Joelle Brian Turned Heartbreak Into an EP That Chose Healing Over Bitterness

With Leaving u, knowing everything, Joelle Brian took on the challenge of writing, performing, and producing an entire EP on his own, creating a deeply personal record that traces the full emotional arc of a relationship. Along the way, he discovered new creative skills, embraced the realities of independent artistry, and found healing by documenting each moment as it happened. In our conversation, Joelle reflects on authenticity, creative ownership, and why telling an honest story — even after heartbreak — can become an act of hope.

Joelle, congratulations on the release of your new EP, “Leaving u, knowing everything”. As the first project you’ve written, performed, and produced entirely on your own, what inspired you to take complete creative control, and how did that shape the authenticity of the music?
Thank you so much, I really appreciate that. I really wanted to create this project in real time. I wanted to create each song, the moment I was inspired to write it, in a safe space and privately. More importantly, I wanted my vision to be executed and to see itself through. And oftentimes when you are collaborating, the record can take new turns and see new perspectives. And although those can be exciting sometimes. You end up with something completely different. And I wanted to stay authentic with what I had made.

The EP takes listeners through the emotional journey of a relationship — from hope and uncertainty to heartbreak, liberation, and ultimately peace. How did transforming such personal experiences into music help you process that chapter of your life?
It actually helped quite a bit. I can see now listening back to where I was and how far I have come. How certain things I was feeling were maybe skewed by my closeness to it and seeing now what I could not see then. I try to give myself and people a lot of grace because life is hard. And I feel at peace with what I have experienced and what I have written. More importantly, I can look back and see that even in my moments of anger and sadness. Love still won. And I never let it get the best of me.

As an independent artist, you’ve handled everything from recording and production to marketing with flyers, posters, and online visuals. What have you learned about the realities of the indie music journey, and why is maintaining that hands-on approach important to you?
I learned that there are a lot of skills you are going to have to learn. In order for the project to not suffer, you may have to learn how to produce or advertise your own music. You may have to sing on a street corner so people can see and have access to you, because the algorithm might not be on your side. It is so much more than just singing and I have so much respect for that community. Also this is my art,  my brand, it is me. So being involved in as many aspects as I can handle is necessary.  It is also very rewarding to do things for yourself and see the fruits of your own labor.

Your collaboration with Luke Edgemon on “Haskell Ave” adds another emotional layer to the project. What made that song the right introduction to the EP, and how did the collaboration contribute to the story you wanted to tell?
It does. We wrote this song when we were still figuring things out. So the song has so many different feelings. I felt like it was the most personal song on the record. I felt like it was a great way to let people in on our dynamic, on our energy and where we were starting this journey at. In a place where you can feel the love, but you understand that we can’t help but also feel the heavier realities of the situation. Which we ultimately didn’t make it through. I am just grateful that we get to break down some barriers in the music industry and in our community. Two male queer vocalists. Previous lovers at that, coming together to be vulnerable through music. I will be forever grateful for that. And will always see this glass as half full.

Looking ahead, with a music video for “promise” and hopes for upcoming live performances, what’s next for you as an artist, and what do you hope listeners take away from Leaving u, knowing everything?
Honestly, a lot of rehearsal. I really want this next era of Joelle Brian to be a “Live” era. An in your face era. I want to bring music, energy and stage presence to a stage near you. So I am manifesting it, and I am working towards that. So until then, I will be locked in a rehearsal studio, building a set list, a show and an experience. So when the opportunity comes, I will be ready. I need your help Voyage!

In regards to takeaways from my new record? I just want everyone to see an authentic, queer relationship and understand through the themes of the record that all feelings are valid and can exist. You don’t have to hate the person you once loved. You can write about how happy you were, how mad you were, how sad they made you feel but also that you wish them the best. And maybe even get them to be featured on of your tracks. LOL. More importantly, that music can be an outlet for you to grow and heal.

In the process of writing this, I actually booked my first performance in over a decade. I will be opening for a competition called “Dragged Out”, hosted by Billy Francesca at Matties in West Hollywood on Aug 12th. So please come out and support.

Link:

• https://linktr.ee/joellebrian