Joanna What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in music initially? Was there a specific moment or experience that fueled your passion?
I had been listening to music from a very young age, records, radio, watching TV dance shows like American Bandstand, Shindig, Where the action Is (yes, it was million years ago). Sometimes I would sing along, in front of a mirror. My friends and I would pretend to be the Supremes and ‘fight’ over who would be Diana Ross, pretend to be the Beatles with tennis rackets for guitars, bass and hat boxes for drums. I was given a harmonica my neighbor got from Germany. I’d played at a few family picnics and on some school field trips on the bus. When I would be waiting for my brother to finish Trumpet or bass lessons at the music store, I was trying to figure out what instrument I wanted to play. I chose flute but I never joined the school band. I couldn’t read music. I did really develop my ear over the years with my the help of my saxophone teacher George Keith, (who told me I had, not “perfect” but “relative” pitch). He emphasized theory over sight reading.
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?
I really believe growing up in Detroit fueled my style, a blend of rock and soul music. I only listened to jazz when I rented my first sax. So for vocals it was Aretha, Chaka, girl groups of the 60s, Bonne Raitt and Bonnie Bramblett, so many…Flute: I studied Ian Anderson, Herbie Mann and learned Jimmy Page solos on flute! For sax it was David Sanborn, Junior Walker and Stanley Turrentine. For Songwriting it was Steve Wonder, the Beatles, so many.
Share with us the inspiration behind your most recent single. What triggered the creative process for this specific piece?
My next single out in January, is called “Not That Guy”. Here, the music led to the melody and words. It’s for any woman that was hesitant going into a relationship. You have feelings for someone but you don’t know them. It could be for a man being conflicted like that, but this is from the woman’s point of view. He tells her he won’t hurt her because he’s just “not that guy”. It was one of those songs that came together pretty fast, lyrically.
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?
I think the song is very relatable. That particular song was easy for me to write it because I’ve experienced that same fear of falling for someone. It’s exhilarating and frightening all at the same time. My single friends share the same frustration of someone not being what they initially show themselves to be early on. But that’s the chance you take until you really know someone.
How does this track contribute to the overarching narrative or theme of your upcoming album or project?
It’s the most driving groove on the EP for sure. I’m covering some different approaches as far as genre blends. “Not That Guy” is Rick James dance funk, “Are you (The Healer)” is my social commentary rock-ish song. Then I cover the Turtle’s 60s song “ You Showed Me”, I think, with a sexy guitar groove. I also get into a 60’s Hippy era “Summer of Love” mood with Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man”, but I approach it from a pretty acoustic slant, into full out Gospel toward the end.
Maintaining creativity and motivation can be challenging. Do you have any rituals or habits that you find instrumental in sustaining your artistic drive?
I have to keep listening to my music heroes to stay inspired. I write little bits of lyrics or play with chords, record parts even if they don’t form anything concrete. It could be something I can go back and use later.
Do you have any upcoming projects or releases that you’re particularly enthusiastic about? Can you offer any teasers or details?
YES! The EP is coming out January 16 on all music outlets! It’s called “Mindset” by Kat Orlando.
