Garden State Vampire takes an NYC detour : Joe P at Bowery Ballroom

Photos shot and edited by Jose Castillo

Jersey-born rockstar Joe P took the stage at the Bowery Ballroom on October 21st, touring after the release of Garden State Vampire. It was a sold-out show for a guy with a guitar and some grunge lullabies.

From TikTok lives during COVID lockdown to a sold-out Bowery Ballroom, Joe P has built something real through his art. Infusing his unique writing style and warm character into his music, Joe often uses "daydream metaphors" and one-liners so existential they’ll make you question everything.

“All of these people here,

Dressed up in ties and tears,

Wearing their one-day expressions”

- Nothing At All (2024)

Anna Shoemaker stepped on stage to open the stage accompanied by her guitar, to which she got the mood set with her soft-spoken voice. Anna gets ‘badass’ points for going full acoustic in a sold out venue whilst performing Depression, due to ongoing audio issues.

For those of you who don’t know…yet or if you were unable to tell from his social media presence, relatable personality, or intimate lyrics; Joe P is an artist who loves what he does. From everything beginning with his stage name, he authentically presents who he is as an individual through his art.

For over an hour, the stage was alive with talent (with a tequila intermission, of course). The chemistry among the four band members was clear. Apart from the band’s energy, props also go to the first-ever WFH lighting operator!

“I wish that I was more original

Or maybe I am, but I won't ever know

But I need to hear it from someone else 

Because I wouldn't believe myself”

- French Blonde (2022)

Lighting synced with Santo's drumming pace, James shredded the guitar to Joe’s right, and Tony played a killer bass, while Joe lost himself in the music. The performance was exhilarating, made even better seeing the band having as much fun as the audience.

They gave it their all on the last song; drumsticks flew into the crowd, setlists were ripped off the stage, and Joe stayed on the floor, playing his guitar. He pulled a string down the tuning peg, let the note ring, and walked off stage, fulfilled.

The Jersey kid just rocked NYC.