Joe Southwell

Bassist / Musician

London, England, United Kingdom

About

Joe is a versatile and trusty bassist from Perth, Australia, currently living and working in London, UK. Arising from the western coast of Australia, he cut his teeth playing in church and school bands before steadily carving a niche for himself shaping low-end frequencies on the Perth music scene. Joe has headed up a variety of projects as band leader and music director, including Fort Knox and Gospel Extravaganza, as well as curating a jam night called The Night Squad. He has backed countless artists all the while undertaking to play the bass with prowess and "like a chameleon", traversing varying musical realms but blending in without distraction to best serve the song.

Experience

  • Musician at Joe on the bass
    Jun 2007 - Present · 19 yrs 2 mos

    Professional musician, specialising in electric bass, upright bass & synth bass. - Bandleader and musical director for various projects. - Over 40 recording credits and collaborations with numerous artists. - Extensive experience backing original artists and performing in function bands, tribute shows, and tours. - Notable musical theatre credits include Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville, and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. - Capable of recording bass lines remotely from a home studio. - Skilled in transcription and arrangement of sheet music.

  • Haus Bassist in Bernie Dieter's Club Kabarett at VELVICK Inc
    Mar 2024 - Aug 2024 · 6 mos

    Auckland (NZ), Sydney (AUS), Budapest (HUN) - Sziget Festival - Performed in a dynamic cabaret setting, collaborating with a diverse ensemble of the world's best circus, cabaret and sideshow acts to create an immersive and electrifying experience. - My role involved providing musical support for a variety of acts, contributing to the shows unique blend of humour, drama and live performance. - I honed my improvisational skills and strengthened my ability to adapt to various music styles in a fast-paced, creative environment.

  • Ensemble Tutor at Wesley College, Perth
    Jan 2023 - May 2024 · 1 yr 5 mos

    -Developed and led the funk/soul and rock band program from its inception, nurturing student talent and fostering a vibrant music community. -Provided guidance and mentorship, helping students grow as musicians and performers. - Sourced and arranged sheet music tailored to the students' skill levels and interests, enhancing their learning experience. - Co-organized an end-of-year showcase event at a local music venue, providing students with a platform to perform and celebrate their achievements.

  • Music Examiner at Department of Education, Western Australia
    Sep 2023 - Sep 2023 · 1 mo

    Contract work: 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023. - Conducted examination marking and assessment for final ATAR performance exams, focusing on electric and upright bass in contemporary and jazz styles. - Graded students on various criteria, including rhythm, technical skills, tone, and style/expression, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of their performance.

  • Bassist (Electric & Upright) for Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Global Creatures
    Feb 2023 - Mar 2023 · 2 mos

    As the deputy bassist for "Moulin Rouge! The Musical," I covered approximately half of the season due to a colleague's absence, performing both electric and upright bass. I collaborated closely with the orchestra and cast to deliver a high-energy performance, enhancing the emotional impact of each scene while maintaining tight rhythm and dynamic versatility.