Joanna What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in music initially? Was there a specific moment or experience that fueled your passion?
My mom said that I sang before I spoke haha. Music was the earliest thing I remember about being alive, and my parents taking me to see Les Miserables was definitely a defining moment!
I also had a moment at my grandparent’s house when I was about 5. I had just heard “Will You Be There” by Michael Jackson in the film “Free Willy.” I walked over to their piano and played it note for note, and my grandparents were really impressed! I knew from that moment on that I wanted (and needed) to do something in music.
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 have a wide set of styles and genres that I write and record in. I absolutely love writing a disco banger one day, and then a totally traditional country song the next! But I would say at the moment my music is an upbeat fusion of soul, disco, MOR and pop, with elements of jazz. I’m definitely enjoying the re-discovery of my jazz roots right now.
In terms of songwriting, my partner and I write in a similar style to the golden age of Brill Building songwriting duos (think Goffin & King, Weil & Mann, Sadaka & Greenfield, etc).
Share with us the inspiration behind your most recent single. What triggered the creative process for this specific piece?
I have always loved performing cover songs; it’s a way to connect to an audience with something that is already familiar to them. The true joy comes from putting your own authentic spin on that cover, and sharing your spirit through that unique lens.
When I first heard the song “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus on the radio last summer, I had to stop everything and completely listen. The songwriting is so brilliant that it totally inspired me to create a stripped back jazz version of it. This sultry Norah Jones-meets-Sade cover, backed by piano, acoustic bass and minimal percussion, makes for a seductive and intimate exploration of this epic song about empowerment after loss.
The sign of a great song is when it can be done in many ways, and sound just as fresh and authentic. I think this version ticks all the boxes. Have a listen here:
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 had a wonderful time exploring a new voice when I recorded this cover. I felt like I discovered a lovely intimate phrasing style, and more “internal” voice that really connected with lots of listeners. The message I’d like listeners to glean from this song is one of self-love, self-care, and empowerment and strength after the loss of something or someone, or the perceived rejection of someone. Remember – YOU are the most important person! As the saying goes, always put your own oxygen mask on first.
It is the greatest form of self-love, which in turn, is the greatest gift you can give to the rest of the world. If you fail to love yourself, you fail to love everyone else around you.
How does this track contribute to the overarching narrative or theme of your upcoming album or project?
Finding this more intimate / internal voice and gesture with my performance of the cover of “Flowers” is definitely something I’ll be bringing to my next album. My first album “Happily Ever Now” has such a lovely “upward / outward” gesture to it, so it will be really wonderful to explore this other side of my performance. I’m also really looking forward to recording more traditionally acoustic songs.
Maintaining creativity and motivation can be challenging. Do you have any rituals or habits that you find instrumental in sustaining your artistic drive?
In a world that feels like it’s destined to destroy the careers of artists (the rise of AI, streaming, the financial impossibility of performing and touring these days, etc), it is definitely challenging to stay motivated sometimes.
The music industry has never been more rigged against independent musicians as it is now.
It takes me three “day jobs” in order for me to pursue music, which makes it almost impossible to find the time to do what I’m meant to do – which is to write, record and perform great music. Without art (cinema, music, visual art, acting, writing, etc) the world would not be worth living in. To be honest, those challenges are quite overwhelming and I have yet to overcome them.
To stay motivated and creative, self-care is key. No one can write great music or create great art when they are constantly in “fight or flight” mode. Take lots of breaks, eat well, sleep well, get lots of hugs. And deadlines never hurt either haha.
So if you want there to be more music, and more variation of music, buy artists’ music. Not stream, but actually buy it. And if you want to make even more of an impact, consider supporting an artist either directly, or on Patreon.
This makes it possible for artists to continue doing what they’re meant to do, and making the world a more beautiful and worthwhile place to live in for everyone.
Do you have any upcoming projects or releases that you’re particularly enthusiastic about? Can you offer any teasers or details?
I sure do! But all I can say right now is that I’m definitely re-exploring my jazz roots in these next recordings – including playing a lot more sax! Feel free to check out my music that is currently out now here:
https://linktr.ee/sandramaelux
And drop me an email here if you’d like to get the latest news and releases:
https://www.sandramaelux.com/contact-me
