He directed the 2024 American Christian drama film Unsung Hero, plus playing the role of his father David Smallbone.

[3] Smallbone's father was a music promoter, and Joel recalls, "going to these rock concerts, sitting on my father's shoulders, plugging my ears...Honestly, in a lot of ways I feel like music chose me and as I grew older, I made a clear decision to fully lean into it.

"[4] Smallbone did background vocals for his sister Rebecca as well as operating lights and managing the stage.

[5] He collaborated with his brother Luke and in 2008 they released their first EP, A Tale of Two Towns, performing under the name Austoville.

[2] Smallbone began his acting career in 2013 by playing King Xerxes in The Book of Esther and as Jake Reeson in Like a Country Song.