Meet Joel Chadd

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joel Chadd. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joel, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
The more I write & the more I continue to play these songs, whether at a live concert or in the privacy of my studio, I’ve come to understand that this is my deepest connection to myself. It is my truth and the way I find peace with life & all of it’s beautiful joys & sorrows. When I began to understand this I realized that music & writing is entirely who I am. I’ll be creating it no matter what, for as long as I have here. That truth now outweighs any feeling of imposter syndrome.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a full time musician and singer-songwriter based in the beautiful high desert of Central Oregon. Music brings us together, it can become a common ground amidst all the differences we might have. To connect with complete strangers through a song I’ve written about a specific moment in time, only to find out it is something they’ve experienced in their life, never gets old. Sharing the space of a concert & night of music, brings us together. That’s what I love most about what I do.

I released my debut album in 2022 & I am now in process recording my sophomore album. Couldn’t be more excited to start sharing that new music with you all! I will also be on tour throughout the west coast in 2024, with more dates being added every week!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Have fun, work hard & persevere! I wouldn’t be pursuing this career if it didn’t bring me joy. Reminding yourself of that is important. Make a note (literally) of those moments where you felt that joy & be sure to re-read that note when you’re in one of those challenging seasons that we all have.

Work hard and give your best to every aspect of what you do. There’s always room to grow & to continue to learn. It will only make you a more well rounded artist. The majority of what this career is not stepping onto the stage and performing. It can feel like a grind at times & “miniscule” in comparison to what you’re hoping to achieve, but just know that it all adds up. Reach out to other artists that you admire who are on a similar path. That community & connection is priceless. You’ll find that you’re not alone in this pursuit & sometimes you’ll get the answer or guidance you’ve been needing!

Keep on going & don’t stop. You’re pursuing this because this is who you are. Every little step you take, verse you write, video you share, connection you make, email you send, song you learn, is moving you forward! Don’t forget that. It all adds up.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Probably the most pivotal moment in my life was when my mom gave me her nylon string guitar & old Bob Dylan song book. I was 23 years old and it launched me into a life of music. I haven’t looked back since.

I come from singers, songwriters, musicians and real lovers of the art-form. We grew up singing a lot of harmonies together as a family. It was just what you did. We listened to alot of The Beatles, The Temptations, songwriters like James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne. We watched more musicals than I can remember. The act of singing, listening to or playing music was a huge part of my childhood. Whether we were singing in the church on Sunday mornings or singing Christmas carols in the retirement homes, music was always a part of our day-to-day.

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Image Credits
Julia Duke Photo Jen Lee Photography Whitney Whitehouse

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