our35212: Joel Madison Blount
When I heard a group of local musicians were making an album to raise money for tornado relief, I had a strong feeling that some of our neighbors were involved. I was right. Jon Black and Joel Madison Blount began working on the album soon after the April 27 tornadoes tore through the southeast. We introduced you to Jon in October 2009. Now it’s time to meet Joel.
How long have you and your wife lived in the neighborhood? What drew you to the area?
We’ve been back in Birmingham 4 years now – my wife (Angela) and I both graduated high school here (both of our families live in town), but we have been a few places in between.
Angela is wrapping up her 4th year of the 5 year Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery residency program at UAB – which is why we came back to Birmingham.
What is your favorite thing about Crestwood North?
I love the people here – the community they embody.
I’m a musician – so I like the fact that there are so many artists living in the neighborhood. Knowing that other people are working next door to refine their craft keeps the fire stoked under me. I enjoy walking my dog and hearing music pouring out of homes as people seek ways to express their passions.
There is a church near the end our block – I like to sit on my back porch on Sunday mornings and listen as the people worship. It’s an incredible experience – even from my back porch – to hear the people sing out – as they find a release from their burdens. Sometimes they are so spirited that I expect to see the building burst at the seams as the people carry on dancing and singing in parade down 5th avenue!
If there is one thing you could change about this area, what would it be?
I’d like to see people go out of their way to love each other.
What do wish was just around the corner?
A few great restaurants!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Over the past year I’ve made an effort to be more intentional about how I create.
I wake up early to write – everyday – even if I’m not feeling it or don’t have any new ideas. I tend to be more focused in the morning. I have much more success writing songs during dedicated writing sessions than when I just carry on with life hoping that inspiration will come. The songs aren’t always good – actually, they are rarely good – but, a good one always seems to come around – and when it does – it’s a rush – and I look back knowing all the previous mornings spent writing bad songs were necessary and worthwhile.
I’m also a CPA working in the tax department of a public accounting firm in town – so writing songs and recording is something I have to work into the margins of my life – early mornings, lunch breaks, late at night, etc.
How long have you been a musician?
I’ve always been a musician. I remember singing with Mrs. Butler, my first music teacher, in 3 year old kindergarten, learning to play the piano when I was 7, learning the trumpet in middle school (also with Mrs. Butler), picking up a guitar for the first time when I was 13 and learning to sing songs with Don Windle in Mobile – it’s who I am and what I do – good or bad.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on a new 5 song EP entitled I BELIEVE IN LOVE. As soon as we have the album artwork finished it will be released. I’m really excited about this project – it’s the first time I’ve collaborated with other musicians during the recording process. This project has opened my eyes to the value of collaboration – how much better things can be when someone else invests their talent into your idea – a song then becomes something much more exciting and altogether different.
Each of the 5 songs on the EP tell a different story about Love – Love betrayed, Love pursued, Love prevailing, Love lost, and the Love of God.
It will be available through my website joelmadisonblount.com, itunes, amazon, etc.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 5 things would you want to have with you?
1. Angela
2. Solar powered satellite phone/GPS
3. A good book
4. My guitar
5. Food
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