About
Joel Schantz
“At the center of everything is the guitar.”
At the center of everything is the guitar.
Rock is the foundation, it always has been, but the music draws from a wide range of influences.
The sets aren't boxed into one mood. Instrumentals, originals, and classic covers share the space, from cinematic and spacious to fuller and driving.
It can sit back and breathe or hit hard when the night calls for it.
The playing draws from classic foundations while remaining distinctly his own, shifting naturally from subtle ambiance to driving rock when the moment calls for it.
The Story
Bio
Joel Schantz creates immersive, guitar-centric live music that moves from atmospheric instrumentals and cinematic western-inspired pieces to groove-driven jams, original songs, and classic covers performed with a full band-style sound. An experienced guitarist, he builds his live sets around original backing tracks, shaping each performance with dynamics and presence while remaining responsive to the room.
Shaped by decades of listening and performing across multiple eras of music, Schantz blends improvisation, melodic instinct, and tone-driven storytelling into every set. His playing draws from classic foundations while remaining distinctly his own, shifting naturally from subtle ambiance to driving rock when the moment calls for it.
Over the years, Schantz has shared stages with artists such as Warren Zevon, Warren Haynes, Jorma Kaukonen, Eagles of Death Metal, and Matthew Sweet, and has worked alongside legendary producer Tom Dowd. He performs at restaurants, breweries, listening rooms, and private events throughout the region.
Every room has a pulse. The music finds it, locks in, and takes it somewhere you didn’t expect.