Raised in the shadow of Billy Bob's, one of Texas's legendary honky tonks, Joel Thetford grew up in Fort Worth listening to the sounds of classic country radio and the wide variety of rock and roll, blues, and folk music that the Texas scene provided. His career as a bull-rider landed him eventually in Stephenville, where the Texas Country scene was booming. With acts like Gary Stewart, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Robert Earl Keen, making regular stops in town, those were Joel's earliest and strongest influences as he began writing songs.
Joel Thetford has become a fixture in the songwriting community and has been featured as supporting act for national headliners such as Dwight Yoakam, Alabama, Shooter Jennings, Asleep At The Wheel, James McMurtry, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Hayley Thompson-King, Scott Biram, The Alternate Roots, Barns Courtney, and many more. Joel has also appeared at the Heart Soul & Substance Festival, Sunaana Winter Music Festival, and AllRoads Music Festival.
JOEL THETFORD has proven that not only is he prolific, he's also consistent. With his new album "Battery Steele", Thetford's hard, unrelenting work has paid off once again with 6 memorable songs worth checking out. (Mainebrews n musicreviews)
Joel Thetford’s Superb EP Battery Steele Leaves you wanting more. The depth and quality of the texas native’s rapidly expanding catalog has secured his position as one of maine’s most important music makers. (maine edge)
There is no question that Joel Thetford is evolving and expanding as an artist and it’s a natural progression (Maine Edge)
Thetford comes from that Texas tradition of Willie Nelsons and Guy Clarks who’ve traded as much on emotional appeal as Southern culture, perfect delivery, and big pipes.(portland phoenix)
Joel Thetford Band’s new live album has charitable component. a fantastic collection of eight songs (Portland Press herald)
Joel and his crew brings you sincerely, heartfelt renditions of his soulful down-to-earth tuneS (rad plaid)
He’s back with another EP this year and he continues to bring authenticity and depth to his music (RED LINE ROOTS)
Joel Thetford and band shine on ‘Broken Things’ EP. ‘Broken Things’ is an exceptional collection of songs from an artist who keeps getting better with each release. (maine edge)
'the outer bank' named one of The best of 2017's new releases (Maine edge)
"Joel Thetford’s voice catches you right away. From the start, you know this guy was born to sing a country song"(RED LINE ROOTS)
The next time you hear someone say “They don’t write country songs like that anymore,” tell them about Texas native Joel Thetford (The Maine Edge)
No Bull: Former rodeo rider gets back to country roots (conway daily sun)
PORTLAND PHOENIX
Thetford’s original country songs aren’t like annoying country ballads we might hear on the radio, that drone on about women in tight torn denim, and drinking cheap beers by the riverbank. Thetford’s music, specifically “Broken Things” and “The Fall,” hearken back to more traditional country music: where songs were tied with real life experiences or personal hurdles. Because of this, his debut EP, Here I Go, is a country music package with substance and some real emotional meat.
Heavily influenced by the classic country music of Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and George Strait, it’s safe to say that Thetford knows the ins and outs of a good country tune. He’s even got rodeo experience as a bull rider in Fort Worth, Texas, so he doesn’t just talk the talk. Thetford is a prime example that real experiences can often result in the most authentic pieces of musical storytelling.
Jeff Beam
