I was born into a bi-lingual family with deep roots in Western classical music on one side and traditional English Folk on the other, so I have a natural identity as a versatile musician. As a classically trained trumpet player, later electric bass student, and now working actively as a professional singer with classical a cappella focus, I always approach all of my engineering work from a musicianship point of view, be it recording a symphony orchestra or mastering a noise music album.
Through listening and learning I have gathered a substantial repertoire of different genres I feel comfortable working with. After studying the classical trumpet for fifteen years in my youth, I shifted my attention more deeply towards audio engineering and music technology. A strong audio engineer presence has been right next to me from day 1 in the form of my late Dad, Dave Ward, from who I draw an infinite amount of passion for the craft I'm blessed to call my profession now. Pressing buttons and turning knobs to see what they do still induces immense joy and excitement every time!
I will always identify as musician first, engineer second. Besides the pro-audio industry, I also work as a professional classical singer specialising in choral/ensemble music. I am a member and sing tenor for the Helsinki Chamber Choir, and together with my colleagues we are immensely proud to have won the category of Best Choral Performance in the annual GRAMMY awards in 2024 for our Kaija Saariaho compendium album. I also snuck in a little engineering credit on that one.
Other focus points for 2025 include finalizing my Masters degree at the music technology department in the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki.
I will always identify as musician first, engineer second
Please contact directly via email:
joel (at) joelward.fi
Joel is one of those most insightful and professional sound engineers I have ever worked with. His musicianship and ability to capture the energy of the moment is unparalleled. Every time I come to the studio and Joel is behind the controls, I know the music will be taken care of.
I sent a single to Joel for mastering. The process went swimmingly, and the quality of the master was wonderful. Moreover, Joel communicated clearly about timelines and other practicalities along the way, which I really appreciate.
Fast, flexible and reliable! I've sent multiple mixes (genres ranging from EDM to jazz) to Joel for mastering and the end product has been a clear improvement every time.