Joel Compass

While most debut artists propose to offer something ‘different’ and ‘unique’, 20 year old Londoner Joel Compass is a particularly rare talent who delivers on every level. A singularly talented male singer, songwriter and producer, as visually interesting as he is lyrically and musically arresting, Compass combines effortless credibility with huge commercial appeal.

He may be signed to a particularly British label, but aesthetically Joel has more in common with American singers like Miguel, Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, D’Angelo and Maxwell. There’s no ‘popping bottles in the club’ or generic Euro Dance bangers, this is music with heart, emotion and a vulnerability rarely seen in someone so young. 

Born and raised in South London, Compass – his real name – had a fairly average childhood in Penge until his parents divorced when he was six years-old. He’s rarely seen his father since and his mother suffered on and off with bipolar disorder, so he quickly became the head of the household, often taking care of his younger sister and his mother. 

“I didn’t have a typical upbringing but I think that’s worked out well for my music,” he muses. “I don’t really care a lot about a lot of things. I don’t see barriers or worry about showing who I am. I don’t worry about what people might think. As a musician, I suppose that’s quite freeing. “