Joanna What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in music initially? Was there a specific moment or experience that fueled your passion?
It goes all the way back to the first time I saw Reba McEntire’s video to the song “Whoever’s In New England”. I must’ve been about 6 years old. I fell in love with her voice and from that moment on, all I wanted to do was sing.
Could you characterize your musical style and the genre(s) you associate with? Are there specific artists or musicians who have played a significant role in shaping your sound?
My style is definitely country, but my musical influences are all over the place. I grew up listening to Reba, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Sheryl Crow, Lauren Hill, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Michael Bolton, The Carpenters, Janet Jackson and on and on. I also feel what had a huge influence on shaping my sound was growing up in Kentucky around all the bluegrass music.
Share with us the inspiration behind your most recent single. What triggered the creative process for this specific piece?
I wrote the song “Hoedown” with my husband Elisha and another musical couple here in Nashville, Nathan and Stephanie Chapman. Nathan produced all of the early Taylor Swift records.
Stephanie had the title and she said she had thrown it out to several other writers and couldn’t get anyone to write it with her.
When she told us the title, I immediately loved it! She already had the concept of how Hoedown was actually a “hoe” “down” at the barn who was trying to take the guys away from their girls. I thought it was hilarious and it reminded me of a modern day take on something Loretta Lynn might’ve written about. Since I grew up only 13 miles from Loretta’s hometown, it seemed like something I could pull off, no problem.
It’s one of my favorites on the new project, for sure!
In what way do you anticipate your latest song resonating with your existing fan base and attracting new listeners? What message or emotions do you aim for listeners to glean from the song?
This song is so much fun. It definitely has a girl-power message that’s very tongue -in-cheek. My fans have always appreciated that feisty side of me. So, I think they’re going to love “Hoedown”.
How does this track contribute to the overarching narrative or theme of your upcoming album or project?
“Hoedown” adds a bit of sass and humor to this project. There are some other tracks that go pretty deep emotionally. This one is just pure girl-power fun!
Maintaining creativity and motivation can be challenging. Do you have any rituals or habits that you find instrumental in sustaining your artistic drive?
For me, keeping myself open to ideas where I go is the key. In conversation. In a book. Watching a movie. In a personal experience. I can get ideas from anywhere and everywhere.
And motivation for me is just like any one else’s. It’s up and down. I just try to stay honest with myself and always give myself grace. At the end of the day, I get the job done regardless.
Do you have any upcoming projects or releases that you’re particularly enthusiastic about? Can you offer any teasers or details?
Right now, I’m focusing on getting my new album finished up. It’s been a true labor of love and I’m so very proud of it. You’re gonna be hearing a lot more music from me this year.
