Joel Astley came to music after many years working as a visual artist. Since forming his first band in 2014, he has been recognized by the Washington Blues Society with multiple Best of the Blues Awards including Best Harmonica (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023), Best Male Vocalist (2019, 2021, 2022), Best Songwriter (2020, 2021, 2023), and Best Performer (2023). He earned his reputation as bandleader while performing with numerous northwest bands, and he is now leading his own award winning band. He performs all over the Pacific Northwest, has appeared on several recordings, and has performed and toured with many national blues artists. His recent recording sessions at Greaseland Studios will be released as a debut album late this summer.
“Joel Astley is a great songwriter.” - Mark Hummel
"[Joel] can sing like Lowell Folsom and play like Cary Bell.” - WBS Bluesletter article February 2018
"Joel is hot on the harp, a very creative songwriter, and man can he sing!” - Leslie Fleury KSER Blues Odyssey DJ
“[Joel has] exceptional vocals and exudes charisma on stage to match his showmanship.” - Bluesletter Cover story, November 2018
“Joel Astley is the Picasso of the Blues.” -Kid Andersen, Greaseland Studios
“I consider [Joel] a modern day Picasso!” - Harpdog Brown
