Meet Joseph Eid | Folk Pop Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph Eid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, how do you think about risk?
It’s mandatory. When it comes to being an artist, everything feels like a risk because being an artist means being vulnerable and showing the world who you are.  Every time you share something, write something, there is a risk that it might not be received like you expect and desire. Every time you invest in your career, an album, etc.. you don’t know if that investment will pay you back. Every time you play for a new audience, you don’t know how you will be received. The thing is you can’t take away the risk factor when it comes to being an artist. But what you CAN do is get more comfortable with it and eventually take away the emotion you attach to any of the outcomes. When you start to act from a place of purpose, and only focus on the output and not what is coming back, you remove the fear associated with risk. You are not an artist because you need to be popular, rich, etc.. — you are an artist because you have no other choice and because of what you want to contribute and share with the world. It chose you. It’s always been that way. So as time goes on, what felt like a risk doesn’t feel like that anymore.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally and what drives you to do what you do?

I write songs and songs write me. I always think of this passion as a collaboration with a greater source. There is something magical and mystical that happens when I sit down to write a song. The concepts and content of these songs sometimes come through and actually teach me something. So I don’t just think of them as songs. They are insights and ideas. They tell the human story. My mission as an artist is to write about the things that connect us all and remind us that we are all part of the same family. While the circumstances may be specific to my observation and experience, the feelings are universal.

A song can change one’s perspective. A song can uplift. A song can make you feel like you are not alone. A song can be your guide. A song can be used as a magic pill to reconnect you with yourself. I take my job pretty seriously because I know the power a song can have. Whether it’s light hearted or deep and introspective, it’s medicine for the soul.

I lived in 3 different countries as a kid. As hard as I tried, fitting in was not a part of my story. My childhood taught me that happiness has little to do with what you have, where you live, where you go, or where you come from. It has everything to do with who you decide to be. Every day, we all have that choice of how we want to show up in the world. I am an artist because I want to do my part to remind people that we are a part of one family, the human family. I hope that by following my own heart, I can inspire others to follow theirs and to find that sacred space inside. Peace starts with us. If we can be at peace with ourselves, we have a chance of seeing that peace in the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Los Angeles has so many hidden treasures that you only discover after living here.

I’d start by taking them to one of my favorite local spots here in North Hollywood, a few local restaurants we love to go to for a great vibe and good food.  A hike in Los Angeles is a must. There’s Fryman Canyon in Studio City which is easy to get to, never too crowded and beautiful. Griffith Park Observatory trail is also really special because of the iconic old Hollywood views. After that, we’d go down to Franklin Village and grab a beer or a coffee at one of local spots there. That village has a special old Hollywood vibe and is very close to Griffith Park. A trip to the beach is mandatory. Malibu would be top of the list. There’s a country market spot I love that is connected to a quiet trail that leads to the beach. It’s magic over there. Maybe after that, cruise down to Venice Beach and grab some great food seaside at The Ale House. One night we could hit up a more fancy restaurant in West Hollywood, Hollywood, or DTLA. There are so many to choose from. No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a rooftop hang. There’s a great rooftop live music venue and bar in Hollywood called Dessert 5 Spot. Classic views of the city and very good music!! A concert at the Hollywood Bowl – outdoor amphitheater is also a must. Catching a great act there as the sunsets and the day transitions to night. It’s one of my favorite things about the city. There is so much to do. A road trip down to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree isn’t a bad idea either. Very different vibe. Peaceful and picturesque. Laguna Beach is one of my favorite beaches so if it’s summer, We’d go down there to actually swim. It feels very European with majestic views and cliffs. Also a super nice downtown beachside village. OK I can go on and on…..

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We don’t do this thing alone. I’ve been fortunate to meet some like-minded, talented, great professionals (and good friends) in Los Angeles who have helped me bring my songs to life. So a big shout out to the studio engineers / producers and visual artists I’ve worked with over the years. Just to name a few – Brian Soucy (co-producer, engineer), Ted Wulfers (co-producer, engineer), Patrick McPheron (videographer, photographer), Jacopo Manfren (photographer, videographer), Robbie Banfitch (director, videographer). All the talented musicians who’ve played on my recordings. Also to my friends who support me, inspire me, and to my amazing partner who I love sharing this journey of life with.

Website: www.josepheidmusic.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/josepheidmusic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/josepheidmusic

Youtube: www.youtube.com/josepheidmusic

Other: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/joseph-eid/304378273 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1jWe3X84O53FV6TlqF5g54?si=HKNitiukSQm7agRBgLzWMg

Image Credits
Bryan Jackson Jacopo Manfen Patrick McPheron Karman Kruschke Paul McCarty John Hanson