Joanna What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in music initially? Was there a specific moment or experience that fueled your passion?
I began singing in my church choir when I was almost 5 and started playing flute, oboe and piano in grade school. I was passionate about music and as a kid I had secret dreams of singing on broadway. I began writing music when I was a pretty young, then poetry as a teenager, but when I was 20, I finally decided to learn guitar so that I could become a songwriter and accompany myself.
At that time, I was listening to a lot of classic rock and was inspired by the music that shaped that generation. Over the next years, I became more comfortable on the guitar and started writing my earliest songs. Finally, I found the courage to start perform my music publicly.
I explored a number of different career paths – Anthropology, Massage Therapy, Herbalism and raising my family. Through this time, I suffered some health set backs that forced me to end my massage practice. This was when I realized that my deepest passion and love is my music. I had kept that side of myself hidden for too many years, but this health crisis brought me back home to myself and reinvigorated my passion and commitment to pursuing my 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 call my music “Nouveau Blues.” It’s a blending of Blues-Jazz-Americana influences that shape the music I write, a blending genres and styles that I incorporate in my sound.
As a child mostly studied classical music. As a teenager I started listening to classic rock – Jimi Hendrix, Beatles, Zeppelin – Robert Plant’s singing really influenced my early vocal style. Then I realized the music of that era had been inspired by the Blues and Jazz artists of the early 1900s. I fell in love with Billie Holliday – her vocal quality and telling of story in song spoke to my heart and made me want to sing my own songs. Ella Fitzgerald and Big Mama Thornton became huge influences on my songwriting and singing.
Share with us the inspiration behind your most recent single. What triggered the creative process for this specific piece?
My most recent release is called Rainy Day, from my Plenty Of Nothin’ To Do album. It was a rainy afternoon when I started writing this song with my co-writer, Ken Orsow. We were in the middle of Covid lock-down so we were bouncing ideas back and forth over the phone.
It was raining outside and we wanted to write a blues song about losing love and the rain, but the song took a different turn. Instead of speaking to pain, rain became a metaphor for love and loving. “You’re my rainy day. Take my blues away. Let’s just sit here, warm by the fire. Make me feel aright…”
Living in a region that is prone to severe drought and wildfires, the falling rain fills me with happiness. Although created during the time of Covid isolation, Rainy Day speaks to love and connection and a sense of finally coming home. For many years my husband and I and our child lived in some very beautiful places in the remote forests of Oregon. Rainy Day reminds of those mornings – the rain falling on the cabin, my sweet-heart beside me and feeling incredibly thankful for being alive.
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?
Rainy Day is just a sweet love song. It has a mellow, happy feel and is easy to sing along with. I think this song will resonate with anyone who has known that place of love and comfort with another or is reaching out to find that special person.
When people listen to this song, I hope for people to experience a feeling of gratitude for the love they have in their lives and inspire people to hold dear the ones they love and to love them deeply.
There is so much difficulty and pain in this world, this song is simple reminder to keep loving through it all.
How does this track contribute to the overarching narrative or theme of your upcoming album or project?
Rainy Day is the 4th release from my recent album, Plenty Of Nothin’ To Do. It’s a counter balance to some of the more emotionally intense songs on the album. The overarching narrative of the album is love – love that is lost, unrequited and jealous, love that is passionate and enduring. Rainy Day is about the love that endures and feels like coming home.
Maintaining creativity and motivation can be challenging. Do you have any rituals or habits that you find instrumental in sustaining your artistic drive?
Time and space are the most important elements in feeding me creatively. I need a safe space where I can dive within myself to create and explore. When I go into my music room, it’s usually night. I turn the lights down low – just some string lights, to set a more dream-like mood, then I go exploring. I write down any thoughts or ideas . I try not to censure what come out. I pick up my guitar and play different chord progressions just to see where where the music wants to take me.
My ritual is pretty simply – create safe space to let myself be vulnerable in the creative process.
Do you have any upcoming projects or releases that you’re particularly enthusiastic about? Can you offer any teasers or details?
I’m so excited – after releasing 4 tracks this past year, my full album – Plenty Of Nothin’ To Do, will be released on May 7, 2024. With the entire album out, you’ll really be able to hear the diverse styles of music that I draw from. You’ll also get the opportunity to hear the amazing talents of my studio backing band. These musicians are dear friends of my co-writer, Ken Orsow, all located in LA. They have been essential in creating the nuanced feel of this music. They’ve created an incredible soundscape for my vocals to swim in.
A really playful tune – Sit Down Daddy, highlights some of the band’s skillful playing. It’s a song about unrequited love, but has a fun, swing jazz feel to it that I think listeners will enjoy.
In the coming year, I’m performing my solo, duo and full band shows (Jen Ambrose & The Mystics). Plus, I’m writing new music so I’ll be back in the studio laying down tracks. I love being in studio!
For folks in iTunes and Apple Music, I have the link for the pre-order of Plenty Of Nothin’ To Do
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1739030943
I want to thank all the good people at Biz Connekt for your generous support of Indie artists and creating a platform for musicians, like myself, to share a little bit about our music.
Keep the Flame Alive!!
