Joseph Sanders, a third-year business economics student and self-taught musician, is now an official artist on the music streaming app Spotify. His first single, “Worth Waiting For,” debuted on Sept. 21 after many long hours of recording at Archer Avenue Studio in Columbia.
Sanders has been surrounded by music since he was a kid. Growing up, his family would often travel to different churches and perform live shows. His dad gave him a bass guitar at age six so he could play in their performances. Sanders also played instruments like the harmonica and ukulele.
Sanders began learning basic guitar notes simply by copying his dad’s fingers until he got the note right. Sanders’ dad and older brother helped foster his interest in music at a young age.
“I was about fifteen years old, and that’s when my dad actually passed away,” Sanders said. “So that chapter of my life ended and I started to work on independent stuff.”
Sanders began writing secular music his junior year of high school. At first, his biggest challenge was teaching himself how to play the guitar. His first few songs were composed with just the lyrics and chords added later. His passion for songwriting has continued to be an important aspect of his life.
The pop-rock musician said his style does not easily fit into one genre. Sanders’ songs range from soft and subdued to upbeat with multiple instruments.
“I have one that’s played with a mandolin and you know, acoustic guitar that sounds like a country song,” Sanders said. “It’s really hard to describe."
On top of recording his album “Standing Here” that’s coming out later this year, Sanders is involved in several campus organizations and local churches. He said the biggest sacrifice is his lack of sleep.
“With everything going on, just strings are getting pulled every which way,” Sanders said. “But I haven’t hit any major roadblocks of just completely running out of time.”
Even though finding the balance between a full class schedule and his music commitments is difficult, Sanders says writing and playing music is what he loves doing.
“I don’t know if I am going to be a professional musician for the rest of my life or if it’s just going to be something I do on the side or if it’s something that in 20 years I’m just glad to have to show my kids that I did something in college,” Sanders said.
Right now, Sanders is focused on becoming a familiar name in Columbia’s music community. He will be playing bass for local musician Marley Erin at New Brookland Tavern on Oct. 3.