Meet Joel Ansett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Ansett.

Joel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started writing songs in high-school with my sister in the family living room. She would write poems and I would try and think up melodies to match. Since then it’s just been one little door opening after another that has allowed me to continue pursuing this as a career. Fans and friends have kickstarted all three of my recording projects so far, and I just keep trying to write the best songs I can. I 100% got to where I am today because a small group of people believed in me when the only thing I had to offer was potential.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Negative on the smoothness. The struggles have been varied and numerous. Most of my struggles center around a simple fear of failure or a fear of rejection. The hardest thing to overcome lately has just been the reality of how financially unstable a career in the arts can be. I have a family now and it’s easy to let financial pressures dictate every single choice I make and it’s been hard to find the balance between risk and stability.

There’s been so much time and money poured in with very little guarantee that any will come out, and that low-level anxiety can take a serious toll. At this point, I’ve just decided it’s a trust game and I have chosen to trust that as I walk further into this calling I will be provided for in some way. I also remind myself often that what I do in songwriting and performing has way more value than money could ever show.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a singer/songwriter and a recording artist based in Denver, CO. I have released one EP and two full-length albums, the latest of which was just released on August 22nd, 2019. That album is called “a place I knew before.” All the songs are very lyrically focused so it’s folk music in that sense. Otherwise, the genre is a blend of pop, soul, and R&B.

I am most proud of my music when it can make a listener feel known and loved. That’s honestly what keeps me going. My goal has never been to write songs that could mean something to everyone. I would much rather try and write songs that could mean everything to someone. There’s so much beauty in music and I’ve always been most intrigued by its power to destroy lies of isolation and create community. I’ll receive emails and Instagram messages from fans about how a song has impacted their life and that’s when I know this is what I should be doing. It’s not a ton of people by any means, but even just a message or two re-assures me the songs are out there doing their job, and re-ignites my desire to write.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Since the album released, I embarked on a nationwide house show/small venue tour to share the songs live in an intimate setting. I’ll keep doing that into 2020 and once that’s through I will hopefully jump on another tour as support. There will be two music videos coming out soon as well, and some live performance videos, all with the hope of introducing more people to the album. Otherwise, the plan is just to keep writing songs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joelansett.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelansett/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joelansettmusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/joelansett

Image Credit:
Tyler Krippaehne
Zack Wilson

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