Photos: Michael Polito
Today, East Coast Music Review had the honor of interviewing the multi-talented Joel Hoekstra. A virtuoso in his field, Hoekstra's extensive career includes being a current member of the renowned bands Whitesnake and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, as well as a part of the supergroup Iconic.
In addition to these impressive affiliations, he leads his own solo project, Joel Hoekstra's 13, showcasing his exceptional guitar prowess across a spectrum of styles.
Fresh off his tour with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Joel Hoekstra's career encompasses an impressive range of collaborations and projects.
His remarkable work includes performances with Cher, Night Ranger, and in the Broadway show "Rock of Ages." Notably, he's contributed his talents as a stand-in for Foreigner, performed annual sets on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, and has been involved in recording projects such as Revolution Saints, Iconic, VHF, and acoustic shows alongside Brandon Gibbs.
A frequent contributor to Guitar World Magazine, Hoekstra's recent years have been marked by the release of critically lauded albums from his side project, Joel Hoekstra's 13 – namely, "Dying to Live," "Running Games," and "Crash of Life." Additionally, he has produced three instrumental solo albums, each a must-have for rock enthusiasts.
The latest news in Hoekstra's bustling career is the upcoming release of Revolution Saints' new album, "Against The Winds," scheduled for February 9, 2024, under Frontiers Music Srl. Hoekstra reveals that the album exemplifies a new level of synergy between himself, Deen Castronovo, and Jeff Pilson, infusing it with vibrant energy and deep emotion. This release is set to reinforce their status as titans of the genre. You can pre-order "Against The Winds"here.
Furthermore, Hoekstra is slated to participate in the Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp, happening in Los Angeles, CA from February 15-18, 2024, and again from March 14-17, 2024, alongside other notable artists. Hoekstra assures that the camp will cater to a wide array of participants, regardless of their skill level. Reservations can be made at https://rockcampmasterclasses.com/
In our interview, Hoekstra also touched on David Coverdale’s future plans, expressing optimism and encouraging fans to stay tuned for updates. When asked for advice for emerging bands and artists, his guidance was succinct yet powerful: stay the course, power through it, and keep an open mind. You can check out some of Joel's guitar lessons and articles at Guitar World. Follow Joel on his Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/JoelHoekstra13
Experience the electrifying riffs and the vocal range of 'Far Too Deep' from Joel Hoekstra's 13 video below!
This interview not only highlighted Joel Hoekstra's current and upcoming endeavors but also shed light on the depth and diversity of his contributions to the world of rock music. You can pick up some pretty cool merch at his online store. We look forward to catching up with Joel again in 2024!
