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At the tender age of 20, singer and producer Joel Compass is steadily becoming one of the UK's most exciting rising stars and his debut EP Astronaut is sure to catapult him even further into public consciousness.
His production skills are also attracting attention, with artists such as K.Flay and John Legend recording his tracks.
"“I’m just as ambitious about producing as I am singing - I want to work with all sorts of artists and I want people to come to me for my sound," the Londoner says.
At first listen, Compass' smooth falsetto instantly brings to mind 'the British lovechild of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd', and the EP's first track of the same name is a strong opener, with Compass' tones bubbling nicely over deftly produced futuristic R&B beats.
'Fucked Up' is a slightly more downtempo, sombre number, with Compass melancholically singing "I'm so fucked up/And this girl won't wake up" as the refrain over a moody, piano led beat. 'Kiss Love Goodbye' almost nods to dubstep with its throbbing, bass-y beat and breakdowns. Delicate closer 'Back To Me', which sees Compass display his impressive vocal range, rounds the Astronaut off nicely.
Watch the video for 'Fucked Up' below
Compass knows that comparisons to artists like The Weeknd are inevitable, saying: "I know there are other artists doing a similar 'atmospheric R&B' sound, but the music I have coming is a progression on what’s come before. I hope I’m making music for tomorrow today."
Joel Compass is set to support Rudimental on their upcoming UK tour. The Astronaut EP is out now.
