Hey Joel, thanks for your time today – I’m really excited to talk to you! Can we start by setting the scene, where are you now and what can you see?
Hey! I am chilling in my hotel room at the W Hollywood in LA having a few days break from my US tour!
Life must be very exciting for you! You’re absolutely smashing it! You’ve shot to fame relatively quickly, how are you coping with that side of things, as I guess you surely get recognised everywhere you go…
I would never consider myself famous! I am just a normal lad who chased a dream. I’m lucky that my breakthrough in the music industry happened when I was 30. If it happened earlier in life, I think the pressure of the industry would have been harder to cope with. When my opportunity came, I was ready for it.
Let’s talk music! Your recent single; Lionheart (Fearless) is such an epic, positive and bouncy track – hands up, lighters out! What feeling do you get personally when listening back to this track? How does it make YOU feel?
Lionheart makes me feel motivated, inspired and like I can take over the world! I love the emotion and energy in the record and hope these feelings resonate with people when they hear it.
It’s a superb collaboration, what was it like working with Tom Grennan?
Working with Tom has been a dream! The process was so fun and easy. He is an amazing talent and a great person. We clicked instantly when we met and have become really good friends and I’m excited to be on this journey together.
Joel Corry – 5x BRIT-nominated DJ/producer, collaborations with the likes of Tom Grennan, David Guetta, Jax Jones, multiple top ten singles including 2020’s #1 single ‘Head & Heart’ ft. MNEK. What’s been your career highlight so far?
There have been so many highlights over the last few years, it’s been a total roller-coaster. If I had to pick one, it would be ‘Head & Heart’ because it was my first number 1 single and I got to share that with MNEK. I’m so happy to be a part of MNEK’s journey, he is an amazing artist and friend. ‘Head & Heart’ will always be a special moment in my life. I know that it helped bring positive vibes to people during a difficult time in lockdown and that means a lot to me.
Your song Head & Heart with MNEK has almost hit ¼ of a BILLION views on YouTube, that’s insane. One of the YouTube comments reads: “This video brings one bold message – what you perceive is what will manifest in your life. Be grateful in every little moment”. Do you agree with this and how do you perceive yourself?
I totally agree with this! I try to keep a positive mindset and make every day count. Having a positive outlook on life has played a big part in my success over the years. If I am tired and run down from a crazy schedule, I remind myself that there is nothing to complain about and that I am so lucky to be in this position. Taking those moments to be present and grateful for what is happening keeps me grounded and motivated.
Another comment to the same video reads “I’m being bullied at school and this song has made me put it behind me and get on with my life”. How does it make you feel to know your music is changing people’s lives on such an important scale?
Reading messages like that makes me feel amazing inside. It’s easy to get caught up in the industry side of things, but messages like that remind me why music is important. Forget about chart positions streams, affecting somebody’s life in a positive way through music is priceless.
What have been the biggest challenges in the music industry, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges in the music industry is staying consistent and ahead of the game. I need to work harder than ever to keep the momentum going and reach the next level. I am 100% dedicated to achieving my goals and I have an amazing team around me that are committed and believe in me.
You’re also into muscle, health and fitness and have previously won multiple bodybuilding shows. You’re clearly a very determined and high-achieving person. Where do you get the drive and inspiration from, and what smart strategies might you advise for someone juggling a busy schedule?
My drive comes from within. It has always been there. It’s like a voice in my head always pushing me to work harder. My advice to juggling a busy schedule is to keep a detailed to-do-list. I run my life on a to-do-list on my phone! I use it to plan my days and stay on track.
Would you say goal setting an important part of life, and to be able to move onto the next level? If so, where are you at right now with your own goal-setting and levels?
I’m always working towards goals and setting new ones. My dream is to be one of the biggest DJs in the world and I am happy to admit that, I really want to get to the top of this industry. I want to play on the main stages of the biggest festivals around the world, I want to keep growing my brand globally and collaborate with more amazing artists on hit records. Most importantly, I want to make music that brings happiness to people.
Your recent track with Guetta and David Guetta x Bryson Tiller – What Would You Do? will resonate with a lot of students. In terms of love, do you agree in love at first sight and what do you look for in a partner?
My love life is non-existent, so I am not the best person to give an insight on this subject! I do believe that there is someone out there for everyone, and when the time is right, you will meet that person.
True story: I was once stood next to Guetta on the main stage of Creamfields watching Carl Cox DJ right in front of me. I went to take a selfie on my old handheld camera, but never took the lens cap off so have a black picture as the memory. Gutted. Can you tell us a funny or embarrassing story about yourself?
I recently had a gig and when I arrived, the club owner had all these tequilas lined up for me. I haven’t drunk much this year and I got carried away! I had to phone my sister at 5am and get her to come and look after me. She turned up and I was on the bathroom floor…I can’t remember the rest!
What exciting plans do you have for 2023?
I have announced by 2023 UK Tour which I am so buzzing about! I have been touring around the world so much in 2022, so I am excited to be back on home soil in 2023. Tickets are on sale now via my website.
