Meet JoeBaby Michaels

Today we’d like to introduce you to JoeBaby Michaels. He and his team shared their story with us below:

JoeBaby is an independent record producer and owner of Bent River Records. Bent River Records is a new independent record label serving the independent music community. It was formed in 2022 by award-winning producer Michaels. JoeBaby has spent more than 50 years mixing the best in rock, rhythm, and blues.

He’s worked with a wide range of talent and sound creators, ranging from the Rolling Stones, James Brown, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to New Orleans-based musicians Neville Jacobs, Bonerama, Honey Island Swamp Band, Cyril Neville, George Porter Jr. & the Runnin’ Pardners, and the Funky Meters. Back at home, JoeBaby has collaborated with Colorado musicians Richie Furay, Analog Son, Kinetics, Bobby Messano, and Johnny & The Mongrels. The label aims to give a home to independent artists who traditionally don’t have a reliable outlet for their music.

To that end, Bent River Records’ partnership with The Orchard (Sony Music) enables independent artists to reach broader audiences through global marketing, advertising, and technology that aids artists with fan engagement. Bent River Records’ mission is to inspire, uplift, and create by connecting diverse groups and people organically through music. The future is now brighter than ever for independent artists everywhere, and Bent River is championing the way.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is far from smooth. The music industry for independents is in a really tough place now. Revenue from streaming is down to close to nothing, and touring revenue is down as well… If it weren’t for the passion that burns within us, there would be no music being made.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I have led a truly blessed career in music. Starting with working at the Fillmore East in NYC in 1969, to working with touring artists The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Blood Sweat, and Tears (and so many more) in the 70s, to producing so many cool artists in today’s crazy environment.

I have earned a reputation for assembling rosters of players who have never played together and having them create magic backing up-and-coming artists.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is such an important part of today’s music. While I believe, to a certain extent, we make our own luck, why this artist hits, and another equally talented artist flounders are the one hand clapping questions that drive today’s music industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bentriverrecords.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bentriverrecords_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076250316259
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoOwxLjsMkIUQZUoGB4inMQ

Image Credits
Jim Mimna Photography