Joe Firstman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joe Firstman is an American adult alternative rock musician. He is also the current bandleader and/or music director for Carson Daly's house band on Last Call with Carson Daly on NBC. In addition to being a songwriter, Joe sings and plays both piano and guitar.
Firstman started his musical career in the mid-90's as a teenager in Charlotte, North Carolina. Performing with local bands within the region created a buzz that would be sustained over the next six years. Joe and other local teenage musicians won the Charlotte "Battle of the Bands" competition made up largely of adult professional musicians. The local music scene took notice, and the band known as "Izabel Sol" performed locally at renowned venues that housed famous acts such as R.E.M.. In 1998, the band changed its name to "Firstman" and moved its base to Raleigh, North Carolina.
By 1999, "Firstman" had become a household name within the college scene throughout the Carolinas. It had become a mainstay supporting act for most regional and national bands which came through the area including Far Too Jones, Edwin McCain, Jupiter Coyote, Blue Dogs, and Hobex. The band was featured as the "Backroom Band of the Week" by Raleigh's 96-Rock station.
In 2001, Joe decided to embark on a personal journey towards stardom. He quit his wait job at Southend Brewery and Smokehouse in Raleigh, NC and packed his bag. He bought a one-way Greyhound bus ticket and went to Hollywood. Joe met other local Sunset Strip musicians and made a name for himself as a local act. While "beating the streets", Joe began meeting a number of music industry executives and they began to take notice of Joe's talent. Joe formed a new band under the same band name of "Firstman" and obtained a number of gigs at major venues such as Whisky a Go Go, The Troubador, and others. Along the way, Joe wrote and performed with signed musicians such as members of The Black Crowes.
In 2003, Joe was signed by a major recording label, Atlantic Records, and his album The War of Women was released. In support of this record, Joe went on tour nationally, opening for famous musicians such as Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Josh Kelley, Jason Mraz, Michelle Branch, and Lisa Marie Presley. Joe's fanbase quickly spread across the country.
In 2005, Joe separated himself from Atlantic Records and set his focus on being the fulltime house band/artist for "Last Call with Carson Daly", NBC's late night television show after Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Joe can be caught every weeknight at 1:30am ET.
In 2006, Joe released an EP "Live at the Sandbox" under Beverly Martel Music. This EP features songs recorded live in studio with minimal production. This work showcases Joe's raw talent and ability to lead a group of distinguished musicians.
