Summer Bonus: Joel Culpepper

Humble flex: but I’ll be in France by the time you’re reading this. Some good friends of mine are getting married and it’s a trip I’ve been looking forward to for quite a while. Something I can promise you is that I’ll absolutely be listening to today’s guest while I’m walking those sun-drenched streets of Paris. Joel Culpepper is a British-based artist that’s crafting R&B that feels timeless. Part of that is his love for that classic ’70s sound but it’s also due to his boisterous character. Joel reminds me of that guy at the party who’ll have you laughing one second and then being a shoulder to cry on after more drinks.

His debut album, Sgt. Culpepper, came out last year but already feels timeless in a way that’d make his heroes proud. The songs of this project are generally vulnerable while also being wildly danceable. Along with a love of R&B, Joel doesn’t shy away from also infusing soul, funk, and even bits of gospel in his art. The best example is undoubtedly album standout, Tears of a Crown, which he also performed brilliantly on Jools Holland (see the clip above). That performance is what made me fall in love with his art and it’s a beautiful launchpad for our chat.

After you hear the episode, be sure to check out Joel’s track Tears of a Crown on the official New Exchange Playlist. Also, be sure to follow Joel Culpepper on Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.