Joel Kosche

Joel Kosche's musical journey has been a remarkable road, one that has brought the talented guitarist and songwriter to some interesting destinations along the way. At age 13, Kosche began to teach himself to play the guitar, later taking classical guitar instruction to supplement his burgeoning talent. A fixture of the Atlanta music scene, Kosche fronted the well-known local band, Steep, while earning a living as a guitar tech for such well-known artists as Steve Winwood.

Kosche eventually landed a gig as Collective Soul's guitar tech and hit the road with the chart-topping rock band. Developing a musical rapport with the band members, Kosche eventually replaced Ross Childress as the band's lead guitarist in 2003. Since then, Kosche has become an integral member, co-writing the hit "Hollywood" for the band's 2007 release Afterwords (which he also co-produced with lead singer Ed Roland). On the same album Kosche wrote and sang lead vocals on the song "I Don't Need Anymore Friends." On Collective Soul's most recent eponymous 2009 release, Kosche once again showcases his songwriting skills with the single "You" and the album track "Understanding," which were co-written with the rest of the band.

Kosche's latest destination is the release of his first solo album, entitled Fight Years. Recorded over the past 3 years, the album is filled with powerful songs and lyrics that chronicle Kosche's musical journey and allude to some seminal events in his life. From the opening swells of "Yours To Reap" to the final crushing chords of "New Song," this record remains unashamedly guitar-driven throughout but with a purpose.