Blue Heart Records signs Joel Astley

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - June 8, 2023 - PRLog -- Blue Heart Records is pleased to announce the signing of one of Seattle's best kept blues secrets, singer/songwriter and harmonica player Joel Astley. Praised for his songwriting; his strong, smooth vocals; and his scorching harp chops, Astley has amassed 18 Washington Blues Society music awards to date. His musical skills are on glorious display throughout his debut album, a collection of eleven powerful, all-original tracks recorded at Greaseland Studios with acclaimed engineer Kid Andersen.

Since forming his first band in 2014, Astley has earned a reputation as an exceptional bandleader and performer who has also emerged as a unique and talented songwriter. In addition to performing all over the Pacific Northwest, he has performed, recorded and toured with many national blues artists. A talented visual artist as well as musical artist, Astley has designed numerous album covers and his drawings. His paintings and prints reside in countless private collections.

"It is a pleasure to welcome Joel to the Blue Heart Records family," says Sallie Bengtson, Blue Heart Records partner. "Gifted in both the musical and visual arts, his creativity and intellect are a captivating combination."

"Seattle to Greaseland has been a long time coming, and I'm thrilled to be working with Blue Heart Records! Every work of art has its ideal vessel; some creative statements are rendered in clay or oils, some are pounded out on the keys of a typewriter, some are belted out in tiny blues clubs through a cigarette haze. The aim is always the same: to forge a human connection," says Astley. "These are all songs I wrote while working with the best players in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle to Greaseland is a postmarked open letter to anyone who needs to hear, 'let's just be here together right now, and damn the rest of it. Say that!'"

Album preorders begin on July 21, 2023. For additional information, visit joelastley.com and follow on Facebook @joelastleymusic and Instagram @joelastley.