Meet the Songwriters
Joey Viola
CreatorJoey Viola is a songwriter, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur based in Columbus, Ohio. As the owner of Spark Storytellers, Joey leads a creative studio dedicated to telling meaningful stories through film, music, and live experiences. His work blends documentary storytelling with original songwriting, often focusing on real people, resilience, and the moments that shape who we become.
As a songwriter and performer, Joey’s music leans into honest, narrative driven writing that feels both intimate and cinematic. His songs often draw from personal experience, community stories, and the everyday humor and heartbreak that make life interesting. Whether performing solo or collaborating with other musicians, he aims to create songs that feel lived in and relatable.
Through Spark Storytellers, Joey has produced documentaries, branded films, and storytelling projects for organizations, nonprofits, and businesses across the country. His creative approach centers on authenticity and connection, helping people and organizations communicate their purpose through compelling stories.
Across music, film, and creative direction, Joey’s work is rooted in the belief that stories have the power to build empathy, bring people together, and leave a lasting impact.
Chris Heidel
Songwriter/PhotographerChris Heidel is a songwriter, photographer, and pedal steel guitarist whose work lives at the intersection of sound, story, and atmosphere. Based in Ohio, Chris has built a reputation as a thoughtful collaborator and multi dimensional artist, contributing both musically and visually to a wide range of creative projects.
As a pedal steel player, Chris brings texture, depth, and emotion to the bands Magnolia, Teeth Marks, and Gold Row, where his playing adds a distinctive voice that moves between country, indie, and ambient soundscapes. His approach to the instrument favors feel and restraint, using tone and phrasing to shape songs rather than dominate them.
Beyond performing, Chris is also a songwriter who gravitates toward reflective, detail rich writing that captures fleeting moments and quiet observations. His songs often feel cinematic and grounded, drawing inspiration from landscapes, travel, and the subtle emotional shifts of everyday life.
As a photographer, Chris brings the same sensibility to visual storytelling. His images focus on authenticity, mood, and composition, documenting people, places, and creative communities with an eye for the honest and unpolished moments that often tell the most compelling stories.
Whether behind the camera, writing songs, or shaping the sound of a band with pedal steel, Chris Heidel’s work reflects a deep appreciation for craft, collaboration, and the art of paying attention.