INTERVIEW | Joe Kutryk – Folk-Inspired Singer-Songwriter on Acoustic Music, Visuals & Nostalgia
- SHOWGRAPHERS
- Oct 2
- 5 min read
Manchester-based singer-songwriter Joe Kutryk crafts intimate, folk-inspired music that feels more like quiet confessions than performances. With his latest single "do you ever? (think of me)", Joe blends warmth, nostalgia, and a minimalist visual world that mirrors the stillness of his sound. In this interview, he opens up about his creative process, the role of photography in shaping his music, and why authenticity sits at the heart of everything he does.
Joe, for readers who are just discovering you, could you give us a short introduction to your music, your roots, and how this journey began for you?
So I’m Joe, I make folk inspired, acoustic music that are probably more confessions then performances. I started playing in bands back in the day before starting open mic nights around Manchester as a solo act.
Your songs carry a quiet, confessional weight. How would you describe your sound to someone encountering it for the first time?
I try to just make sure that everything is deliberate, straight to the point.
Let’s talk visuals. What was the aesthetic concept behind the imagery for “do you ever? (think of me)”? Did you have a specific mood or story in mind when planning the shoot?
I love to take photos that are inspired by nature and how you become a part of that nature whenever you’re in it rather then being separate or just an observer of it. Manchester also has beautifully industrial areas that weirdly give me the same feeling as the natural ones so I guess I wanted to combine the two.
Your wife Nadia plays a subtle yet powerful role in your latest song, both vocally and emotionally. Has she influenced your visual storytelling too?
Yes definitely, Nadz has a much better eye than me for photography and visuals. Especially framing any promo shots. I feel kind of weird being seeing myself on camera, it’s not something that I enjoy but having a friendly face to help behind the lense makes it all the easier.
You recorded this track entirely in your bedroom with a single microphone. Did you document any of that process visually? How do you feel about the rawness of behind-the-scenes imagery?
I didn’t document any of the process visually. I find that in the social media age where artists are also tasked with being social media managers is a frustration at times. It sometimes feels like you can never be fully present or just enjoy recording because you know deep down that you should be recording this or documenting it for contents sake. I tend to argue with that part of my brain.
Your promo materials and social media reflect a minimalist, almost cinematic atmosphere with lots of warm colors. How involved are you in shaping the visual side of your music?
It’s mostly me. Again, being a solo artist in the Instagram age ain’t easy!
Do you approach your visual storytelling with the same intimacy and stillness that your music is known for? How do you translate that into photos or video?
I try to yes, I don’t think it was ever a conscious choice but I don’t want any of my music or visuals to be too “in your face”. I guess it’s there if you want it.
Many of your images, especially on Instagram, feel like quiet portraits of thought. Do you collaborate with a specific photographer to achieve that, or are you self-shooting and directing the aesthetic yourself?
No pretty much self shooting and directing that myself. I enjoy that side of it though. Photography is kind of like music in the way that you start to notice the smaller details and become quite fixated by them. When I say it like that I can sound like torture but I enjoy it.
There’s something very filmic about the way you’re photographed, almost like stills from a short film. Are you inspired by cinema or photography when shaping your artistic world?
Definitely, one of my favourite things about discovering new films is their use of colour. I recently rewatched ‘Lost in Translation’ and love how Sofia Coppola made Tokyo feel nostalgic with almost this pink-rose tint. Similar to Alfonso Cuaron with London in ‘Children of Men’, but that was much more depressing.
What does a good artist photo need to capture, in your opinion? Is it about truth, mood, mystery, or something else entirely?
Answers on a postcard.
Do you have a dream photoshoot concept or setting that you feel would perfectly capture the emotional world of your songs?
No nothing like that, if it felt right with the music I’d be happy.
If you could be photographed by any photographer - past or present - who would you choose, and why?
Autumn de Wilde. She’s kind of photographed everyone I admire from Elliot Smith to Johnny Flynn. Shelley brings a kind of punk energy to things that I admire.
Live shows bring a different kind of energy. When you eventually take your music to the stage, how do you envision the visual side of your live presence (lighting, tone, imagery)?
My favourite kind of live set up has always just been to have a cosy feeling to a room. There shouldn’t feel like there is anything between you and an audience, no barriers for connection.
Are there visual artists (illustrators, designers, or filmmakers) that you feel influence your work, even subconsciously?
I suppose I wouldn’t know if it was subconscious but I’ve definitely been influenced by visual artists. I love film photography and especially 35mm and 16mm film depending on the vibe. On of my favourite directors right now is Cornish director Mark Jenkin who directed Enis Men. Fantastic colour and stillness, creepy and eerily beautiful.
Can you tell us about the role nostalgia plays in your music and how that may extend into your visuals. Do you consciously chase a particular time or texture?
Nostalgia kind of ties a lot of things together I suppose. Its nice to look back every now and again but it will never truly show you world you live in now. I suppose my songs do look back, but not in a sentimental way.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, can fans expect more releases, any visual projects, or perhaps live performances in the near future?
Oh I’m always busy, plenty of live performing. And hopefully another new release to look for.
And lastly, if you had to choose one image that best represents who Joe Kutryk is as an artist right now, what would it be, and why?
Trying to eat soup with a fork.
How’s Norbert doing?
Norbert is our pet tortoise, he seems to be keeping out of trouble for now.