Person in denim jacket sitting in a recording studio with audio equipment and computer monitors.

Joel Negus

Why do you care about songwriting as a craft and why do you care about building the TERRA Community? What does it all mean to you?

Everyone has something to say with their creativity. I get a genuine thrill out of learning about people through the things they make.

Have you had a mentor in the past? How do you think that affects your perspective as a mentor?

I have had multiple mentors on my creative journey and each of them unlocked something in me that has served me well for years to come. They all had different strengths, but it was each of their perspectives that were invaluable to me.

What are you proud of in your songwriting and how can that help others build the same strengths?

I love to find myself “at home” in different cultures and genres. My music has always been a conglomeration of the spaces I’ve been in and the influences I’ve picked up along the way. Putting musical “homes” together that may seem unexpected or unorthodox is a hallmark of my work.

What do you think your standout skills are for mentoring?

I think my primary skill is being a relational soul. I love developing creatives from a place of trust and significance. Beyond that, I have had deep experiences in many facets of the music industry, from growing up singing on commercials for major brands, to performing in the worlds most-loved concert halls, my experiences are varied but applicable to most contexts.

What skills outside of songwriting would you like to share?

Production, arranging, composing for different kinds of ensembles, synthesizers / sound design, etc.

How Much do you charge for an hour-long session?

$65