Photo by Shelby Means
EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to No Depression’s new “Postcard From” series, where we ask artists for a dispatch from their daily lives on the road, in the studio, or anywhere in between. Our next installment comes from Joel Timmons, who just released his debut solo album ‘Psychedelic Surf Country.’
Greetings from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands!
I’m here for a few weeks, in between Sol Driven Train and Sally & George island tours. I’ve been spending winters down here since 2010 and the warm people and natural beauty call me back every year. Over the years I’ve seen this diverse community bounce back from two back-to-back category 5 hurricanes and the shock waves of a global pandemic. I’ve come to love and respect the tenacious locals who live on “the rock,” and I am so grateful for their annual hospitality.
When cold fronts push down from the Arctic and freezing temps grip the US, long period ocean swells march south towards the turquoise waters of the Caribbean islands. I’ve caught some great waves this year at Cane Garden Bay in Tortola and a few spots in the USVI. The surf has gone quiet this week, but there’s still plenty to do. My wife, Shelby Means, and I are working on new songs and videos and as I write this our duo shows kick off Saturday at Hull Bay Hideaway, a legendary venue on St. Thomas. Finding an audience that dances barefoot beneath the palm trees to my original music is a pirate’s treasure, indeed.
2025 looks to be a busy year. Psychedelic Surf Country, my debut solo album, comes out today and I’m looking forward to release shows in my hometown, Charleston (2/8)m as well as my former home, Nashville (2/12). This spring, I’ll be touring with Maya de Vitry and Shelby will be back on tour with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. Shelby is releasing her self-titled debut solo album this summer. It’s exciting stuff to look forward to, but for now we are very grateful to be on island time!
