Craig Joiner Talks New Solo Album, His Voice And More

Apr 30, 2024 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Photo Credit: Supplied By Artist

Vocalist, songwriter and musician Craig Joiner’s musical journey began back in 1987 when his band Romeo’s Daughter and he has continued to make music for television, film and much more. His solo album ‘A Kind Of Calm’ is out now and we wanted to learn more about the record from the man himself:

What is your earliest musical memory?
My Nan buying me my first guitar at the age of 6. Listening to Bridge Over Troubled Water (the album)
on my dad’s old record player. It’s stayed with me ever since.

When did you begin songwriting and recording music?
At the age of fifteen. I didn’t have much in the way of recording equipment, just one of those old
cassette recorders. I later moved onto a good old Yamaha four track.

Your new album ‘A Kind of Calm’ is out now. How did you want to approach
the making of the record?
As organically as possible with more of a folk edge than my first album.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?
I recorded the majority at home. The trad folk songs, Mary and the Soldier, The Humpback Whale
were recorded as one take with my good friend Simon Painter in his studio.
I produced the album myself.

One of your tracks is the single ‘The Wedding Day of Eliza May’. What was the story/inspiration
behind that song?

I wrote the song during lock down. ‘The Wedding Day of Eliza May’ tells the story of a young man
working all the hours God sends to buy a wedding ring to ask the love of his life to marry him. The
problem is that he spends all his time working and saving. He takes his eye off the boil, loses the girl
to someone else, and gets invited to the wedding!

Who created/designed the album artwork?
Simon Painter, not only is he a top class musician but he’s pretty handy with a camera.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals etc?
I use two guitars on stage. A Martin OM28 1931 Authentic and a Collings OM1. Both fitted with K&K
Pure Mini’s, no effects!

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Chorleywood…..Green, connected, peaceful, community, friendly

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?
I do indeed. Nothing abroad yet but I’m working on it.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy.
Which novel is it and why?

I don’t read that much.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
a) Lark and Grey b) Fanny Adams c) Coming Home.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Being lucky enough to be a guitar player all my life, guitar influences , from earliest to now would be
John Denver, Paul Brady, Martin Simpson, Mutt Lange, Thomas Newman, Brian May, Eddie Van
Halen, Alex Lifesen, Queen, Rush, The Police to name but a few.

Recommendations at the moment would be the new Billie Eilish song ‘What I Was Made For’.

Was it a difficult album to write?
Writing an album is a strange affair, some songs happen in the blink of an eye, others take a lot
longer. It’s knowing that when you’re struggling with something put it down and come back to it
another day with a fresh perspective. All in all a joy.

How do you look after your voice?
I try to drink lots of water and I try to warm up properly. The word try is huge!

What makes Craig Joiner happy and what makes you unhappy?

Having a guitar in my hands and not having guitar in my hands:)