The frontman of cult UK band, The Rifles, has comprised Americana, Folk and Soul on his debut solo record away from the band, with The Undertow released on Friday to widespread acclaim.
This isn’t the first time Joel Stoker has ventured into songwriting away from The Rifles spotlight, but it is the first time he has provided a full body of work for fans to get their teeth into.
Created during lockdown at his home garden studio, Joel rode the creative wave as touring was put on hold, writing an album filled with reflective themes such as mental health, family, and friendship.
Joel commented: “I realised that all the songs I was writing were about one thing: anxiety and mental depression. I knew they couldn’t be Rifles songs, but I thought I’d carry on and see where it led me. It was a really lovely experience, and I’m going to keep doing it.
“I’ve actually had ‘Like I Love You’ the longest. What actually inspired it was hearing that Michael Kiwanuka song ‘Cold Little Heart’ on the TV show ‘Big Little Lies’. I loved that haunting melody. So that’s how it began, with the acoustic guitar and the whistling.”
Following the release of his debut solo album last week, Joel Stoker performed a celebratory show in London, and it won’t be long before fans can see the singer-songwriter live on his upcoming UK dates.
He also recently performed as special guest for Liam Gallagher‘s intimate KOKO show in London.
Full tour dates are listed below. Remaining tickets for the tour are available HERE.
In addition to its digital release, physical formats of ‘The Undertow’ are also available HERE.
SEPTEMBER TOUR DATES
2nd – London, Walthamstow Trades Hall (LOW TICKETS)
14th – Birmingham, Dead Wax
21st – Liverpool, Jimmy’s (upstairs)
22nd – Stockton-on-Tees, NE Volume Bar
28th – Preston, The Ferret
OCTOBER TOUR DATES
12th – Atherton, The Snug (JUST ADDED)
NOVEMBER TOUR DATES
2nd – Newport, Le Pub (JUST ADDED)
16th – Aldershot, West End Centre (JUST ADDED)
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