This week, we’re starting a new series, where every Friday we’ll be shining a spotlight on one of our favorite artists/bands. We couldn’t think of a better artist to kick things off than Asbury Park’s very own, Joe P.
Before Joe P started putting out solo music in September of 2020, he was a member of the Asbury Park based alternative rock band, Deal Casino.
Forming in 2013 the group consisting of Joe Parella (lead vocals/guitar), Joe Cowell (guitar), Jon Rodney (bass), and Christopher Donofrio (drums), dominated the Asbury Park indie circuit. Amassing a cult-like following, the group would consistently sell-out local venues like the House of Independents.
However, as the door closed on Deal Casino in early 2020, Parella began recording TikTok videos, which during the COVID-19 pandemic begun gaining traction on the app. Millions of views, and over 300K followers on TikTok in just several months, it was safe to say Joe P was paving a path of his own.
On the heels of his TikTok success, came a record deal penning Parella with Neon Gold and Atlantic Records. The deal was quickly followed up by the release of Parella’s first solo-EP, Emily Can’t Sing, which featured hit songs, “Fighting in the Car,” and “Off My Mind.”
After releasing the EP, “Off My Mind” held a spot at #1 on the Triple A charts, but Joe P wasn’t complacent. Getting right back to work, Parella released his second EP, French Blonde, in October of 2022. Even featuring a re-imagined version of Deal Casino-original track, “Color TV," as well as highly anticipated song, "All Day I Dream About."
Most recently, Parella re-released a new version of “Off My Mind” featuring Grammy-nominated, K. Flay, in addition to touring with acts like Middle Kids, Joywave, and Spacey Jane.
In April, Parella embarked on his first solo headlining tour. Selling out various venues across the country, including The Foundry at Philadelphia, where we happened on-site to be taking some pictures.
Coming up, Joe P is expected to release a new single, “Glass House (Dinosaur Bones)” which is available to pre-save right now, everywhere you listen to music.
For more information on all things Joe P, you can check out his website, www.joepthehyena.com, or follow him on Instagram @joepthehyena, and on TikTok @joep.