Since then, Joe has had a decorated career as a saxophonist. One of his first post-university gigs was playing in the brass section at Kendal Calling, followed by performances at various smaller festivals. His talent has also taken him to high-profile jobs for brands like Porsche and Gymshark. While he enjoyed playing recreationally in sixth form, it was his time with the university jazz band, paired with securing part-time paid gigs, that cemented his ambition to go pro.
Today, Joe is a sought-after musician, performing at nightclubs, bars, weddings, corporate events, private parties, and music festivals.
Ahead of Newcastle University’s Creative Careers event, I spoke with Joe (now an alumnus) to discuss this journey breaking into the industry and the key qualities needed to make it in the arts.
This interview has been slightly edited for clarity and length.
Did you take the traditional route when learning to play the Saxophone?
''I did all the grades, which is not necessary, but it is recommended that you have it for Newcastle University. I got my grade 8 practical and then my grade 5 theory. But I say with grades, it's sort of like learning to drive a car, the lessons are useful to teach you to pass a test, but personal style comes with practical application.''
He then explained although he took the almost obvious route studying an instrument, achieving a Contemporary and Popular Music BA Honours, ''it was more what I received on the journey, than on paper.'' Although he later added, he is happy in hindsight with his chosen degree, noting ''it really helped me improve as a player.''
Can you tell me about a standout moment in your career?
''I have supported artists that have made music that has done well in the charts. However, for me when I started going into music full time, although supporting big names in the industry has been great, it was more about the music. So, mainly once I was able to make a living from making music, that was the real defining moment.''
The music industry is obviously very competitive, how do you manage to maintain and build connections for your business?
“You start by meeting people at gigs, and that initial groundwork is key. When I was in Newcastle, I had business cards made and personally visited bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to introduce myself. That led to my first nightclub residency, and once I was on the management’s radar, regular work followed.
It’s like a tree—the initial connections are the trunk, and everything else branches out. That’s how I broke into the wedding industry; people would see me perform and ask me to play at their own events.
The turning point for leaving Newcastle, to the north-west, came after a wedding in the Lake District. From that one gig, I was booked for the bride’s brother’s 40th and then a bridesmaid’s engagement party. It created a domino effect, and word of mouth has been the biggest driver of my career ever since.”
Have you got any advice for students or young musicians considering a career in the arts?
“My biggest advice is to develop a strong business mindset. When students ask about studying music, I always recommend combining it with something business-related. Understanding finance and taxes is crucial for freelancers.
An equally important quality is being approachable. I used to be quite introverted, but building a career in music means putting yourself out there and making connections. It was a big learning curve, but it taught me a lot about myself along the way.”