Joe Asselin – My Musical Journey
My journey with music began when I was about ten years old, rummaging through my older brother’s truck in search of cassette tapes. Instead, I stumbled upon a harmonica. I grabbed it, started playing along to AC/DC, and had no idea how much that small moment would shape my life. From then on, I knew I wanted to play music; I just didn’t yet know in what form.
As the years passed, I immersed myself in harmonica master’s on cassette: Sonny Boy Williamson I and II, Howlin’ Wolf, and others whose sound resonated deeply with me. Their spirit felt like home to my ears.
At 22, I left Maine and moved to Illinois to live with my brother. It was a big change, but soon I found myself at a local blues jam at “Blues Creation,” where $50 was awarded to the best harmonica player. I won two weeks in a row, and that’s where I met the guys who were the Kilborn Alley Blues Band.
This was around 1999, and the band had just formed out of high school. We played constantly, weekends, weeknights, anywhere we could. Practice meant performing shows and listening to old recordings from legends like Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, and countless others. We recorded a few times, but it wasn’t until working with Nick Moss that our music began to reach wider audiences. Albums like Put It In The Alley, Tear Chicago Down, and Better Off Now earned respect across the blues community.
In late 2009, I left Kilborn Alley to explore new ventures. I joined The Sugar Prophets, performing throughout the region and becoming finalists in the 2010 International Blues Challenge. That same year, Blues Blast Magazine featured me on their front cover; a milestone I’ll never forget.
Over the next few years, I played with bands like William Marsala and The Black Eyed Lillies, recording and releasing music while also running my landscape and lawncare business. Eventually, my wife and I decided to make a change and move to Tennessee, where I live today.
Though my roots are firmly planted in the blues, my inspiration comes from everywhere, rock, classic rock, oldies, and beyond. Some wonder why I don’t stick strictly to blues, but every song I write is built on those foundations.
Now, for the first time, I’ve committed to pursuing music full-time. It’s a leap of faith both exciting and scary. Living in the vicinity of Nashville has given me the chance to collaborate with incredible musicians and songwriters. My close friend and producer Tom Vrem has been a constant motivator, while Ben Jarrell, a performer, writer, and producer, has opened new doors. Meeting the local musicians in Dickson County and Humphreys County, has been a true blessing. They all have been incredibly welcoming. My wife, Mindy, is my biggest supporter; and honestly, I would not be able to stay focused without her. When I lose confidence, she helps me rebuild it.
As the years go on, I’ll continue writing, recording, and producing my own material. As well will always create music that reflects my love for the blues and my passion for songwriting.