Brooklyn born singer-songwriter, Joel E pretty much defines the term “all-round musician”. 

He had spent most of his early life, playing guitar for various bands and artists in the NY bar scene, as his skills were in regular demand. 

 

Primarily self-taught, Lager first picked up the guitar at 12 years old. 

It was by listening to his mother’s vast collection of classic rock, folk, and blues records that played an instrumental part in him developing his unique, trademark playing-style that people recognize today. 

 

By 16 years of age, he was already making waves when his band “Poison Whiskey” won a “Battle of the Bands” competition.  Only a few years later, Lager was invited to play on Ed McMahon’s famous TV Show “Star Search” with his band “JJ Red”. During this time, he was also holding down a day job to make ends meet, working as a stagehand for various Broadway shows in the theater district. 

 

In 2000, Lager relocated to Los Angeles in order to pursue a full-time career in the music industry. He studied at Audiograph International, which led to him becoming a certified Pro-Tools engineer, doing freelance music production and mastering work. He also worked as an editor and proofreader on Hal Leonard’s publications book “The Complete Pro Tools Shortcuts”, second edition. 

 

In 2009, Joel E began to find himself in the most difficult time of his life, due to being struck down by a major illness (stage 4 lymphoma). This would prove to be a long grueling test of his character, over a period of several years. Neuropathy in his fingers and hands made him unable to play the guitar. For much of the time he felt lifeless and was barely functioning. This in turn, zapped his musical desire and creativity. 

Nevertheless, after a tenacious battle, Evan managed to make a strong recovery after undergoing multiple bouts of intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

 

Once he could start playing the guitar again, Lager reinvented himself as a solo artist, and became inspired to start really singing for the first time in his life, developing his unique, gutsy, and raw soulful sound. 

 

When asked about the obstacles he has faced, Lager doesn’t like to dwell on the past, but admits they’re a big part of who he is today. The experience has changed his outlook on life, which is reflected in his music. 

 

As well as his own life experiences, social and political events play a huge inspirational part in his lyric writing. 

 

As a performer and studio musician, Lager has worked with many high profile artists, including “Taylor Dayne”, “Jim Pons” (of “Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention”, and “The Turtles”,) as well as “John Macandoe” (“Jeff Golub”) and many more.  

 

Be sure to keep up to date with Joel E's new and upcoming projects by following his social media channels using the links provided.