Joel Culpepper on the irresistibility of your mum’s R&B (Summer Bonus)

The New Exchange with Ken Grand-Pierre

We all know that classic R&B sound of the ’70s is timeless, right? Artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Charlie Wilson have all released songs that sound like they could’ve been released yesterday. But, what if I told you that there’s a new guy who’s not only continuing that legacy but also truly building upon it? Joel Culpepper is a deeply passionate British singer-songwriter who doesn’t shy away from celebrating his influences. His debut album, Sgt. Culpepper, effortlessly jumps between vulnerable croons to dance floor anthems full of soul, funk, and yes; that classic R&B. Together we chat about how he turned heads in the UK by performing shirtless across national TV (on Jools Holland actually), his battle with imposter syndrome and how music has helped Joel to understand who he is.