The unique trajectory of soul-rooted artist Joel Compass includes the Top 40 U.K. hit "Forgive Me" (2014), years spent amassing a secondary discography as a desired collaborator, and a low-profile return to writing and producing for himself, announced with the aching "Hypocrite" (2020), his mononymous debut for ARTium Recordings. A native of London, Compass arrived in 2013 with Astronaut, licensed to the Black Butter label. The four-track EP proved that Compass was adept at teaming with fellow writers and producers, as heard on the title track, and also capable of working in solitude. The ballad "Forgive Me," a dramatic collision of mature pop and contemporary soul, was released the next year by major label Polydor and reached number 34 on the U.K. chart. Later in the year, Compass issued a mixtape for Black Butter and a follow-up Polydor single, "Girlfriends," that peaked at number 82. Commercial momentum notwithstanding, Compass avoided the spotlight for several years. Collaborative work was in his background before he charted, and this became his focus afterward. Having landed credits on 2014 releases from Gorgon City, Cheryl, and FKA twigs, Compass operated exclusively behind the scenes through the end of the decade. He was sought by the likes of Aqualung, Seal, and Jamie Cullum as well as Mabel, Tinashe, and Jorja Smith -- a wide range of artists indicating Compass' stylistic versatility. Another singer for whom Compass produced and co-wrote was Snoh Aalegra. He was behind "You," a highlight off Aalegra's 2019 album for ARTium Recordings, the label founded by producer No I.D. In August 2020, Compass strengthened his ARTium affiliation with the release of "Hypocrite." ~ Andy Kellman