Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Reese
Hi Joseph, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My creative journey has been multifaceted. When I take inventory of my time and experience in music, I have been within the world of music and performing for nearly 20 Years; starting from a young age in church, then grade school in Band – shout out to Mr. Idlebird, and then studying voice under Dr. Quinlan in college, music has always been present in my life.
After graduating from Huston-Tillotson University in 2016 with a degree in Music Education, I have pursued music full-time, performing with some incredible artists, entertainment companies, and having the opportunity to serve as a background vocalist for artists like Diana Ross and Jelly Roll. Also, leading my own band, J Reese Collective, which provides entertainment for private, public, and corporate events. My artistry blends R&B, Jazz, Neo-soul, Gospel and Motown influences into something nostalgic yet fresh.
In 2015, I discovered photography, which became another outlet to express a different side of artistry. While music puts me at the center, photography allows me to step into the background and capture intimate, candid moments. It offers a visual escape that complements the emotional release of music, keeping me creatively balanced and inspired.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has certainly had its bumps. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing my roles as a musician, photographer, business owner, and the life of a 9-5. I work full-time in higher education at the University of Texas at Austin, helping students navigate their degree plans and future careers. I have the opportunity to work with Music Students, so at times it feels like a full circle experience. It’s a demanding job that requires a lot of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle various tasks. Some days, it can feel like I’m switching hats constantly—advising students by day and diving into my artistic work by night.
Also, in music, there’s always the pressure to stay relevant, book gigs, and create new projects, all while managing my brand/image, performing within other entertainment companies, and keeping things financially sustainable.
Photography, on the other hand, presents its own set of challenges. Early on, I had to overcome doubts about whether I could turn it into a professional pursuit. There’s also the business side—learning how to price my services, market myself, and build a client base, all while trying to stay true to my creative vision.
The hardest part is maintaining creative energy and avoiding burnout. Sometimes, after a long day advising students, it’s tough to find the mental space for songwriting or editing photos. But each of these challenges has made me more resilient, and I’ve learned to balance my 9-5 with my passions. The struggles along the way have taught me to embrace the process, and every obstacle has shaped me into a stronger artist.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work revolves around telling stories, whether through music or photography. In music, I’m known as a versatile vocalist and band leader with every ensemble/group that I am a part of, especially within the J Reese Collective. As mentioned, we perform private, public, and corporate events as any entertainment company does, but while offering a nostalgic yet modern feel to our performances. What I’m most proud of is the emotional connection we’re able to create with audiences—whether it’s a small intimate performance or a larger event, my goal is always to leave people feeling something.
What sets me apart musically is the experience I bring, the spaces that I have been in have garnered powerful experiences that have pushed me to grow as a performer and have deepened my understanding of how to craft live performances that resonate. I’m also proud of the original work I’ve created with my band, blending my own influences to create something fresh and soulful. Recently, I released my latest single, ‘Soul Food,’ which captures that blend of genres and tells a story that resonates with feel-good, soulful music. It’s a project I’m incredibly proud of, as it represents my growth as an artist.
Although photography came into my life a little later, it’s just as much a part of who I am. I specialize in portrait and event photography, and what I love most is capturing candid moments that feel authentic and unguarded. There’s something special about being able to show people a side of themselves they might not have seen. What sets me apart as a photographer is my ability to bring the same storytelling approach I use in music. Whether I’m shooting a wedding, a corporate event, or a portrait session, I aim to capture the essence of the moment in a way that feels true and timeless.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to balance the creative worlds of music (singing/songwriting included) and photography. Music is my foundation, but photography has given me a new lens—literally and figuratively—to see the world and tell stories in a different way. Both art forms feed into each other, keeping me inspired and always evolving.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is authenticity—both in my creative work and in the way I connect with others. Whether I’m performing on stage, creating music, or capturing moments through photography, I strive to stay true to myself and to the people I’m working with. I believe that when you approach life and your art with authenticity, it resonates more deeply. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or to feel pressure to conform, but I’ve learned that being genuine is what creates lasting connections and impactful work.
This matters to me because art, in any form, is about creating something meaningful. When people listen to my music or see the photos I’ve taken, I want them to feel a real connection, not just to the art itself, but to the emotions and stories behind it. Staying true to that purpose, in both music and photography, allows me to create work that I’m proud of, and it’s that authenticity that drives everything I do.
I am also a believer that once you create and release your art, it no longer belongs to JUST you, it belongs to all of those who now have the opportunity to experience it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jreese.passgallery.com/portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jreesecollective/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JReeseCollective
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/track/5rGJP8JAUoQt9Xc98FYjsp?si=70e0fcfd40ac47b6
Image Credits
Maigan Pearson (@maigymaig)
J Reese Photography (@jr_capturesu)
Rexzeal Omaka (@n.lfilm)
