“Official Bio”
Joel Strauss is a solo Indie artist from Fredericton, NB, blending Indie Rock, Americana, and Retro Rock into a distinctive style. Influenced by Oasis, The Tallest Man On Earth, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, and The Black Keys, his music combines raw emotion, soaring melodies, and bold, textured instrumentation. Described as having 'a voice that could stand out in crowds of thousands' (The East Mag), he pairs his musical vision with striking visuals, creating his own album artwork as an accomplished Watercolour Painter. His artistic versatility was recently recognized when he won the FROSTival Art Battle in Fredericton (2025).
“Unofficial Bio”
I was born in Kelowna B.C. but now live in Fredericton N.B. with my wife. I grew up in a very musical family and lived in Germany briefly as a child. I am a Canadian-German duo citizen but am a bit embarrassed to say that I didn’t keep up with the German language and can barely speak it now…
The watercolorist Joseph Zbukvic inspired me as much as any musician had when I started to paint. Covid hit the scene and there were no music venues open or shows happening. A new passion developed.
I started out as a drummer at age 5 - my dad had brought home a kit - and I picked up a guitar at age 10. I sang badly for awhile. In high school The Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and Bob Dylan changed my life. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop listening to The Beatles.
The dream is to paint by day and play music by night. If I get there I'll be very lucky...