Music is a very personal thing. I am a very shy person unless I know you. So, writing and performing allows me the opportunity to express myself in ways that I don’t normally do.
I hope my music moves people in some way. I hope to be an inspiration for younger artists that may not feel they are extremely talented. Don’t be afraid. Get out there and express yourself.
It’s never wrong to express what you really feel in your heart.” -Joe Newtz
I know I’ve said it before, but Beaver County really is a hub for talented local musicians. You’ve seen them play for years, bought their first albums, and feel a sense of pride in all of their accomplishments because you’ve been lifelong supporters.
Joe Newtz isn’t any different. He’s a home-grown artist who gets to fulfill his lifelong dream of doing what he does: playing music. If you’ve ever seen him live, you know how talented he is. If you haven’t seen him live, you’re missing out!
Joe is modest about his abilities, but plays the drums, bongos, guitar AND sings!
Most of his talents are also self-taught. His first time deciding to act as a solo artist was when the first solo album by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd was released. (He also happens to be MY personal favorite musician of all time, so I can’t blame him!)
That was a defining moment for me because I realized that I didn’t have to be in a band in order to make music.”
As far as his musical influences, they are varied as well. From progressive rock groups such as Genesis, Pink Floyd, Kansas and Yes, to Luther Vandross, Incubus, and one of his all-time favorites, Toad the Wet Sprocket.
I was fortunate enough to have Joe answer a few questions for our readers, and it was such a great experience to speak with someone who has such a love for music.
Favorite Songs
The song I am most proud of writing is ‘Tangled Web’ from my CD ‘Crossing Over.” It doesn’t quite fit the standard verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format. It ends with a bridge that carries a lot of energy.”
My favorite original to actually play is ‘Superstition.’ It seems to be a crowd favorite as well. I do, however, play a mean acoustic version of ‘Riding the Storm Out’ by REO Speedwagon.”
Getting Started
I started playing open mic nights at Thursdays in Bridgewater. That’s where I realized that I didn’t suck.”
My scariest gig was at Brother’s Grimm in Robinson. At the time, it was a heavy-metal type room and I found myself doing an acoustic set wedged between two heavy metal bands. After a couple of songs where the audience realized that someone was actually doing an acoustic set, they cheered as loud for me as they did the other guys!”
Favorite Jam Partners
I have tremendous respect for John Goberish of The Distractions/Decade Resistors. He’s a Beaver County boy that’s been a great role model for me and countless others. He and Mike Ofca (Innovation Studios) greatly contributed on my cd.”
There are great musicians like Jeff DeSantis (Decade Resistors) and Richard Schiemer from Brighton Music Center who are super fun to be around. Of course, Dave Granati is a legend who taught me that your ears can tell you if you hit a sour note because everything you hear on the radio is musically correct. For someone like me, who can’t read music, that was incredible wisdom.”
Hometown Pride
I had my CD release party at Thursday’s in Bridgewater. They have an awesome set up inside and a great patio stage. There are also great places like 1810 Tavern, Bocktown and Damiano’s and some others that I have not had a chance to play at yet.”
A lot of venues have cover bands and that is great, but I wish more places supported original music- and especially local musicians that have made the effort to put out their own CD. Otherwise, how are fans going to get to hear some really great new music? Local musicians should also work together better and do more joint shows that feature a mixture of bands/artists that do covers and originals.”
I think Beaver County is a great place that is trying to develop artistically. There are many talented artists in the area. I love that this area is a melting pot of all types of people that somehow all try to get along. There is a certain peacefulness here that lends itself to calm and creativity. That lone makes it a beautiful place to live.”
I want my best days and best work to be in front of me. My goal is to be a good father and friend, try to make an honest living, make good art and not waste time looking backwards.”
Well said, Joe! Don’t forget to check out his new album “Crossing Over” on ITunes and Amazon, and catch a live show with him if you can! You can also find more information on his website www.joenewtz.com.
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