Joanna What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in music initially? Was there a specific moment or experience that fueled your passion?
I was in high school when several friends, after hearing me sing, urged me to audition for a band that was looking for a “girl singer.” On a whim I did audition – the song was “Tobacco Road” – and I got into the band. The experience of singing live was so exhilarating I was hooked. Aside from a brief time later in my career, I have been singing and using my voice doing voice-overs/narration since then. This was back in the 60’s when the music scene was exploding with incredible talent and creativity. I was fortunate to be a working musician playing clubs 6 days a week for 4 hours a night and spending time in the studio recording. I admit, though, that as a “girl singer” (that’s how we were referred to then) it took years for me to get recognition in the male dominated business.
I later won Best Vocalist in the international American Songwriter’s competition which was a great achievement for its time and gave me great encouragement as a soloist.
Today, I have recorded 6 solo CD’s and continue to record and perform.
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 started out singing folk songs, which then grew into a folk/rock genre, then into jazz and Great American Songbook, to currently a mixture of all of them (except folk!) My then husband and music partner was more rock oriented so our music always had an edge. And when you are playing clubs for so long each night and for so many years it was important to have a variety in your song list. We also wrote much of our music so we introduced originals to our repertoire, as well. As I grew in life, my music also grew in the depth and scope of my material. I would characterize my “style” as TRUTH, regardless of genre.
When I was introduced to Billie Holiday’s music it changed my life. I was listening to a singer who revealed so many layers of emotions throughout a song it made me weep. Her depth of despair – and still with a lilt of joy in her voice was sheer magic. She made me take stock of how much we must look within to find the deepest truth of a lyric by finding that thread of truth within ourselves – and then have the courage to let it go – and share it with the audience as a vessel through which the audience could connect. Singing is so much more than hitting the right note – it is the intention behind each note that must come from a true place in order to move anyone. And we are called upon to do this as artists.
Share with us the inspiration behind your most recent single. What triggered the creative process for this specific piece?
My most recent single is a reimagining of “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas. I am first attracted to a song by a great lyric – and an interesting melody that supports the message. Kerry Livgren’s lyric resonated with me as I thought of life’s impermanence and what really matters as we go through our time here. The spiritual nature of “dust to dust.” That all we are is “dust in the wind”.
That we need to remember what is important while we are here. That material things are meaningless at the end of the day – but, that our connections and energy are all that is.
I wanted the production to elicit this sense of “space” – the church bells…the guitar riff…sounds that ring out into the universe removing the physical boundaries we tend to get locked into. All so the listener could take a brief ride into a space of time.
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 hope this record will give the audience a sense of pause. A breath. To remember that we are spiritual beings and to reconnect with self. And to enjoy the melody and message.
How does this track contribute to the overarching narrative or theme of your upcoming album or project?
I am recording a series of “reimagined” songs from that era. This is the fun part – finding the gems to record!
Maintaining creativity and motivation can be challenging. Do you have any rituals or habits that you find instrumental in sustaining your artistic drive?
I need to continually connect with nature. I take time to pause and look into the night sky – or sit at the shore and listen to the rhythm of the waves – and remember how small we really are in the universal scheme of things. And at the same time that we are a part of the whole and our speck of awareness contributes to the immense balance of all things. And in that sense, we are very significant. Our contribution to the whole has immense value.
Do you have any upcoming projects or releases that you’re particularly enthusiastic about? Can you offer any teasers or details?
We have recently recorded basic tracks for 2 singles – I can tell you that they will be “truthful”. and I can’t wait to share them!
LOL
