Joe Firstman
is an American adult alternative rock musician. For some time he was also the musical director for Carson Daly's house band on Last Call with Carson Daly on NBC, but with the show's new format, he hasn't been on Last Call for some time. In addition to being a songwriter, Joe sings and plays both piano and guitar.
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JOE FIRSTMAN TICKETS
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History
Firstman started his musical career in the mid-1990s as a teenager in
Charlotte, North Carolina. Performing with local bands within the region created a buzz that would be sustained over the next six years. Joe and other local teenage musicians won the Charlotte "Battle of the Bands" competition made up largely of adult professional musicians. The local music scene took notice, and the band known as "Isabel Sol" performed locally at renowned venues that housed famous acts such as
R.E.M.. In 1998, the band changed its name to "Firstman" and moved its base to Raleigh, North Carolina.
By 1999, "Firstman" had become a household name within the college scene throughout the Carolinas. It had become a mainstay supporting act for most regional and national bands which came through the area including
Far Too Jones,
Edwin McCain,
Jupiter Coyote,
Blue Dogs, and
Hobex. The band was featured as the "Backroom Band of the Week" by
Raleigh's 96-Rock station.
In 2001, Joe decided to embark on a personal journey towards stardom. He quit his wait job at Southend Brewery and Smokehouse in Raleigh, NC, and packed his bags. He bought a one-way
Greyhound bus ticket and went to Hollywood. Joe met other local
Sunset Strip musicians and made a name for himself as a local act. While "beating the streets", Joe met a number of music industry executives, and they began to notice Joe's talent. Joe formed a new band under the same band name of "Firstman" and obtained a number of gigs at major venues such as
Whisky a Go Go,
The Troubador, and others. Along the way, Joe wrote and performed with signed musicians such as members of
The Black Crowes.
In 2003, Joe was signed by a major recording label,
Atlantic Records, and his album
The War of Women
was released. In support of this record, Joe went on tour nationally, opening for famous musicians such as
Jewel,
Sheryl Crow,
Willie Nelson,
Josh Kelley,
Jason Mraz,
Michelle Branch, and
Lisa Marie Presley. Joe's fanbase quickly spread across the country.
In 2005, Joe separated himself from Atlantic Records and set his focus on being the full-time house band/artist for
Last Call with Carson Daly
, NBC's late night television show after
Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Joe appears every weeknight at 1:30am ET.
In 2006, Joe released an EP titled
Live at the Sandbox
under Beverly Martel Music. This EP features songs recorded live in studio with minimal production.
In 2007, Joe released the CD
DrAMA
via CD Baby and iTunes under his own Firstman Music label.
Discography
- Wives Tales [EP]
(2003, Atlantic Records)
- The War of Women
(2003, Atlantic Records)
- Live at the Sandbox
(2006, Beverly Martel Music)
- DrAMA!
(2007, Firstman Music, Inc.)
- Fell Swoops
(2008, Firstman Music, Inc.)
- El Porto
(2009, Firstman Music, Inc.)