Dirty Sunbeams

Shining a light on independent music in the Calder Valley

Youth Music Takeover: Meet 17-Year-Old Multi-Instrumentalist doogle.

From busking on the streets of West Yorkshire to releasing a debut album, we spoke to doogle about his musical journey so far.

30th September 2024

This article appears in A Beginner’s Guide To Grassroots Music in Calderdale. Keep an eye out for a copy in venues, pubs and community spaces throughout the borough. You can also read the magazine online or download it. The publication is part of CultureDale’s Youth Music Takeover initiative.

Multi-instrumentalist doogle, aka Joe Robinson, already has a debut album to his name and has become a regular on the live music circuit.

The 17-year-old has taken inspiration from many sources – his dad, his drum teacher and even a homeless busker in High Wycombe. This is the story of his musical journey so far – in his own words.

“My dad was in a band [The Container Drivers] and played guitar a lot in the house. Then, when I was about six, I started playing drums and went through the grades. My drum teacher, James Newsome, was amazing. I honestly do not know where I would be without him.

I then joined a few bands. I mainly played with a punk band in Bradford called Alarm77. Our first gig was at a skate festival at the Orange Box in Halifax.

I started playing guitar at Christmas 2021. Then in Easter 2022, I spoke to a homeless guy called Neil in High Wycombe who was busking. He was a lovely guy. I was 14 then and I was inspired so I started busking too – in Hebden, Huddersfield and occasionally Halifax.

A Form Of Escapism

My first solo gig as doogle was in February 2023 at Turntable Vinyl Cafe in Huddersfield. My first gig in a ‘proper’ venue was a gig I promoted at The Grayston Unity in Halifax. Since then I’ve played far too many to keep count. I went from solo to full band last September at college – I’m one year into a Music Performance course at Access Creative Manchester.

Music is a really important part of my life. It is both a form of escapism and expressionism that I can use to communicate with others. My songs are often insights into my feelings and personal life. It helps me express feelings that I otherwise may not know how to deal with.

The local music scene has done a lot for my confidence, both in music and in life. I have no issues getting on stage in front of people now because of how welcoming and friendly the environment is. I’ve had some very valuable conversations with people far more experienced than me in the scene, which has really helped. My networking skills have really improved.

Emerging Talent

There are so many great young bands around right now. My favourite local band is The First Ones, a young heavy rock band in Huddersfield. Their tunes are class. They’ve just released a new EP that sounds absolutely mint. I also really like Grow, Sooner Or Later, The Incident, Mason Whittle and many more.

My advice to anyone looking to get more involved in the local music scene is to just start. Do everything you can. Always say “yes” to any opportunity – within reason. Come down to The Grayston for our youth showcases and get speaking to people. Get down to as many open mics as you can and try to start conversations. You’ll find people are super supportive and friendly and you never know what those conversations will lead to. It can be daunting to start with but once you realise everyone is in the same boat it becomes a lot easier.”

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