Live Performance
Recipient for Hot Contemporary Single of the Year – 19th Annual LA Music Awards “War”
Nominated for Hot AC Artist of the Year – 20th Annual LA Music Awards
Big Joe Hurt’s music has been described as raw emotion with soulful meditations reminiscent of the singers of the Soul movement’s best days. Hurt has been brewing up a fusion soup of NeoSoul, Blues, Pop and Groove Funk rhythms in the Los Angeles scene.
Hurt grew up in Hesperia California, or as he tells it, “Southern California’s beautiful high desert. It’s a place with a really laid-back pace and a small-town feel. And the landscape is incredible.” Much of that upbringing comes into focus in his music as desert themes are woven into his lyrics and musically one is able to visualize the haunting scenery. Hurt’s travels have allowed him to visit many states and stages, adding flavor to his musical roux. He recently re-settled in Los Angeles bringing his self-proclaimed Grown Folks’ music to the scene. Somewhat surprisingly, in a wildly trendy culture, Los Angeles has proven to be a friendly host for Hurt’s music, allowing him to become a standout performer among the many Los Angeles singer-songwriters.
Upon returning to Southern California, Hurt released his solo EP No Pain No Gain and agreed on digital distribution with LA-based Adamant Records. Since releasing No Pain No Gain, Hurt has toured extensively across the United States in promotion of the EP totaling over 100 shows performed in 2008. In 2009, Hurt and his band began recording the new release titled While You Were Away. The new album demonstrates Hurt’s maturation as a songwriter and performer. Music Connection Magazine called his performance of tunes from the new album “Perfect for film in any romantic comedy.” He continues to play festivals and major venues across the country, appear on major television networks and radio broadcasts.
Big Joe Hurt’s unquenchable thirst for live performance drives him to continue to hone his ability as a songwriter and performer. It’s that desire to create music that connects that keeps Joe and his band a constant favorite on the Indie, and increasingly, mainstream, music scene.
“Music is my mistress, and she demands my time”