Joel Kachel: Winter's Music-scape

Featured Artist:  School's Open
Venue:               School II
Date:                 December 15, 2009
Time:                 7:00pm

Joel Kachel is a landscape entrepreneur by summer and a musician by winter.  He is a young talent who's innovation combines his business and creative personalities.  Taking advantage of the slow winter months in the landscaping business, Kachel uses the time to write, perform, and promote his music.  Over the relatively short five years of Kachel's involvement in music, he released a Cd, Tennis Shoes and Diamond Rings, placed second in a singer/songwriter competition, and opened for the lead singer of a national act. 

Kachel's musical beginnings began when his father revamped the family living room into a music room and taught Kachel his first few chords on the guitar.  Ever since, Kachel preferred writing his own music over traditional lessons.  He finds his personal avenue to creating a song develops patience, rewards with great excitement, and simply "makes the day more fun."  He laughs at the fact that even with all the experience he has gained, he is yet unable to name the chord he is playing and in which key.   It is an inability which has never inhibited Kachel from pursuing a life of music.

Kachel's music benefits greatly from travel.  He planned a two week trip to Nashville, booked two shows for the stay, and hit the road in his van.  He enjoyed playing around town at open mics, a performance at the Bluebird Cafe, and many other great experiences.  He spent half the trip sleeping on couches offered by newly-made friends and the other half sleeping in his van.  And Kachel loved it.  Kachel also became involved in the Third Wheel Project in Alaska.  This group of musicians supports the work of peers and provides guidance for new artists arriving on the scene.  Third Wheel Project invited Kachel to give five performances over a fourteen day period.  Kachel wound up playing twelve of the fourteen days and enjoyed air time on four radio stations. 

Kachel considers himself "young as a musician" and is still learning what, exactly, he would like to represent.  Generally, he has a lot of faith in life and believes there is more to it than mere coincidence.  His upbeat music reflects his personal outlook on life.  He uses failures and unplanned setbacks as a learning experience and motivation for future successes.  "It is not about saying you are going to do something, it is about actually going out and doing it."

Learn more about Joel Kachel