Fast Facts About Joy Conaway
Hometown: Detroit, MI and Atlanta, GA
Schoolin' Life: Georgia State University
Twitter: @joyful_sings
Instagram: @joyful_sings
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atjoyfulsings
Sound: Soul mixed with acoustic pop!
Crayon Box Color: Purple, for royalty.
Pat: So tell me a little
about yourself Joy?
Joy: I graduated from GSU last year. My major
was television film production with a minor in history…. NOTHING to do with
music. You know, it’s really weird. IN high school I didn’t know what I wanted
to do. But you know, music doesn’t really pay the bills. Well, I started
editing my own videos, music videos and thought hey I could kinda incorporate
this into what I want to do in life. I love music and I could still learn a
craft that would be helpful down the road.
Pat: So being an actor, I know
that it is hard work to get out there. How has it been for you getting your
brand out there.
Joy: The first lesson and you know what I’m actually
learning it now, not everybody is your friend. I know that sound cliché, but I
would go out to others shows and support and when I needed them to come through
for me that way, they didn’t show up. My whole thing is people aren’t really
against you, but their aren’t for you. They don’t go as hard for
you, as you would for them. And I think that was kind of disappointing,
but I think that really pushed me to just do it for myself.
Pat: You consider yourself
an indie artist?
Joy: I do. I do. Last year I started calling myself that. People were
like, “If you’re don’t want to be an artist then what are you doing?” But
I didn’t want the responsibility of the artistry, because when you’re an artist
there’s an expectation of a look and I just wanted to be Joy. But that's not
it, that's not even. I think I was just being kind of lazy before and now I'm
focused.
Pat: How has that been?
Building that image and finding out who Joy is?
Joy: Well, my mom always shopped at thrift stores. Being an indie
artist…obviously you don't have any money, so as far as my look, the thrift
store is my friend. As far as trying to be high fashion in my look and do these
heels, that wasn’t for me. I more comfortable in a vintage, classic, chill
vibe. I think that comes across in my music and presentation. Folks were like,
“Well your already short, so you should wear heels.” I’m like, “Ain’t
nobody getting in anybody’s heels to trip.” That’s not the idea I have for my
life. Finding the look wasn’t hard, but maintaining the look has been a
challenge.
Pat: So your confident in
your artistry and your image, now comes the music. Can you talk a little about
your song writing process? I’d love to talk about Deepest Fear.
Joy: The song writing process. That’s probably my biggest
struggle and insecurity. You don’t know if people are going to like it. If
people attack it, it feels like they are attacking you. The first song I wrote,
“Finally” was a mini anthem for me. I wrote it and recorded it, and I remember
releasing it on Sound Cloud and my hands were shaking and I did not want to
click submit. If someone doesn’t like your outfit, you get over it. When they
don’t like your music that’s hard. Deepest Fear...actually, Tyrone J wrote that.
All of it, and it’s amazing and I wanted to sing that.
But my songwriting process is something that I
need to grow on. I’m afraid, but I’m going to take the chance. It’s really
homework that I need to do. You're not gonna get better unless you do it.
That's something that I have to challenge myself to do.
Pat: So musically, who are
your inspirations?
Joy: I’m trying to think of the CD’s I have in my car. Artist
that have influenced my sound? Well.... John Legend, Rascal Flatts, Katy Perry,
Whitney Houston, Keeyen Martin, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé (that's kind of a
given...), Doug Whatley, EWF, Jayh, Prince, Norah Jones, Jade Novah, The Clark
Sisters, Frank Ocean, Brik Liam, India Shawn, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, The
Temptations.... just to name a few.
I definitely enjoy Janelle Monae because she's
chill. She's not going to be in the 8-inch heel all the time. She does and
wears what she wants. I love that.
Pat: What’s down the road?
Artistic goals?
Joy: I had this conversation with God and asked him to surround me with
good people. I wanted something that was reachable for me. I’m not looking to
jump through hoops. I love singing and I love kids, so I'm trying to put those
two together. Singing for a children’s hospital or a cancer ward. I’m looking
to connect with places in the area. There are definitely a lot of broken
people, but music can heal. People going through cancer or depression need
something. Sometimes you can't get to church and sometimes...church can't get
to you, but music can.
Listen to Joy on Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/joyful_sings
Or, purchase Joy's newest single, Deepest Fear on iTunes HERE.
There's always enough black to go around,
Pat
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