Joe Chawki

Joe Chawki received his first guitar at age 12, and rapidly developed his skills. Having a handful of lessons, he was mostly self taught with the help of some instructional videos and books. Primarily interested in progressive, instrumental, fusion and improv, Joe joined and became the primary songwriter for NYC progressive metal act October Thorns in the late 1990’s. Following October Thorns, Joe collaborated briefly with keyboardist and synth player Norbert Sator (of October Thorns) on the tracks entitled “Empathy” and “Can you hear us?”. In 2005, Joe was featured on the track “Unruly Elements” by Chris Brooks, from the album The Alchemists II. In collaboration with longtime friend and producer, Hodge Gjonbalaj, full length album “Nazar” was released in March of 2015 to positive reviews. Nazar represents a culmination of ideas reflecting a wide variety of influences including electronica, eastern, progressive, fusion, metal and rock. Aside from writing and releasing music, Joe enjoys teaching guitar and offers one on one private lessons locally as well as online via Skype.