Joe Firstman is an American adult alternative rock musician. For some time he was also the musical director for Carson Daly's house band on Last Call with Carson Daly on NBC, but with the show's new format, he hasn't been on Last Call for some time. In addition to being a songwriter, Joe sings and plays both piano and guitar. [edit] History
Born Joseph Mark Fuerstman on December 12, 1979, Firstman started his musical career in the mid-1990s as a teenager in Charlotte, North Carolina. Performing with local bands within the region created a buzz that would be sustained over the next six years. Joe and other local teenage musicians won the Charlotte "Battle of the Bands" competition made up largely of adult professional musicians. The local music scene took notice, and the band known as "Isabel Sol" performed locally at renowned venues that housed famous acts such as R.E.M.. In 1998, the band changed its name to "Firstman" and moved its base to Raleigh, North Carolina.
By 1999, "Firstman" was well known in the Carolina's college scene. It had become a mainstay supporting act for most regional and national bands that came through the area, including Far Too Jones, Edwin McCain, Jupiter Coyote, Blue Dogs, and Hobex. The band was featured as the "Backroom Band of the Week" by Raleigh's 96-Rock station.
In 2001, Joe decided to attempt a personal journey towards stardom. He quit his wait job at Southend Brewery and Smokehouse in Raleigh, NC, and packed his bags. He bought a one-way Greyhound bus ticket and went to Hollywood. Joe met other local Sunset Strip musicians and made a name for himself as a local act. While "beating the streets", Joe met a number of music industry executives, and they began to notice Joe's talent. Joe formed a new band under the same band name of "Firstman" and obtained a number of gigs at small venues such as Whisky a Go Go, The Troubador, and others. Along the way, Joe wrote and performed with signed musicians such as members of The Black Crowes.
In 2003, Joe was signed by a major recording label, Atlantic Records, and his album The War of Women was released. In support of this record, Joe went on tour nationally, opening for famous musicians such as Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Josh Kelley, Jason Mraz, Michelle Branch, and Lisa Marie Presley. The album, however, did not sell well. Though Firstman himself never achieved commercial success as a recording artist, his band helped launch the career of My Morning Jacket guitarist Carl Broemel.
In 2005, Joe separated himself from Atlantic Records and set his focus on being the full-time house band/artist for Last Call with Carson Daly, a gig which lasted until 2009.
In 2006, Joe released an EP titled Live at the Sandbox under Beverly Martel Music. This EP features songs recorded live in studio with minimal production.
In 2007, Joe released the CD DrAMA via CD Baby and iTunes under his own Firstman Music label. [edit] Discography Wives Tales [EP] (2003, Atlantic Records) The War of Women (2003, Atlantic Records) Live at the Sandbox (2006, Beverly Martel Music) DrAMA! (2007, 1stman Music) Fell Swoops (2008, 1stman Music) El Porto (2010, 1stman Music) Live At The Treehouse (2010, Rock Ridge Music)
