Joel Sax’s debut album (Billions of Stars) is the story of a lifetime, not always his lifetime, but a lifetime that we all might recognize at some point. He regales the ups and downs and a few maybes. The new album comes out September 19 with a show at the 318 Cafe, but it’s already sold out! Check for any last-minute openings or future shows on his website.
Please tell us about you and what initially drew you to music.
I was 8 years old when the Beatles made their debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. I immediately loved the music, the vibe, the coolness and the crazy fun enthusiasm of the audience. WOW! I started playing guitar a few years later and fell in love with the music of the late 60’s and early 70’s, especially CSN&Y, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and the psychedelic bands like Led Zeppelin and Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
What inspired you to record your debut album after a 40-year hiatus?
I always wanted to get back to music, particularly song writing, but it wasn’t until I joined a wonderful FB group, The Singer/Songwriter/Songwriting Challenge that I discovered my community. I started writing and posting ‘baby’ songs for this prompt-based challenge about 3 years ago and this rekindled and inspired me in every way. I was proud of the songs and wanted to make the best music possible, so I asked Dave Mehling to produce and we invited some of the best musicians around to join in the fun of making this album.
The album feels like a musical autobiography. How do the people around you feel about seeing themselves in song?
I write so many songs that my wife always starts with the assumption that they are mostly just made-up stories! A few, however, are clearly autobiographical, including Hey Buddy, which is the story of an old dear friend who I had lost contact with, and who passed away. For a long time, I could only sing that song when my wife was not around.
How did it feel for you to write and perform the songs? I’m thinking particularly of a song like Park My Fear. You hit some joyous and tough times in the music.
Park My Fear is a ‘what if’ song. Our lives could have gone in so many directions, and Park My Fear, while not my story, seems to resonate with listeners. I think that because of the universality of this song, it is one my favorites to sing. Songs about missing my mom, trying to become a better dad, and the journey of love felt so right to me and so healing. I hope they felt that way to you, as well.
Please tell us about the upcoming album release show.
The release show is going to be amazing! Sarah Morris will kick things off and then she will join me for the second set for 3 songs. Everyone on the album will be on stage for their songs, including Sarah Morris, Nikki Lemire, Matthew French, Haley E. Rydell, Ted Hajnasiewicz, Doyle Turner, Marc Severin and Dave Mehling! Although the show is sold out, you could sign up for the waitlist and join us if some seats open up. Also, please check out https://joelsaxmusic.com/ for events and music!
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