Becoming a local musician is tough, but Crooksville, OH native Joey Adams has found his way to the spotlight right here in Wheeling. After attending undergrad and graduate school at West Liberty, Joey has stayed in Wheeling because he loves the culture and community. He has built up a local following and is striving to continue to expand that before ever parting ways with Wheeling. Adams also claims that he stays in Wheeling to keep enjoying the margarita towers at El Paso.
Joey Adams is one of those musicians whose sound feels like it was always meant to exist—authentic, unfiltered, and rooted in storytelling. Blending genres of Country, Folk, and Americana, his music is rich with heart and grit. I caught up with Joey, a longtime friend of mine, to talk about his beginnings, his creative process, and what keeps him chasing the dream.
Q: What inspired you to start making music?
Joey Adams: Honestly, I picked up a guitar thinking it might help me impress girls—it didn’t. But after just a few months of playing, I started writing songs. That’s when something really clicked. The rest is history.
Q: How would you describe your sound?
Joey: I’d say it falls into Country, Folk, and Americana. I’ve always gravitated toward raw, honest music that tells a story.
Q: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Joey: Eric Church, Sturgill Simpson, Kenny Chesney, and Tyler Childers. They’ve all had a big impact on how I write and perform.
Q: Do you write your own songs? What’s your creative process like?
Joey: I write all of my own stuff. The process varies depending on what kind of song I’m aiming for. Sometimes I need to shut myself away and really focus. Other times, a night out to let the mind wander is what sparks the best ideas.
Q: Have you released any music yet?
Joey: I’ve put out two EPs and a few singles. The EPs were my first attempts—I didn’t really know what I was doing yet and was still pretty immature as a writer. There are a couple songs from them I still like, but for the most part, I’ve grown a lot since then.
Q: Any music videos or live recordings available?
Joey: Not yet, but both are in the works. We’re actively recording performances and planning some videos right now.
Q: What are your long-term goals as a musician?
Joey: The sky’s the limit. Realistically, I’d be happy just making a living off music. But there’s always room to grow, and I’m not afraid to aim high.
Q: Do you have a favorite venue to perform in?
Joey: Locally, I’d say Generations or Waterfront Hall. They both have great sound, solid crews, and they’re just fun places to play.
Q: Do you ever get nervous before going on stage?
Joey: Not really. If anything, I get excited—amped up. I love performing.
Q: Has anyone served as a mentor to you in your career?
Joey: In a lot of ways, yes. My bandmates have taught me a ton through their own experiences. My parents have been huge supporters and mentors in their own way. I’ve also had some help from people in the industry who’ve been kind enough to lend advice when I needed it. Luke Burkhardt has especially been helpful.
Q: What’s been your favorite performance so far?
Joey: My favorite performance is always the next one. If I had to choose a memorable performance it would probably be the show at Waterfront Hall earlier this year. It was loud, rowdy, and a blast. We got to share the stage with some of our favorite regional artists, which made it even better.
Q: And the worst? What did you learn from it?
Joey: Last November at Generations—I was sick and basically had no voice going into the show. It was rough the whole night. But I learned that a little Jim Beam and Honey can actually help get you through when your voice is shot!
Q: Where can people find your music?
Joey: It’s on all major platforms—Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, you name it.
With a sound that bridges the past and present and a mindset rooted in hard work and humility, Joey Adams is carving out a place for himself in the world of music. And judging by his trajectory so far, he’s only just getting started in the Ohio Valley.
You can catch Joey live this Friday, August 1, at Pepsi First Fridays on the Outdoor Patio at WesBanco Arena! The event kicks off at 6:00 p.m. and features live music by Joey Adams, along with food, drinks, vendors, and more.
If you’re interested in contacting Joey for a performance, you can email him at joeyadamsmusic1@gmail.com or check out his website joeyadamsmusic.com.
Photos by Logan Watson Photography
