Conversations with Joey Du Bois

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Du Bois

Hi Joey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started playing trumpet at the age of 10 and became fascinated with improvising through my exposure to the blues in my middle school jazz band. Since then, I have continuously practiced and worked towards achieving a unique sound as an improviser. In high school, I fell in love with trumpeters such as Clifford Brown, Blue Mitchell, and Roy Hargrove. Listening to these masters pushed me to dive deeper into my sound and improvisational ideas. In March 2021, I was admitted to Berklee College of Music where I began studying with one of today’s most unique and inventive trumpet players, Marquis Hill. In my first semester attending Berklee, I won the Berklee Brass Showcase. In July 2022, I embarked on a tour in Slovakia with my classmate Mattia Muller. In addition to this tour, I have had the opportunity to perform at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club (October 2023), House of Blues Boston (March 2024) and Nublu NYC (November 2024). Since September 2023, one of my main focuses has been composing and releasing music with my band. On March 1, 2024, I released my first single entitled “Coffee Sweats.” Currently, I am working towards the release of my first album in early 2025. A single from the project titled “Crunch” was released to streaming platforms on November, 1 2024. My goal is to combine the light hearted elements of my personality with my compositions in order to hopefully achieve a unique sound.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The main challenge in my journey has been trying to conquer the physical nature of the trumpet. Since it is such a physically demanding instrument, there have been times when I feel insecure about my facility with the instrument. I am constantly working to free myself from any constraints that arise from playing and practicing so frequently.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I am working on writing, recording and releasing my own original music. I am focused on making organic music that conveys my personality and everyday experiences. A good example of this is my first single “Coffee Sweats.” I feel most confident and fulfilled when I am working on my original music and performing it for others. I will be releasing an 8 track project in January, 2024 which will showcase my writing, trumpet playing, and singing. The first single of the project “Crunch” was released on November 1, 2024. When performing, I have a unique charisma that is engaging for the audience. My goal is to keep creating music and performing it around the world.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love meeting and working with so many creative people in the music industry and beyond. LA feels like one of the few places where you can see people create all types of music. There is unlimited people to collaborate with and unlimited shows to see. It is an extremely inspiring environment to be in. It can sometimes be difficult to have a sense of community because everything is so spread out.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeybiondii/

Image Credits
Image 1: Charles Tocatlian
Image 3: Evan Ajuria