Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Capalbo.
Hi Joseph, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My musical journey began when I was 11 years old and picked up the guitar for the first time. After my first guitar lesson, I came home and practiced Nirvana’s “Come As You Are” for six hours straight until I could get remotely close to the rhythm. My original goal, like most young musicians, was to be in a touring rock band that fills arenas and sells out shows. Alongside my playing, I started writing down riffs and song ideas in a journal, which eventually accumulated into stacks of journals filled with original song ideas. In math class, I would write down the numbers of the guitar frets instead of solving math equations so that I could try them out when I got home. My passion drove me to audition for Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, to further my education and surround myself with other like-minded people. There, I was able to hone my skills as a guitarist with accomplished instructors such as Tomo Fujita, who also taught John Mayer.
After graduating, I ventured into writing and producing music for various media. My compositions have graced the screens of NBC, ABC, Netflix, ESPN, Nickelodeon, and more. Furthermore, global brands like Coca-Cola, US Bank, and AT&T have utilized my original music for their campaigns. Today, I continue to weave melodies that resonate with audiences worldwide, leveraging my experiences and emotions to create music that transcends boundaries. I write and produce original music for brands, TV, film, and commercials, and also offer music production, mixing, mastering services, and am getting ready to launch a one on one mentorship program that helps up and coming songwriters and music producers reach their goals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Early on, I realized that my ambitions were different from those of many people around me. Music was seen as a hobby, whereas I was practicing to build an empire. It was a tough hurdle to overcome because I hadn’t yet developed the thick skin needed to recognize that I had to be the strongest and loudest person supporting myself. I realized that placing too much value on others’ opinions and comparing my journey to theirs only hindered my own growth. Learning to believe in myself and my unique path has been a transformative lesson.
Another struggle I encountered was learning to detach myself from my music work. As a passionate creator, it’s easy to become deeply attached to the music I write and produce. However, I’ve come to understand the importance of maintaining a healthy separation and recognizing my value outside of my music. This detachment has allowed me to approach my work with a clearer mind, enabling me to refine and elevate my creations with a fresh perspective.
Through these challenges, I’ve grown not only as a musician but also as a person. Each hurdle has taught me valuable lessons that continue to shape my musical journey, guiding me toward greater creativity and fulfillment.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an award-winning songwriter and producer specializing in custom music for movies, television, commercials, and video games. My journey has been marked by hard work and resilience. When I began creating music for media, I often worked on spec, without any guarantee of success. Those early years shaped my future, instilling in me a commitment to excellence, an ambition to be faster and better than the competition, and a dedication to supporting and uplifting my peers. I am proud of my achievements in the music industry and strive to demonstrate that you can reach the top without undermining others.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was always a quiet kid, more curious about learning than sharing my opinions. I had a deeply rooted passion for understanding why people are the way they are. This may have stemmed from wondering why I was the way I was. I probably spoke less than a dozen words in my early school years; I was always friendly but mostly kept to myself. It feels like that’s one of the reasons playing music adapted to my lifestyle so seamlessly—it was a way for me to express the words I wasn’t using. It helped me navigate my friend circles, and I quickly became the guy who always had his guitar with him. I was at a crossroads between studying psychology and music, and I am so glad I chose music because I ultimately learned it was a way I could understand and help people beyond my imagination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.josephcapalbomusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JosephCapalboMusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JosephCapalboMusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephcapalbomusic/
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/CapalboMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_icMdwWaBGb6G_dKVySfnA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@josephcapalbomusic
