Prost! Podcast Episode #30 - Joel David Weir - Songwriting, Indiana's Music Scene & Building Creative Community

Scott Eckart sits down with Joel David Weir for a wide-ranging conversation about songwriting, performance, recording, and why Indiana keeps producing so many strong writers. They also dig into Joel’s new recording plans, his creative services business with Maria, and the role Pilgrimage Wine Company is playing as a home for live original music. Further, Joel shares how he turns songs into stories that land live, why comfort and trust matter so much in performance and recording, and how his influences range from John Prine and Jason Isbell to Pearl Jam, R.E.M., and Depeche Mode. Scott and Joel also talk candidly about the challenge of getting audiences to care about original local music, and what it takes to build a scene that lasts.Key topics:Joel explains the Drop In podcast format and how it focuses on creative people in their own spaces.Why Indiana keeps producing strong singer-songwriters, and how the local scene supports itself.The difference between playing for other musicians and building a broader audience.How live performance depends on more than just playing and singing well - trust, persona, and storytelling matter too.Joel’s new recording and production work through Squirrelifont with Maria, including writing, editing, and mobile recording. His approach to helping artists get comfortable so they can capture better takes.The new record he is making with Richard Inskeep at the Monastery in Cincinnati.Why these songs feel bigger with a full band, and how Joel is using Kickstarter to help fund the project. Influences that shape his sound, from John Prine and Lucinda Williams to grunge and alternative rock.The story behind “Tower of Hurt,” inspired by graffiti in the Tower of London and connected to John Prine.QUOTES:“Music has saved my life a million times over.”“The magic is in the growing, it’s in the farming.”“The one endeavor where you can get lost while you’re also finding yourself.”