With the encouragement and lending hand of renowned music producer Buddy Hyatt (TOTO, George Jones, Lee Greenwood, Mickey Gilley, Tracy Lawrence), Joe recorded the EP titled SOULS WITH STONES to make his official introduction in 2020. Unintimidated by the adversity and challenges of both the music industry and the COVID shut-down, Hermes pointed his concentration toward songwriting working alongside Grammy-award-winning songwriter/producer/manager Dale Oliver. In 2023, Joe released his full-length CD, ROCKIN’ A COUNTRY TOWN co-produced with Oliver (Carrie Underwood, Billy Currington, LOCASH, Sawyer Brown, Blackhawk) behind the board. The project spotlights, original tunes penned alongside Oliver, Dan Couch (Kip Moore/Cody Johnson) and Big Vinny Hickerson (of the trio Trailor Choir) including “Stronger Than Whiskey,” “SkyFall” and “Used To Be Me” which landed at No. 46 on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart.
Reinforcing his conviction, dedication and talents, Hermes garnered early welcome and support from country radio, country music fans and his peers. In three short years, he’s shared the stage with some of the biggest names in country music entertainment [including David Nail, Ward Davis, Craig Campbell, Kolby Cooper, Myron Elkins and Kinsey Rose (The Voice) among others]. Establishing a foothold in the Rock ‘n Roll arena, Hermes has opened for Uncle Kracker, Black Stone Cherry, Head East, Jackyl and Lita Ford.
Determined to pave his own way and drive in his own lane, Joe Hermes has just enough unencumbered gumption…just enough reckless abandon, and plenty of grit to ROCK A COUNTRY TOWN.
JOE HERMES
Joe Hermes, one of the hottest new acts in the Rock Country scene, is a bonafide ‘battle-tested’ entertainer. Dedicated to his pursuit and driven by his commitment to his faith, family and belief in working for the American Dream, the Illinois native beams with a pride he stands behind.
The good-hearted, fun-loving former defensive lineman packs a big punch with edgy vocal textures and hard-hitting musical storylines (both intimate and boldly straight-up) that sift between the angel and devil as a stand-out signature. His raucous sound and high-energy stage performances (self-described as “gunpowder country”) originate from his earliest influences (Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Pantera and Bon Jovi). Hermes strings together intense, soulful vocals, with raw, honest lyrics and his “Heart of Illinois” roots sound to rev a captivating listening experience.
