without that arm, you know, you'll figure it out if you really want to do well, if you want that back, but you know, it's like, you got to find a different motivator that is going to connect to the goal. So if the goal is to do well in school and learning, you really want to target something that allows for them to find motivation within themselves to do well, because, like you might have been pushed in a different way, to connect with school differently than you were before, because you were so deeply invested in music, which is such a beautiful thing. And I think that a lot of kids, you know, especially today, if, if a kid is really excited about music. What do the parents tend to do? They put them in a million hours of music lessons, or, you know, different classes and stuff, rather than, like, here, find your friends who like to do music, hang out in the garage for a couple hours a day and figure it out. You know, giving them that time to explore. Of course, there's skill involved that not everybody is going to pick up a guitar. And pretty much, I mean, how many instruments to play now, Joe,
Joe Parella (Joe P) 24:25
I could have, I don't know, like six or something like
Alexis Reid 24:27
that, all of them, as I've noticed, if you want to, but, but really though, like, there's skill involved in sometimes that extra training is helpful. Don't get me wrong, and I know Mia talked about this too in terms of hockey development, but you know, for a musician, there might be some skill and training, but really it's about that exploration and having that joy and a joy in learning, which I think it's sucked out of the school system so quickly.
Gerald Reid 24:52
Well, I think too, Joe, is that it does, I think that there's, there's an added element that, you know, we know you pretty well. You're. Creative dude who, like, thinks outside of the box. And not everyone's like, you too, right? So some kids may prefer kind of a more structured learning environment for for what you're doing. And I think, like, I think that the message here, in some ways, is like, figure out who the kid is. And you know, what a beautiful thing that you know, over time, like, you know, your family, we've been blessed to have people in our family and extended family that really want the best for us and and believe in us, yeah, and want us to, you know, to be great at what we're doing. And so it's cool that you know this, this added element that you you discover who you are. You are that creative dude who can do stuff like this and be great at it and to enjoy it, yeah.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 25:41
Yeah, yeah. It's, you know, it's like, it's just, it's just an awkward age when you're in high school or eighth grade or whatever, to be doing all this stuff, because, like, if you are the kind of person who's being drawn to something, it's weird because you have it's a weird age for everyone, because you are your brain is just not developed enough to be able to deal with the emotions that come with it right, necessarily, and almost the thing itself is the only help. As far as you know, like your brain has all this stuff in it that it wants to, you know, feel and get out. And because you're not developed enough, you can't so this music thing or sports or whatever is a nice outlet. It's like this outlet to let all that, like, you know, we're not ready for that yet, energy kind of go somewhere and, you know, and then you have your parents or something where they're, you know, they're seeing you in eighth grade or freshman year. And you start, you're starting to get into this very specific thing, and they're probably excited, but also, like, what, you know, how do what do we do? We don't know how to deal with it, you know? And it's also, I think, worth saying, how that me, you know, in eighth grade, it was one of the first times like that, that, like that was one of the first generational kind of, like shifts, I think where, like, you're having kids like my like my parents were not that that different from their parents, as far as, like, how they grew up, right? But how I grew up and like, the world I grew up in is so different than the world my parents grew up in, right? And I think that's, it's the first time in history it was ever that different. You had the internet like and social media starting to come out and, you know, so there's all these things where, like, the idea of like, you know, the 50s versus the 60s, with like, the parents not understanding like rock and roll was like nothing compared to like, what we are, what we are now dealing with. And it's just, I think every generation that goes by, it's getting more and more. There's more, you know, deeper things to go into that. It's like, well, we didn't have that when we were kids. So how do we deal with that with our kids, you know? But I think, like that had some, some kind of like, contribution or effect on how I think, like someone, like my parents, had to navigate that, because they were like, well, you know, the whole point of, like, us being in the 80s and 90s was like, have kids and, like, make sure they go to college. Like, like, that's what we're all trying to put, you know, like, get your kids to college so they can get a degree and get a job. And like, when that era came along where, you know, you start having the internet and things and kids are expressing themselves more, I think because, you know, parents are getting a little more open to things slowly. Like, now there's these new avenues opening up. And now the parents are going, I don't even know what that. I don't know how to tell you not to do this. Like taking the guitar away. They didn't know. They had no clue. They were like, This is a new thing. We don't know how to parent, you you know? And it's like, that is kind of crazy for them to have to navigate that. And then it's them not knowing how to navigate it. They've known, they've known how to navigate everything before that moment. So now you're looking at your parents kind of like, I don't know what to do because you don't know what to do, you know? And there's weird, like, clash. But I think it's also like, a great thing. I think when that's happening. You let that you're being more people and less. I'm your parent, you're my kid. And I think that's when good stuff happens. You know what? I mean totally.
Alexis Reid 29:08
And it's the exploration together to figure it out, you know? And you're right, like, developmentally, your brain isn't ready yet to make these big decisions, even though you're pushed in the direction. And it's so again, it's so cool that you had the space to decide for yourself, like, this is something I love I'm going to dedicate time and effort towards. And in fact, it opened up a lot of different avenues and some great friendships along the way, and we'll talk about that in a minute. But then on the other end, you know, you had the support to be able to, you know, try something new, move to a new city, try to get technically trained, and again, going back to my original point of like, what works and what doesn't, and I think that's something that we need to give time and space to for ourselves as adults, but especially for children to explore and figure out. So you really can get on a path where you feel good about the decisions you. Make and you feel like you're on a path that feels right, that you can do forever, instead of just something that is becomes a job.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 30:08
Yeah, no. 100% and I think parents are getting better. I think overall, that when their kid has something that they're leaning towards or an interest or whatever, it's like, you know, kind of just get out of the way in a healthy way enough that it's like, cool. That's, I can parent everything I can. I can do everything else around this. I can still guide my kid or whatever. But it's almost like, that's because it was almost like, when we'd have band practice, it was just kind of like they like, they didn't. They almost disappeared. Like, my parents, to me were now just like, the people that own this house that I was, like, doing this like thing in, right? Yeah. But like, as soon as it was over, it was like, You got to take out the garbage, right? So it was like, I think that, I think that's the idea. It's not that they have to completely, like, dislocate from the thing that you do, but it's almost like they need to recognize that. It's like, oh, my kid is parenting themselves when they're doing this one tiny thing, like, let me let them parent themselves as far as like, they have to navigate this themselves, because I can't do it for them, right? And then, you know everything else, sure, you got a guide. You have to you have to help. But you know, everything, everything else around that is one thing, but the very specific, you know, niche thing that they're doing is almost like, be happy that they're that, I think, is like a tiny, tiny window as a parent that you're getting to see into your kids future. Like, that's the only part of me that has not changed at all since the first time I still like I'm having band practice tonight. It's the exact same that it was when I was in seventh grade.
Gerald Reid 31:48
I love how you said it's a window into your future, but I know Alexis wants to get into some next stages of your life
Alexis Reid 31:56
conversation and to wrap up what you were saying, too. I think that that structure and flexibility is key, not just as a parent with your children, but in our lives in general, right? You need to have some foundational structure and then allow for flexibility to be there and to have that happen. And I think that's as you were describing, you know, your band practices in high school. It's the same idea. It's like you got to have that freedom where you can build independence and confidence in yourself doing something you love and to do it well, yeah, but there's still got to be some structure to build that discipline. It doesn't come from nowhere and
Gerald Reid 32:27
and as you, as we said in our last episode about expanding the idea of happiness, there's research on that, that that's where self esteem comes from. Totally when you you are focused on what you're doing and you enjoy what you're doing, like I'm sure that time of your life you had your self esteem probably really increased. I don't speak for you, but it probably did. And you also had the play and yeah, kid to balance that out. So you're not just a rope, you know, you're not just doing one thing all the time. So that was really nice to hear. I'm sure your self esteem skyrocketed at that point. Am I wrong about that?
Joe Parella (Joe P) 32:55
Yeah, you know, yeah, it was like, that was my superpower. Because I wasn't the smart kid. I wasn't I was a little bit of, like, the funny kid, a little bit like, in school, like, I I found a way to, like, because I wasn't good at anything like, I wasn't like, the star athlete, or the like, perfect bit is that it was like, Okay, I'll use humor to, kind of like, make my way into the the room, and that helped. And then the music just kind of like, was this other thing that came with it, and it was an identity. It was when people that's the thing. When you're a kid, like, You're so sensitive to those things that if, like, you play a talent show and everyone comes up to you, yeah, and scream, you know, it's like, That's so like you. I'll never forget the first time a crowd, like, cheered or clapped for something I did, and it's like, you're, it's just like a visceral it goes into you, and you're just like, whoa. And it's not in a way that you're like, Oh, I love applause. And I, you know, like your ego, you're not old enough to have an ego, right? So it's, it's more like, it's this idea of like, it's the first time you do something that you fully do for yourself, and then all of a sudden, all these people go, yeah, yeah, we love that. And then you go, really and then, and then you love it more, because it's just you're sharing. It's just confirming that, yeah, it's confirming how much you love it. You know what I mean? It's like, you know? It's like when someone claps for you for doing something that you love, doing for yourself, that you would do if everyone in the world disappeared, and you were left like, I Am Legend, like Will Smith style, like, if you were totally alone on the planet, what would you do? I would still play music, right? But obviously there's shows, because there's other people, and then when they clap or they they like what you do or connect to it. Even for that matter, you're like, you just are. So it's not an ego thing. It's like you're just so happy to be to confirm that identity, like you are so sure of it. But when someone else connects to it, you're like, it's almost like you're able to, like, have an out of body and see yourself as, like, no, yeah, you're you are something to other other people, like, they can see that thing. It's not just like, this wacky. World in your own in your own head, you know,
Gerald Reid 35:02
it must feel like, it must feel like you're creating and you're contributing to people around you, and you're sharing that. I feel like those are the words that are coming to my mind, yeah, you're creating something that didn't exist. Yeah, you're sharing it, and you're contributing to the people around you. You're making, you know, and you're sharing it. It's just like, profound, really. It's exactly what Jelani said in some ways, about his first time acting. And he was a late bloomer with acting, and kind of took a unique path too. So yeah, it's amazing how these themes really kind of cross paths.
Alexis Reid 35:31
And I have to say, I know you just said probably, like, five times I wasn't the smart one, but as long as I know you, you've been wise and mature beyond your years, and maybe it didn't fit into the school box because you didn't want to do what they wanted you to do. But that doesn't mean you weren't. Yeah, I'll have to say some of my favorite conversations with you are just like, literally just talking about deep, insightful, philosophical things about the world and and you have so much to share, even outside of your music, so I'm glad we're having this conversation. And I want to go back to this idea of like structure and creativity, because, you know, I think that that is a lot to say, and you and jerry can speak about this way more than I can. There's a lot to say about structure and flexibility in songwriting, and I'm curious about some of your process in doing that, because, you know, being a creative person who's really, you know, for those of you listeners who haven't listened to Joe's music, you got to listen to it because it's such a unique sound. And I don't know how you would even describe the genre yourself, but it's very creative and unique and different, and to write a song, I can't even imagine what that process looks like, or how you get inspired to write and create the way you do.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 36:50
Yeah, it's different every time I think that's, that's what I think I like about it. I think I liked that's like, what Berkeley. I went there, and it was another, you know? If you know, just like I was saying that everyone could get a pluses in high school, it was like another bar was set, where I was like, I want to be the best guitar player in the world. I can't wait to go to this school and learn how to, you know, it was like Hogwarts, like I could just like, I'm going to be in this great place. I'm going to be the best. And I remember getting there, and I wasn't discouraged, because everyone was already the best. You know what I mean? It was more like I was turned off by the same way I was turned off by like, grading in school, where I was just like, I don't have a drive. I can't, I can't fake it, because I know that from high school, so I'm not gonna even try to, you know, fake myself into, like, caring about this, like, you know, I'm going to learn all my scales. I'm going to be the best. I'm going to, you know, and then when I started, basically, what I've learned is that there's always been a thing that I need to, like, an escape route in everything I can put into So, you know, you put you like, you put me in school, and, you know, I was like, I found music and a guitar as my like, Oh, this is my escape from, like, this system that I've been put into now, I can go home and play guitar for eight hours and no one can tell me what to do. Then I got into Berkeley, and now someone's going, I can tell you how to play that guitar. And I'm going, oh no where. And now this was my only thing to escape. Where do I go now? And then, all of a sudden, they give you that laptop and, like, our little recording interface. And I started, like, making songs and garage band out of thin air of just like, what is the you know? And that was my escape, because no one could tell me how to do that. And I was like, oh. And then I started, like, skipping classes, because I was, like, so deep into an idea that I was like, I don't want to stop doing this. And like, I don't want to go learn about guitar skills. I'm already doing the thing I love right here, and it's music. So you can't convince me to go to this music class, you know, because this is, this is what I'm already wanting to do. So songwriting became the thing, and it's yet to be, like, tested. I think as far as like, that's been the thing, that's been the strongest kind of, like, foundation, escape route that I found, of like, really, no one can tell you what to do, because it's like, there's no it's so infant, like, invisible, that it's like, no one can tell you, Oh, well, we're going to teach you how to songwrite. We're going to teach you what you should say and not say, because no one actually knows what works. You know, like, there's not actually, like, a way to know how to do it. Well, you just, yeah, like, you just try your best every day. And sometimes you write a bad song or a good song. And I like that randomness to it. I think it, it just like makes for a really good no one can tell me what to do, type of a, you know, setting which is nice, you know, and you can write with people, and you can always collaborate. But even when I've done that, there's been times where it starts to dip into that world that I don't really like, I don't like being so. Aware that we're all in a room trying to, like, outsmart each other with lyrics and like, it just becomes a little, you know that, like the Nashville country pop song think, like, it becomes very like, we're thinking, we're overthinking it. I'm like, no, no, this is the You're ruining. The one thing that I like this is this, like, my safety, like space here and now it's like, it's getting messed with so but when I'm here, like just doing it, it's, you know, I don't know what's gonna happen from second to second, which is like, so fun.
Gerald Reid 40:28
You know what's cool about songwriting? And when I talk to my students and supervise them to become therapists, and even when I talk to my patients, the clients, one thing that rings true to me is everybody is there's never, there's never going to be another you ever in terms of when you're bored, your family, the people around you, your thoughts, your feelings, your be like, there's so many factors that make an individual who they are. It's impossible to to replicate it ever, because time passes and you're growing up in a new context. And so as much as, like, you know, AI is starting to create songs, and, you know, there's a lot of controversy around that. I think one thing AI can never do is to replicate someone's experience in life. And you're describing your songs that come from you. And that's the beauty of songwriting. It comes from you. And sometimes I wonder about this. I'm like, How are there so many songs out there? And like, you know, sometimes there's similarities and stuff like that, but, but, like not, there's no one song that's exactly the same as another song. Even with movies, I'm like, how did they keep creating something that's a little bit different? It's amazing to me how that people can do that. I think that's probably one of the reasons, because everybody is unique in such subtle, different ways.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 41:38
Yeah, and you don't know it. I think, because if you ask the people who make the songs or make the movies, they always, in some sense, kind of lean towards, I just really wanted to make, like, a I love Wes Anderson, and like, I just wanted, like, that's my hero, and I really wanted to just, I've always just been trying to be as good as him, and then, like, what they make is nothing like that, you know, because like, like, that's why I always tell people, When they start singing, to just start doing covers. And like, try to sound like the people that you love. Like, go ahead and like, sit down and do a cover and try to sing it like them. Like, and because you are, what you just said, super individual, and nothing can be, you know, copied you end up. It's a nice way to kind of, like, fake yourself out, into leaning into, like, just being yourself, right? So you're trying to sound like Tom York, but in doing that, you're just, you're just letting yourself actually go for something. And then now you get to hear your own voice, and you're like, oh, that's what I sound like, you know? And you trick yourself. But anytime I make, anytime I make a song, I'm always like, I think that's the thing with musicians, especially in songwriters, like, in a group of people, like, when you talk about songs, like, you know, the first things we always love to do, or go like, Oh man, I love like, the drums and that just sound like, you know, David Bowie, like, I love that. Like, I was trying to go for like, a Talking Heads thing. Or I was like, you know, this the guitar line, like, that super radio head stuff. Because we're just like, we can't, like unless you're Kanye West. Like, you really can't think you're that authentic. Like, it's very, very difficult for most artists to think they're that authentic, right? So you're constantly just coming up with excuses as to like and kind of like knocking yourself down a little bit, only in the sense of, like, you're so afraid to not be authentic that you're just like, oh yeah, I was just going for, you know, you can't imagine just going, Yes, I made this song. It's completely from my, like, genius brain. No one's ever done anything like this. Like, it's very hard to do that. You know what I mean, even though, when you're making music, you are thinking that, like, you are in a headspace of like, this is the most genius thing ever. Everyone's gonna explode when they hear this, right? Because you have to get to that ego and that level of confidence to be able to create, I think, to send it Yes. And then as soon as it's done, and there's other people in the room, and now you start going, Yeah, I don't know, like, and then people are going, Holy shit. You know, this is amazing, or like this, I've never heard anything like this or anything and, like, it's funny, because that's the goal, that's the that was, your goal was to make people say that, and then once people do, you're kind of like, Oh no, I don't know. Like, you know, like, you just, you kind of just have this weird thing where you're like, Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, or whatever, where it's like, there's two sides of you where, like, I work so hard to be able to go play shows, and I want a billion people to show up. And then when people do show up to those shows, like, on this headline tour I did for the first time, I felt this like strange sense of embarrassment, of like, you know, like, what people are paying to see me, like, not like, as much as that's the goal. I get there and I'm on stage and I'm looking at these people and I'm like, There's a sense of embarrassment, because you're like, it is what I wanted, but now that it's in front of me, it's staring me right in the face. Yeah, it's almost like, oh, the chase sometimes is, like, what motivates artists? Like, it's just that part of it. You know what I mean? That's why I think. You see so many, like, famous stories of like movie stars and actors and artists, like, hating interviews, it's because it's like, that's the part of it that they're like, I don't want this is, I don't care about this. The whole point of this was just to do it. I don't actually care about the shit that comes with it after and like, being so aware of it, you know? And then there's people in front of you? Going, we like your songs. Play them
Gerald Reid 45:24
you think you have, I mean humility, just knowing you too, I feel like humility is, yeah,
Joe Parella (Joe P) 45:30
humility, but humility in a lot of ways, I think, like, I think it also is a defense. I think sometimes humility can be like a defense mechanism for like, not wanting, not wanting. Because again, I always, whenever I get in a little situation in my head, I just think about if I was the last man on earth, and I go, Okay, I made a song, and I really loved it, that feeling would always stay like exactly how it was when it was initially created. Maybe it would waiver, but it would never go up and down based on another person's input or another person's existence on the planet. What are they going to think? And if I didn't have to think about any of that, I would probably just always have that it's like when they say, like, you throw a ball in space, it would just go forever, because there's nothing to resist it. I think if there were no other people, and I had an idea and I made something, that feeling would sustain forever, because I would never have to worry about, do people like it, or even if people love it, that still affects that feeling initially, how it started. So there's so much coming in. I think a good artist, I think your job is to try to do your best to like, not block it out, but like, try to like, don't let your main thing deteriorate too much and get beat up too much, you know, essentially. But yeah, I think humility is a nice, a nice way to kind of like, faithfully, always know that you're safe. It's like a nice, safe way to be like, Oh no, you know, I'm not, I'm not that good. You know, you guys are crazy, like that whole thing. I think it just feels like a safe way out, even though, if no one was here, I would just be like, Yeah, I do like this song, like, I worked super hard.
Alexis Reid 47:14
Well, I think I think, to your points before, I'm thinking about an interview I recently heard of Dave Kroll talking about, you know, everybody thought I was such a great drummer in Nirvana. I was just copying music that I liked. That's how I learned how to keep the beat the way I did, right? And I think that's part of hearing stories of how people start to make their music. And the thing I appreciate about you and the way you create is that you take from inspiration, but you really kind of just do what feels right, instead of like you might be thinking, Oh, I like this lick from Bowie, or whatever, whoever you like at the moment, or whatever you're inspired by it, but it like it flows through you in a really unique, beautiful, creative way, and you're unapologetic about it, Right? And I think that's the thin line between humility and overconfidence, right? It's like, you should be like, yeah, I really like the song, or I really like what I just created, because I think that's when we're at our best, is when we can honor and identify with who we are and what we're good at, when we do it well. And I gotta tell you, this is something that is really difficult for me. Like sometimes even on the podcast, I'll listen to myself, I'm like, Oh, that was really good. But I walk out of here, and even the producer a couple weeks ago was like, you're really hard on yourself. You're better than you think you are, but it's the truth. Like, it's really difficult. But I think, you know, I think you're the same way in that we we care so deeply about the things we do that we want it to be done well, and we try our best, yeah, to be authentic to the thing we love and to create things that make sense, not because other people are going to love it or care about it, but because it feels right to us in the way we've prepared for it, the way we've produced it and the way we put things together?
Joe Parella (Joe P) 49:04
Yeah, totally. It's you, and it's an and you get brief moments, I think, of that clarity where you aren't being hard on yourself. And that's what the creative process, that's what the creative process kind of brings to the table. Is like when I'm having a moment down here and like, coming up with something that I'm really excited about, it's like, that is like the most like, free and disconnected from everything that I can be. And then it but it's quick. It's like anything else. It's like, when you have the first slice of pizza versus seventh like, by the first one, you're like, This is the greatest thing ever. I'm so happy. And then by the end, you're full, and you're like, I can't imagine, you can't imagine being hungry ever again after you eat too much like eat a whole meal, right? But before that you were you were so hungry and you were so excited to eat. And I just think things like that are supposed to be in little like because you could see it just like in nature and the way things happen, like, sometimes it rains. Sometimes really sunny out, and it's like you just don't know what to do. And I think, like, that small little like, appreciating those small little moments is okay. I think the better, I think the better you get at recognizing that, like, okay, like, I'm not, I'm not supposed to feel perfectly clear all of the time. It's almost like the way out of of that being hard on yourself feeling is like recognizing in real time that it's like, oh, like, I I can't even care about this because, like, this isn't what's supposed to be. I can't just always be in that headspace of, like, I feel good right now, you know, and it's okay, but it's when you don't know that and you're confused your your your mind can eat itself, you know, because it just thinks like, what I need to care more. You know, it's crazy.
Alexis Reid 50:46
I don't know if I ever told both of you guys this, but there's, there's this Buddhist philosophy and meditation that I really love. Is this idea of this in between space. It's like the in between your in breath and your out breath is like this in between space, and they call it the Bardo. And the in between space is like, so uncomfortable, because, like, you don't know what you're supposed to be doing there. And I think the same goes for like, the creative process, because there's like that you have this spark of like, excitement, enthusiasm to do this thing, and then you start working on it. And sometimes you get into that muddy spot where it's like, not super clear, like you're describing, and it's like, it's the borrow, it's in between. And my meditation teacher taught me about this, because there's all these points in our lives that sometimes feels sort of uncomfortable, and you're like, I don't really know what I'm supposed to be doing here. And I think, and I'm gonna relate this back to mental health for a second, because I know that a lot of people in, especially in the creative arts and world, when you're in that in between space, you can get really down on yourself and feel like there's, you know, the world against you get so stuck. And you know, this is sometimes where people turn to different alternatives to like, escape from that feeling, because it's really not always a good feeling. But I would argue, and I wonder what you think is sometimes in that in between space, if you give yourself enough space and time there, that's where you can get to that clarity of that aha moment where things start to come together, and you're like, yes, but it's it's difficult to, like, sit in it and face it and just be there and wait it out to get to the other side. Yeah.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 52:27
I mean, it's like, when you're in a waiting room and you grab your phone, you are smothering any chance that you have of, like, just, of just being there, you just, like, letting yourself you're not letting yourself exist in neutral. Like, that's not good. I don't think for the engine, you know. Like, you need to sometimes be able to just sit there and, like, we have, we just have so much stuff that we have so much stuff to distract we have so many, you know, and there's always going that's been around since the beginning of time. It's just maybe it's not a phone, but like, you know, there's going and hanging out with people, you know, because, like, you don't want to work on your thing, so you're like, oh, everyone's going to the bar. Like, I'll go to the bar, which, it's funny, because in a lot of times, like, in more, more times than not, when I go and I finally, I'm always, I've always been very, like, resistant to the like, Hey, we're all going out to this bar on a Friday night to, like, have fun. And like, we worked all week, and like, we don't do a weird creative thing, like, you so, like, we're, we've been working all week, we want to go out. And I'm like, I've always been so resistant to it, because I was just like, okay, but like, what are we doing? Like, what's the what's the objective? Like, that's my fun is, like, making and doing things, you know, I don't under I don't understand the idea of of like, just like, doing nothing, you know, I never, I never like, like, I didn't I never like, in high school, that was the same thing I was more interested in, like, Hey, we're gonna, like, try to make a movie, like, in my backyard, or we're gonna try to, like, record or make a song or something, instead of go to the high school party, like I, I became uninterested in those kinds of things early on, because I was finding the fun, the experience of like, accomplishment of something, and then, but So then one the times I finally did give in to like, let's go to the bar. Like, I'll find I'll go with you guys. And like, now I'm stuck. I gotta run the guitar. I can't do anything. That's where I would get the best lyrics, or the best feelings that I was gonna eventually a week later or a month or a year later would come up in my songwriting, because I'm experiencing real life like and I thought about it, and I was like, Oh yeah, of course, of course. The like, night out at a bar doing absolutely nothing, but just like, having fun with no objective, and no, you're not going to achieve anything, and like, the world is not going to change, like, based on you going to a bar and it's like, oh no, that is like, that is what changes the world, not the it's as much as we think that it's not, it's like, that's what. The Foundation and the ingredients of all that is, without any of those things, writing a song lyrics doesn't mean anything. Like, there's no point to doing stuff if, if there aren't these extremely human experiences that you're having. And I'll go to a bar or a club or something and I and I'd have weird moments of like this clarity, of like, watching everyone dance to a song that came on. And I was watching people use music, and I was like, Oh, this is the whole point. This is the best it gets. Like, I think I'm so cool and advanced, because I can create this stuff and, like, think of ideas. I'm so smart and deep. And then I watched the girl in dancing to, like, dancing queen. And I'm like, that's the best thing in the world that's so much deeper and so much better than anything I will ever do. Like, I almost wish I couldn't make music, because I would love to be able to experience music like that. Like, I think the best songwriters in the world are the people that can't write songs like, because they're truly like in it, like they're truly, like, you know, just they, I want to know people hear, when they hear music, without thinking of, oh, I want to do that, like, it's such an amazing thing. And I think, like, when I can, the more stuff you experience that seems like every day, whatever that's that's your most, that's the deepest you can get, because that is, like, that's what AI cannot write, you know, like you can't write that stuff into a thing, you know what I mean. So I think that's what we have unlimited song ideas and movies.
Gerald Reid 56:30
It's like the, you know, like someone who writes music, whatever genre you're in, you know, they may write like the early experiences in their life inspire them to write about tough experiences they've gone through, and challenges, and they write about it's cathartic for them. And as they become rich and famous, I don't know if this is true or not. Maybe you can check me on this, but I feel like sometimes they become rich and famous, their life is so different. They're like, what do I write about now, having, like, million dollar houses and like, I don't think I want to write about that. There's not too much substance there. Yeah. So like, you know, to your point, like, I think in life, we're always trying to, like, recalibrate where we're at knowing ourselves, and you know yourself really well, and it's a big part of therapy is learning about yourself. And I feel like as we go through life, we're making adjustments. We're trying to recalibrate so we don't kind of get fixed in one aspect of life, but we kind of expand it and to experience what life has to offer for us, and that, you know, that takes reflection and honesty and and all the other, you know, values that we can uphold along the way. Totally.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 57:30
Yeah, it's always changing here, just the way people are always figuring themselves out.
Alexis Reid 57:35
You know, I think, to your point, we went to a concert last night to see shovels and rope and the wood brothers, and I was just thinking, I'm like, I'm like, for me, at least, I grew up so differently than these artists did, and they're writing lyrics about their experience. And even though I didn't experience what they experienced, they lived in very different places than we we grew up in. I'm like, I can still connect to the music. I can still be a part of this experience and really appreciate it, even though it's so different. I think that's such a cool part about being a performer and artist, is that you're able to make and create things that kind of transcend space, time, sometimes age and culture, culture and it's it's so cool. It's such an incredible gift that you have
Gerald Reid 58:16
brings people together like
Joe Parella (Joe P) 58:18
it's fun. Yeah, exactly, yeah. There's no, there's no thinking involved. You know what? I mean, it's most things you think about before. It's like thinking about, like, politics, like, that's why politics gets so like, everyone deep down, not even that deep down. But I think everyone hates politics. They hate the world where we stand and we stand a certain way, and we want them to speak. It's funny. It's like, when people are like, they talk about a politician in a way where they're like, you know, they're not like, they're not like, classy, like, I like how they did that, because they handled in a classy way. Like, we're so aware of all these things, and there's so much thinking involved before you know who you're going to vote for, and there's all of that. And then, like, you take a bite, you have a bite of a Big Mac. It's, you just go, this is delicious, and everyone likes it, and you don't, no one has to. There's no fighting, there's no talking. It's just like, and I think music is the same way it like, totally like, invades you. It just goes right in. And like, you, you can't stop it. And like, there's so many other things that you can stop and, like, filter appropriately for you what you want, and then let it in, and then it comes back out in such a weird, distorted way. And then that's why the craziest things we always hear about are, like, politics and stuff that you hear these crazy stories of things happening, and it's like, that's just because it's like, someone not it's someone just So analyzing everything, so much that they've created an identity of their identity and like, that's, that's what they want everyone to see them as, and what they stand for. And it's like, you know, that's why I think everyone loves music, is because it kind of goes away from all that, and then people get mad. The artists, when they talk about politics, I think for that reason, because I was always very confused. Like my dad would always be like me growing up. I remember he would always hate bump Bruce Springsteen, and like they go, he just rant on stage for four hours about, you know, like this and that and and I think it's I think, like I whenever someone says something or does anything, like, I always just try to look at like, there's a reason for everything. So like, my dad being pissed off at that. Let me think about like, why is he, why is he angry? And I think it's because music is supposed to be this thing that turns, turns you off a little, like, turns your brain off a little bit, and just lets you feel and when someone starts talking about those things that go against that it kind of like makes you like, Oh, what the hell you know? And I don't think it's I remember always arguing or trying to, you guys, know, trying to argue with him about like that. And I would just be like, Well, no, I mean, like, you know, if that's how he feels, because I was looking at it from a an artist perspective, going, that's how he feels. Let him, you know, him writing a song is no different than him talking about something or, you know, but I think now I understand that. I think, you know, people just take music extremely seriously, because it is such a visceral thing that when it starts getting commercialized or anything, everyone has a problem with it. Because I think it's like, this is our one this is our one thing, like, don't take this, like, amazing thing and bring it so into this, like, human, like, very, you know, it's very, like, commercialized, like, self aware,
Gerald Reid 1:01:29
you know, world that we have, yeah, and it's a, it becomes a community of people who are different than each other, coming together and experiencing it. And, you know, it's funny, you know, we're watching live music sometimes, like, I don't even know what the lyrics are. Sometimes at a live show, like I can't make out the lyrics sometimes where I'm like, but I like the vibe, and I'm vibing with it, you know, and and you can, you can appreciate that. That's a really cool thing about music. Like, I don't even know what they're talking about. We saw this really cool band called called ripe. They're actually from Boston, and they're up and coming band.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 1:02:01
I played with them. I played with them, and they lived on my floor, and I played a show with them, and I was like, I was like, I was like, I and we were in the middle of, like, Ohio, and I was found out this other band is on the bill. It was for a radio thing, like it was just a radio event, and all of a sudden I see them, and I'm like, I think you're on my floor, all of them, and they were like, or like, no way. And like, we all just realized, like, we all went to Berkeley and, like, it was kind of, I made a joke that was like, I was like, I left after a year. They're like, yeah, we graduated. I was like, I guess you guys just spent more money to get to the same
Gerald Reid 1:02:36
place, like you did. It was
Joe Parella (Joe P) 1:02:39
pretty funny how we crossed paths. Yeah, really cool. Yeah, they're so much fun. They're so nice, yeah?
Alexis Reid 1:02:44
So to that same point thinking about vibe, and you've just come off of your first headlining tour, what was that like? What was it like to, like, get out there and know that you were the band that they were coming to see?
Joe Parella (Joe P) 1:02:56
It was it started like, I was saying very embarrassing, or whatever the word is, because I was just kind of like, like, I remember the tour went up, like, I remember getting the dates for my manager and booking agent, and, like, seeing all these venues and, like, the states and cities they were in. And I was like, what, like, What do you mean? Like, Chicago, like, no one's gonna go to that you guys are trying to. Like, it feels a bit like, it feels a lot like throwing a birthday party for yourself and being terrified that no one's gonna come, so you invite too many people, and you like, you know what? I mean? It's like, that's what it felt like every single day I was, I was in that, in that headspace, but, and then I was like, Okay, I'm gonna go. Let's and then I started getting, you know, hearing, hey, we, we just sold out Washington, DC, like, but like, you know, weeks out of the tour. And I was like, really? And then he's like, yeah, and there's only, like, 10 tickets left in Chicago, and, like, so now it's exciting because, again, it's like, I'm like, Really, this is amazing. Like, this is what I want. But also that embarrassment of, like, well, now I know there's people there that are like, hey, like, when you open they don't expect anything from you, like, you're you're a bonus if you're good, and you're a zero if you're not good, you're not negative though, you're not taking away from their experience. You're just zero, and that's okay. So there's, there's a lack of pressure there, like, you can just walk out there and you know you're safe no matter what, and especially if you think you're pretty good, like, you're going to give them give them a little more than zero, at least on even on a bad night. So now, though I was like, they paid to see me like they this is like they already are saying we think you're good, go. It's like, oh, okay, that's a different I'm walking out there with less like an underdog, like punching up and a little more, like, Okay, I need to, like, I need to, like, be in charge of everyone's like, fun and like, make sure everyone is, like, getting what they want and what they paid for. Or so I thought, like, this is what I thought. And then as soon as the first show happened, Washington, DC, so. The very first show, I walked out and it was like, it was one of those things where I was embarrassed, or whatever, or I was so like, Oh, my God. This is so crazy that this is happening. And then as soon as I was out there, it was like, of like, I was so ready, so ready to do it. Because, like, of course, I am. I? This is what I've been practicing for, and this is what I've been wanting and working towards and then, but I'm just, I just think, like with musicians and artists and stuff like, you're you're always at your best when you're not you when you're not thinking so much, right? So as soon as I go on stage, the brain has to go off. There's nothing I can do about that. I can no longer sit there and think and analyze and look at my phone like, This is it. I'm on the stage, and that's when I was, like, having so much fun, because everyone was there. It was easy. Of course, they already think you're good. This is so easy, you know, like all the things that were terrifying and scary to me became the like, the weapons, those were all the things that I needed to be able to make a good show. I was like, I was like, This is so easy. I started thinking about other bands that I opened for it. I was like, they had it so easy. This is just you walk out and everyone's, like, everyone's already on your team, you know, like, what the hell yeah. So it was, uh, it was great. And then meeting people after was so great because, you know, like opening and you meet someone after they're really excited about the live show that they just saw, right? And so if they say that was great, I loved it, like, you know, that's an amazing conversation. But when they're there because they've already heard your music, and they've had a year, and they've had years of listening to it or whatever, it's a very different conversation after, because now they're not just saying, like, you killed it tonight. It's a little more, like, there's a deeper meaning, and they're kind of like, I've been listening to you since, you know, 2020 like, when the pandemic started, and you know, this song means this to me. It's like there was so much more detail and so much more depth that I, you know, was like, yeah, like taking in and just talking to those people. And it was like, so crazy, because it's like, everything everyone says when they when they talk about, you know, if they really like my music or something, the reason it I think, it's, it's, it feels good, or whatever isn't, because it's like, you know, oh, we think you're so good. It's, it feels good because they're mirroring the things I felt in that 3am moment when I, like, came up with that song and was like, ah, like, I find like that that's I've been trying to get out of me. And then you have to say it to everyone. And then when they go come up to you and they say, we, we get it, we hear the language that you're speaking that is your own language, you're like, Oh, my God, it's crazy that you actually, like, heard that language out of speaking. Because, like, I didn't think anyone else would understand that, you know? So that's kind of what it is, is that you think that that's that embarrassment, I think is that you're kind of like, you feel like a fool because you're singing in your own you feel like you're, you're in a different language, that you're like, No one's gonna get this right, and then when they do, it feels great, because you're like, you know, you're just kind of like you feel. So it's such a human experience of like, you know, it transcends everything else. And you're just like having this very like you feel understood, or something more than ever, you know. And it's just, it's always better with other people, you know, like you can, I can only do so much by myself in a room to make myself, you know, feel good or content, like we need each other to really I think, like, that's the whole point. The whole The whole point is that, you know, we're all together in it. So whenever you can connect to some someone else in that way, it's like, that'll last you your whole life. It's great.
Alexis Reid 1:08:34
And if you get a chance to go see Joe perform live, not only is this music amazing, but the stage performance between you and the guys, the energy is just so cool. But I kind of feel like we, we started with the seed that we planted, of like an onion, and then we went right to the middle of the onion, instead of talking about the outward layers. And if you don't mind, I know we're getting close on time, but can we talk a little bit about like that, that whole covid time? Because I feel like it was, it was really difficult for a lot of people. I actually think you might have enjoyed it being on your own, just doing your thing and building things, but you also were alone, but with like this huge growing fan base that came out of nowhere that just became like an extended family, who I most certainly have not met many of But tell me, tell us a little bit about that, because that was pretty much, I would say, a huge pivotal point for you in your career.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 1:09:32
Yeah, it was the end of the world and the beginning of, I guess, my world. It was really weird. But yeah. I mean, it was like the band ended, like, day one of covid, essentially, I guess you could say,
Alexis Reid 1:09:45
oh, wait, I was just talking about this last night. That was your show. Was the last show I saw live up here in Cambridge, at the Middle East, like, right before the world ended. Remember that it was like, maybe two days, yes, down there I was like, one of like. A handful of people who are not scared to go, yeah.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 1:10:04
And it was like a major that was, like a major city too. So it was like, you know, that was where it was. People were saying, like, you know, getting freaked out the most was, like, there's so many people and, you know, but it still wasn't as at the forefront yet. Like, there were still a few more days left before, like, they really started, like, saying, like, it's crazy, like, everyone to go inside. So, yeah, those those shows, are the last shows we played. And like, covid really started. And it was like, I think for everyone, covid was a positive thing, only in the sense of, like, it forced you to, you know, look at your do all that work I did when I did when I was in high school by not going to parties and like you're alone now, like you're you're forced to look at yourself and figure out what you like and don't like. And you know people were now instead, you know, husbands, you know, like, like couples and stuff. Like going to work all day, working at nine to five and coming back and meeting up for dinner and going to bed. Now experience 24 hours of the day together. That's a little different, you know? I mean, like, that's, that's different so that that forced people, and I think, like, for us, it was the same thing. It was like, Okay, there's no shows, there's no music videos, there's no you know this or that. You know, it's all about music. It's all about, like, loving music. And like, when you take away all those other distractions, which, like, I consider, like touring and all those things like distractions in a positive way, because they kind of, like spread things, you know, across a little a little wider. Now it's all just sitting in the basement and making music, so you better love it. You know what? I mean? Just like couples, it's like you're stuck in the same house, so you better love this, you know? So I was and for me, I was like, This is great. I do this is like, what I've always done anyway. But for everyone else, I could just sense more of like, whoa. Like this is what you meant by like, you love music. Like this is crazy. You know, that's kind of what it felt like. So it just kind of crumbled naturally, which it's in a weird way, that's like a positive thing, like, I really think it's a blessing in that sense of everyone's, everyone's True Colors came out because there was nowhere to hide. You kind of couldn't come up with an excuse to stay another year or stay another week in the band, because it was like, there's no tour, there's no job for you, unless you're okay with just sitting here and being immersed in it. And so that happened, and then I was just kind of like, this thing I envisioned so clearly was gone. Like, that was the way it was, like, people have dreams and stuff, and then, like, usually they like, like, nicely, fade to fade to black or whatever, right? Mine was just, like, the movie's over, like, halfway
Alexis Reid 1:12:49
through, like, so many people during covid, yeah, yeah.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 1:12:54
Just, like, what do you do? You know, like, businesses that probably just started had to close. It's like, you have such a vision, and it's forced to be cut completely short. And I think I had a day, I had one day of like, panic attacks, like, what? Like, just going crazy walking around, like, what am I going to do? Like, it felt like my arm was cut off, and I don't know what to I have no code to do now and then the next day. And this is what I think is interesting about like, human beings, is like, the next day it was like, I had the opposite feeling. I was like, Okay, this is great. I'm ready to go. Like, let's go. And it was weird, because I like the grievance. I didn't think that was gonna happen. I Yes, yeah. You can't imagine a world where you're ever gonna get over this. And then the next day, it was like, not only am I over it, but I think, like, I'm happy of how this is happening. I'm happy of how life is kind of like making me do this right now. Like, this is this is better. I'm gonna do something with it. And I didn't expect that. Yeah, and like, I think it's just because, you know, naturally, I think people are just good at being resilient to things when there isn't gray area, when there isn't room for interpretation, like it's just like, This is what's happening. Like the world's shutting down. Your band is done. What are you going to do? Like, there was nothing for me to come back with, right? So that happened, and I just retreated to the basement and just started. I didn't start anything. I just kept doing that I've always done. And, like, I literally, I literally was like, This is great, because everyone always wants to go to the beach or, like, go to bars and stuff. And now I'm not the freak everyone's stuck inside. I'm like, This is amazing. Like, that is all of a sudden, that's all the sunlight that I need. They became your people, but so, yes, yeah, they were all like, that was, that's kind of what it felt like. It felt like with the band, and then everyone, for that matter, was just kind of like, had, like, a it's almost like covid forced everyone to become Joe Perella, be how I see the world, like, just like, yeah. Yes, exactly. Everyone was like, everyone's like, this is what you do every day. This is what you've been doing your whole life. I'm like, Yeah, I really love like, being locked in a room and not allowed to leave. So that was kind of, that was kind of it, yeah, Joe,
Gerald Reid 1:15:14
it's such a great it's such a great story of adapting and evolving. And we're almost at the time. So I want to, I want to give a quick shout out to your brother, who I know, Rob, your brother, Rob, who also has done his own evolution and what he's doing with his life. Can Can you just give a quick shout out to you know what he's been up to in terms of his evolution and his career in his life?
Joe Parella (Joe P) 1:15:34
Yeah, yeah. He He's always been like, also very, very creative. But I think for him, it was more in ways that you know, wasn't just like, oh, music done. Like, for me, it was like, day one, I figured out it was music, and that was it. I think for him, he was able to be creative. Like, he's so much more creative than I am, in the sense of, like, he finds a way to be creative about things that don't necessarily offer creativity to be kind of like inflicted on it, right? So he, if you made him go make a garden, he would do it in a way that you're like, oh my god, you know. So he's always had that brain and very artistic and cooking, I think, became the thing that he resonated with the most. I think because, you know, he you can do anything with that. It's endless. You can change it. You can, you know, you can create something, and then people get joy out of it. I think that's what's cool, is like, I think it was the thing that he the first thing that he made something, and it connected with people, and he saw it in real time. And I think that happened to me when I was little with music, where, I think for him, he would just be drawing a picture in his room, and no one would really clap. You know what I mean, it wasn't, it's not the same thing. So I think cooking, he started getting feedback. And I think he I think that like felt good. And I think he started leaning into it. And he worked in Asbury Park at Pascal and Sabine, like, which was where we were all living in Asbury Park during that before covid, and it was a really high end fancy restaurant. And like, you know, within a couple of months, he was just moving his way up. They all loved him. He was killing it. And then he moved to Nashville, and now he's working at, like, the really, really nice Hilton restaurant that's there. And, like, it's like, really, really intense, fancy food that, like, you know, I can't even, I don't even understand how he learned these things. Yeah, it's one of those things where I'm like, where do you Where were you? Like, how did you do that? I didn't, I never saw you cooking anything other than, like, nachos with me at four in the morning, you know, in like, high school. So it's pretty amazing. But, yeah, he's, and he's, like, kind of running the show, you know, he's running his family, essentially, at this huge restaurant. Yeah, it's so cool. So, yeah, he's, he's killing it. And he's, you know, and he's in Nashville, you know, he's in like, a cool town, like, really, really doing it. And it's like, you know, but it was such a, it was such a more sneaky, kind of like, rise to that, or path to that, where mine has always just been like, again, I haven't changed doing what I do since I was five years old. Where with him, I think it was a little more like he was always in, like a he was in, like a general category, I think in his own mind, Yeah, crazy. I think he just had, he was like, feel, yeah. He just had to feel around a little longer for exactly what it was, and I think he found it so I think he's just so stoked to be doing that.
Alexis Reid 1:18:28
Yeah, I think it's so cool that both of you found ways to express yourselves, where people get to connect around the things you create, right around food, around music, and for you, you know I was, I was alluding to your time in quarantine as also a time where you connected with so many people through your music and through social media, which I know, social media is not any of our thing that we love, but it's also become an outlet to connect with people, to share Some of the things we create. And I will say that you know, I'm sure people come to Rob's restaurant from all around the world to visit the city and get to experience what he creates in his expressions, just the way you know the people that follow you on Instagram and Tiktok and all these great pieces of yourself that you share with the world, that people are like, yeah, I really love that. I love the authenticity, I like the creativity. I like the way you're connecting without losing a part of yourself. And I really appreciate that so much about both you and Rob and you know, the guys in your band who have been a part of this process with you, and you know, it's led to so many great things. And I will be a little bit of your PR person that you know, recently you signed with Atlantic Records and have kind of evolved your work as an artist, and now playing, I mean, I know you guys did this with deal casino, too, but, you know, playing these big music festivals and. And these great shows. And I don't know if there's any you want to plug, I will plug that. You know, the one in Ocean City, Maryland, I got tickets to come see you. Yeah, it's the only one. Yeah, we'll give it up. We'll give it up for our aunt Jan, our Jane, my boy, she's like the matriarch of our family at this stage. But I will joke and say that you're opening for the Lumineers. You happen to be playing the same day that they're headlining, that that day of the yeah of the festival, which is pretty cool. That's her favorite band, besides you, of course. But you know, I think it's just so beautiful how you've been able to hone your craft, stay dedicated to what you love, figure out the right people to be involved in this journey while still staying true to yourself and just being like this is what I'm going to do, is how I'm going to do it. And I you know, I know that the people in your life, Emily included, and our family, and everybody outside of our family who just loves and supports you, I hope you feel the love and the energy that we all give to you as you are on this journey, and we're so proud of your dedication and your persistence. And you know, we know it's no easy task to stay up till five in the morning and do what you love because it sustains you, right? It's not like I have to do this. It's because you you feel that it's a part of you that needs to be happening, and it's, it's a beautiful thing, and we are so, so proud of you and so glad to have this conversation with you. I feel like we could talk forever, and we likely will. And, yeah, we're just glad to have you here. Any any, of course, yeah, this is really good. Any parting words? You know, we work with a lot of young people and young adults who are just really trying to find their path, and I think you've given so many nuggets of inspiration throughout our time together. But any any final thoughts for somebody who you know might be feeling some resistance to what they think they should be doing and are trying to figure out what they should do next.
Joe Parella (Joe P) 1:22:03
The only thing now, you know, I said this at all the headlining shows I did, I would talk about how, and I didn't realize it until I told the story, like the story kept evolving, because as I told it, I was learning about kind of like, what happened. But I, you know, I kept doing these things that were mistakes. I thought, right? So I went to Berkeley, and then I left, oh, this wasn't for me. And then I thought, I need to go to William Paterson, because it's a university to, like, get the college experience. I thought, That's what I was missing. And then I get there, and I was like, Oh, my God, I made him another mistake. Like all of my roommates are, like, the jocks who made fun of me in high school for playing music. And then I left there and moved to Belmar and, like, now I'm going to pursue music. I dropped that I caught. Okay, here we go. And then I got, like, fired from my bar, like, waiting on tables, job, like, and it was just mistake after mistake. And I kept thinking, like, all this stuff, and then I at the end of that whole thing that I would say, I would say, but if you make enough mistakes, you might end up in, like, you know, whatever city we were in with, like, a sold out show or whatever, right? So I so my point, I guess, would just be that, because of social media, it seems like everyone gets everything right all the time, like, on the first try, like, and it's past we, we used to look at social media as negative because everyone looked perfect. I think we're past that. I think, like, people know that that's all fake. But now I think it's almost a deeper thing where it's like, you see people being successful, which is worse, no one wants to be more successful. You know, like, everyone wants to have some level of success, so I would say, don't, don't work, or look at that, but realize that all the mistakes you make are so much more important than all the, you know, right decisions you make. Because, like, covid, like I thought everything was so over, you know, like, I couldn't even imagine Atlantic Records being like a thing. You know, ever once covid hit and the band ended. So everything seems like a mistake or a bad moment, and it's always like, like I said, I think naturally, we're super resilient. So those are the moments that are going to make you push off the wall and just slingshot towards this thing that you actually trying to go toward. You were actually going away from it, but now you're being slingshotted towards it. So I think welcome that embrace all of the terrible, terrible things.
Gerald Reid 1:24:28
That's great. That's great. And I will say as a therapist, psychologist working with individuals who reflect on sometimes, you know, like, don't make things worse than they need to be like by becoming destructive with like drugs, alcohol or rebelling for no other reason, just for the sake of rebelling. Because I've worked with so many people, they look back and they regret that, and now they're just learning to become true to who they are and to follow their path the way you have you know to know that there is a there is a guide somewhere, if you can utilize your support system to get through the hard times and have clarity. You that will guide you to your authentic self. Because your thoughts, your authentic self is not always that, you know, destructive version of yourself. That's just a way of coping. But if you can find healthier ways of coping by using your support system, having moments of clarity and looking into yourself, it's a huge thing. So just a plug for people out there, you know, for therapy, if it's useful to you, you know it depends on the person,
Joe Parella (Joe P) 1:25:22
yeah, and find your people. Find your like, find your friends. Like, find you don't need a million friends you don't need you know, you just, you don't need to be in a relationship with the perfect part. Like, you just need to let that happen and find the people that I think make you feel like yourself the most. I think that's the thing I always hear people trying to get in. Trying to get relationships, and obviously, I've been with Emily forever, so I don't, I'm like, always so interested in people dating and dating and dating and all this stuff. And they're all just talking about, you know, the way they're, like, on an app looking I'm like, Man, if I saw Emily right now, and I just had to base it on one thing, I don't know what I would do, because, like, there's so much more baked into that that it's like, you know, the idea of just thinking, like, oh, this person likes hiking on their thing. So, like, that's nice. I'll I also like hiking. I hate hiking. Emily loves hiking. We are completely opposite, like, my best friends are very similar, maybe in one world, but like most of people I know I'm opposite from, and like, those are the people I love to be with the most, because one, they open your mind to other things, and two, they still do something that makes me be me the most I can be. And like, that's, I think, so much more valuable than like, well, we're both, you know, you mean, like, the couple who's like, the cool Brooklyn couple, and they're both, like, really cool. And you're like, okay, but then they have no chemistry. And you're like, just because you guys both, like shopping and, like, you know, watching a 24 movies doesn't mean that, like, you should be friends or even together, you know, it's like, there's, I think we're in that world, though, now where we there's so many categories that people can be in that we think we can actually link up with them based on, oh, we have the same stuff in the same like a Venn diagram or something, and it's like, No, we're just go talk to meet a bunch of people and be, be open to the people that are like, not like you at all, because those are probably the ones that you're gonna like because you're you're not gonna just be there's not gonna be two of you. That's a good thing. You know,
Alexis Reid 1:27:25
it's so important. And I think living your most authentic self and your most authentic life is often what allows for you to find your passion and live it. And if you're lucky enough to make it into a career that sustains you, so grateful for this conversation. We'll keep it going, and we're rooting for you every day, and we love you, and we're can't wait to see you at the next show and the next gathering. We love you, Joe,
Joe Parella (Joe P) 1:27:54
yeah, yeah. Thanks guys. Thank you for having me on here. This is so cool. Yeah, it's
Alexis Reid 1:27:59
awesome. Thank you for joining,
Gerald Reid
Thanks for tuning in to the Reid Connect-ED podcast. Please remember that this is a podcast intended to educate and share ideas, but it is not a substitute for professional care that may be beneficial to you at different points of your life. If you are needed support, please contact your primary care physician, local hospital, educational institution, or support staff at your place of employment to seek out referrals for what may be most helpful for you. ideas shared here have been shaped by many years of training, incredible mentors research theory, evidence based practices and our work with individuals over the years, but it's not intended to represent the opinions of those we work with or who we are affiliated with. The reconnected podcast is hosted by siblings Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid. Original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid (www.Jerapy.com) recording was done by Cyber Sound Studios. If you want to follow along on this journey with us the Reid Connect-ED podcast. we'll be releasing new episodes every two weeks each season so please subscribe for updates and notifications. Feel free to also follow us on Instagram @ReidConnectEdPodcast that's @ReidconnectEdPodcast and Twitter @ReidconnectEd. We are grateful for you joining us and we look forward to future episodes. In the meanwhile be curious, be open, and be well.
In this episode, Gerald and Alexis are joined by their cousin, rockstar and Atlantic Records recording artist, Joe P. We discuss Joe's winding journey toward becoming a passionate musician, cutting across topics like learning, parenting, and youth development. We talk about the creative process that goes into song writing, including how Joe expanded his songwriting and production during the depths of the Covid pandemic. Joe also shares the emotional experience that comes with performing in front of large crowds enthusiastically singing his songs. Joe has such an interesting perspective to share and we are thrilled to have him come onto the ReidConnect-Ed Podcast.
Be curious. Be Open. Be well.
The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by Siblings Alexis Reid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by and original music is written and recorded by www.Jerapy.com
*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.
