We had the good fortune of connecting with Joel Rafael and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I have found that the most successful brand is to not have a brand. As Woody Guthrie once said, it is better to fail at being yourself than to succeed at being somebody else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In a nutshell, I grew up knowing I wanted to perform, spent every opportunity as a youth and young adult developing, and trying different ways to achieve my goal. From singing big band classics in my bedroom, to being a singing drummer in surf and rock n roll bands, participating in community musical theater, to acquiring my own guitar and becoming a folk singer, my motivation was clear, and even if I was not certain of the best way forward, I was determined to perform. In the early folk movement, many performers included humor and jokes in their patter, as a way of keeping audiences engaged. Many folk songs express hardship and sorrow, and it was a way to keep things light. So, I tried to use some patter like that, but it felt so insincere, I couldn’t keep it up. I’m not a comedian, and the songs I sing are serious, mostly about the human condition. As Woody Guthrie said, roughly translated, a folk song is about what’s wrong and how to fix it. So, I cut myself out of some commercial gigs from time to time because I was “too serious.” As a songwriter, I sing very few covers, other than the repertoire of Woody Guthrie. I’ve been drawn to speak out for the disenfranchised. I’ve sung for union rallies and conventions, and United Farm Workers celebrations, and in support of women’s rights, that sort of thing, whenever I am asked. And I have found that to be a very satisfying way to use my talent. Feeling like I am making a difference means the most to me. Though I have performed on festival stages in Spain, Italy, England, and here in the USA, I love the intimate gatherings in homes and backyards, and small listening rooms, where I know my lyrics are heard.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends come to visit, I like to take them out of town. With the ocean, the mountains, and the deserts so close by, we just determine our destination based on how much time we have. I’d say driving out of town is one of my favorite things to do. Finding an organic grower to bring home fresh grapefruit, or a bag of apples and some cider makes for a special outing; we usually hike around a bit, and picnic with local fare, wherever we go. I have found the first thing most out of towners note, that is decidedly Southern California, and that we take for granted, are palm trees.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife and partner for over fifty years, Lauren Rafael, has supported me and encouraged me, and given me space to be the songwriter I am compelled to be. The performance part of my career became part time when we became a family of four with greater financial needs. I took a full time job to support my family, while my wife worked part time, cared for our home and children, and returned to school herself to get a teaching credential. Once she was teaching full time, I was able to return to being a touring performer and develop my recording studio Lilac Sound Recorders into the “almost” state of the art facility it is today. We also co-produce a weekly hourlong syndicated radio show, that’s now been “on the air” for 12 years. She has been my partner throughout and I don’t think I could have done it without her.

Website: www.joelrafael.com

Instagram: @therealjoelrafael

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joelrafael

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoelRafaelOfficial

Other: I have a radio show that broadcasts six times a week on Pacifica stations and on Folk Music Notebook. To find out times and sites, check out https://www.facebook.com/rockin’therez

Image Credits
Pete Lacker -Joel on stairs with guitar Jose Cardenas – Joel at piano Michael D. Duncan -B/W with white shirt David Nowels – in front of red curtain

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.