There's ALWAYS enough black to go around! The many lives, loves and legends of artists of color! From the page to the stage, let us live and support our art! #artsupportsart
Issa Rae Productions...the mastermind behind the hilarious series, The Mis-Adventures of an Awkward Black Girl brings us a new web series from the mind of creator Jahmela Briggs, FIRST.
Issa Rae Productions describes FIRST as, "A modern day Love Jones, documenting the milestones of dating." Well, I couldn't agree more as I watch Robin (played by creator Jahmela Biggs) and Charlie (Will Catlett) navigate each episode which captures each unique "first" experience: the first call, the first awkward moment, the first talk. Each episode is filled with nuances and moments that make you smile from memories, laugh from your experiences and try to forget your mistakes. Biggs and Catlett, successfully create a perfect duo navigating this new journey. Only in it's first season, FIRST leaves the audience wondering exactly what will happen with this couple that seems just too good to be true.
#artsupportsart
So take a moment to visit Issa Rae Productions on YouTube and experience the beauty of, FIRST.
Joy is an up and coming independent artist based in Atlanta, GA. We met through a mutual friend in the business, my talented fraternity brother and singer/songwriter Tyrone J. Joy and I instantly hit it off. Her sparkling personality mixed with her gorgeous voice makes this beautiful songstress a breath of fresh air to the indie music scene in Atlanta. 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: 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.
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.
I met Keeyen in the halls of the Morehouse College music
department. A gifted singer and songwriter, Keeyen has hit the ground running
in Atlanta since graduating from Morehouse, stretching his music beyond the
black Mecca to listeners across the country.
Hometown: Charlotte,
NC
Schoolin' Life: Morehouse College Crayon Box Color: Macaroni
& Cheese
Keeyen: I’m originally from Charlotte, NC. I was introduced to music
at about 2 or 3 and took to singing pretty quickly. My love for music was
further cultivated all through my childhood through choir and soloing and
playing piano. My father’s side of the family is VERY musically inclined. I
guess you can say my first professional experience was my junior year in high
school. I was exposed to Donald Lawrence of the Tri City Singers and a few
other gospel artists and singers. Then, I decided to move to Atlanta,
specifically for music but also for Morehouse. There’s been a lot of great
opportunities for me singing professionally and writing for well known artists.
Now, as a graduate of Morehouse it has warranted many opportunities for me. I
vocal coach professionally and perform music full time, which is really really
amazing.
Pat: You’ve had the
opportunity to work with the Atlanta Music Project.
Keeyen: The Atlanta Music Project is a social change program that tries to empower young scholars to
use music as a change agent. The program seeks to influence them academically,
socially and musically. I was introduced to AMP by the co-founder Aisha Bowden
during my Music Seminar at Morehouse. I was interested and applied to every
open position. They had a position for a woodwind conductor and I even applied
for that, and I don’t play woodwinds. At my interview, Aisha said,“You applied to everything” and I was like,
“Yeah, I knew that someone had to meet
me.” I was hired as a side assistant, which was great. Basically, we did
everything from teaching to mentoring. It was such a great experience. AMP is
based out of Ivy Preparatory Academy, which caters to a lot of families in the
Decatur area, low-income families who would probably not get this type of
exposure to music. One of the best things for me was coming to the school,
working with the kids and seeing their growth. By the end of the year, these kids
could sight read! They could read rhythms and knew what repertoire is…it was
just really fun. I’ve always been attracted to various programs that reach out
to youth, especially that are in the performing arts that really empower young
people beyond just cultivating their talents.
Pat: So how has your
transition been from your artistry as a student to an independent artist in
Atlanta?
Keeyen: It’s been both a challenge and a learning experience. I
think that a lot of times when we look at challenges, we are sort of ‘over it’
and are ready for the success to happen. For me, at Morehouse I always had a
huge function to build my brand beyond
the AUC (Atlanta University Center). There were so many people [professionals] doing what we [student musicians] were doing and I knew it was vital to make a
connection to them. By my sophomore year that’s when I began to make the shift
and started to become acquainted with the Atlanta music scene, which made my
transition as a young professional artist a lot easier. What was really cool
was to be welcomed and received by these Atlanta artists now, because I
connected with them when I was a student.
The one challenge I’ve had has been with stopping myself
from getting overwhelmed with the reality of the city where almost everyone is
an artist. I had to rest on the fact that I had my own gifts and talents and as
long as I focused on them, they would speak for themselves. I’ve allowed myself
to not be intimidated and have been holding fast to who I am and what I do;
it’s allowed me to be pretty successful. No one can share your gift the way you
can.
Pat: So you recently came
out with your newest single, #DiveN2Luv.
Can you talk to a little bit about your song writing process?
Keeyen: I was always that kid that enjoyed telling stories based off
of whatever writing prompts we had in school. I started writing songs when I
was about eleven or twelve and I wanted a stranger to literally see what I was
writing or singing about. With #DiveN2Luv, I wanted it to capture two things
that were important to me: I wanted to become a commercially successful artist.
That being said, I knew that the song should be something catchy, that is
simple and radio friendly, but because I’m quite lyrical I also sought to paint
a picture of this love affair. The other half was rooted in my love for music
from the 60’s. The swing, the snap, how they dress…I wanted all of that in
that. What I love about songs is that a lot of times we don’t always remember
all the lyrics, but it’s that hook….that’s the part they remember. So I try to
bridge or marriage the depth of who I am with my passion to create music that
reaches people and they can sing along with me.
Pat: What are big things
on the horizon?
Keeyen: Certainly, really making my stamp as a recording artist,
which I guess is interesting because I technically am. But when I think of a
recording artist, I think of someone who is constantly recording and has a body
of music. Some people will say, “Oh I’m a recording artist,” but I’m like,
“Sweet heart you don’t have anything beyond your city…wait a minute someone’s
not telling the truth.” Before #DiveN2Luv,
I released a mixtape while I was at Morehouse and it was received really really
well. From having such great response people are asking if I am putting out an
album or an EP and I’m like no and no. I’ve learned to enjoy the journey and
not release my product until I feel that it’s time. You’re the person that is
refining it and cultivating it. I want to take the time to build my original
catalog. I have songs for days…but there’s a lot that I still need to record
and clean up. I want whatever I release to be the most polished product of
Keeyen Martin that I can. I just want to release music to let people know that
I have original music that’s great beyond just a few singles.
As some of you may or may not know, I'm currently working at Florida Studio Theatre, located in Sarasota, FL as the WRITE A PLAY Program Coordinator and an Education Associate Artist. Looking past the big title, my main responsibilities are to oversee and run our touring and outreach programming. As a teaching artist, I lead various workshops and help with other outreach initiatives. I can also be seen on stage as a cast member of FST Improv on the weekends. My job is great, I love working here, but after living, learning, growing and working in Sarasota, for two years as an intern/apprentice and then finally transitioning to a full time staff member with very little time to vacation and/or take time away from work, I was in serious need of a recharge.
I found myself stressing over every little thing and was emotionally overwhelmed at work and outside of the office. Coming from my journeys in Atlanta at Morehouse and attending a pretty diverse high school, I must admit being one of the few brown crayons in the box at work became exhausting. I longed for social interaction with people that knew my short hand, that shared cultural, social and experiential similarities and most of all...I wanted some really really good food.
So this past weekend, I made a weekend vacation to my 2nd hometown, Atlanta, GA. I happened to schedule my trip the same weekend of commencement for my beloved Alma Mater, Morehouse College and the equally amazing Spelman College. I socialized, laughed, reminisced and boy oh boy did I stuff my stomach with the tasty delights that the southern Mecca is known for. It was a much needed refresher to reconnect with some of my friends and fraternity brothers that have stayed in the area.
I say all of this to say that sometimes we need that refresher, that recharge, that sharpening. Turn that crayon box around and use the sharpener in the back! What invigorates you? Who is your "person"? (Sorry...I watched the Grey's Anatomy Season Finale and am still living from it!) If you find yourself stressing and completely removed from what makes you tick, it may be time to take a moment and just sit. Relax and Recharge. My remedy was a weekend refresher. Yours may be too or it may just be completely unplugging from the world. Taking a day to go on a nature hike. Having a spa day. Whatever it is....DO IT. Don't be afraid to treat yourself....every now and then. As long as it doesn't break the bank :-)
I first saw Joy Brunson on stage at Spelman College in a production of The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe. We became friends shortly there after and even got to share the stage under the direction of Jasmine Guy in the stage adaptation of The Bluest Eye.
Fast Facts about Joy Brunson
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Schoolin' Life: Spelman College
Crayon Box Color: Sunset Yellow
Website: www.joybrunson.com
Twitter: @JoyBrunson
Instagram: Jojomcnair
Joy resides in Los Angeles, CA living, creating and dreaming. Since our time in college, Joy's grown into a powerful actor, activist and already phenomenal woman. Always churning out new ideas and platforms, I was excited to catch up with my friend and sister in the arts.
Pat: Who is Joy B?
Joy: Um…[it depends] on the day…
but today I would say that I am Joy Brunson. I am an “Actor-prenuer”, I’m an
artist and I create platforms, specifically for women— specifically for woman
of the African diaspora to grow and live and learn more about themselves in
every way.
Pat: What’s an Actor-preneur?
Joy: I think it’s all
encompassing because acting is my main priority and my main passion but I really
really do love creating platforms, like I said. So when people ask me, instead
of saying well, “oh I run a non profit and oh I write on the side and oh I also
have a vegan web show…when people ask me what do you do? I can just say I’m an Actor-preneur.
Someone told me that one day, “Oh you’re an Actor-preneur” and I liked that!
So, it’s a conversation starter and it’s also all encompassing
Pat: You should put that at the bottom of your resume! So
as far as acting is concerned, what coming up?
Joy: Coming up? Goodness…I
honestly will know something within in the week. Since moving to LA, it’s been
more about getting settled into the city and meeting casting directors and
that’s been great. This last pilot season I went out for a lot of things. I
have not booked yet, but to be in that
caliber, to be I that room to be, you know, going up against working actors—because
there are so few of us, black women working actors—I know that I am just
inching closer. But I am working on my one-woman show, so personally that’s my next biggest goal.
Pat: A one-woman show? Tell me More?
Joy: It’s called “Inner Joy.” Subtitle
is TBD, but it’s called “Inner Joy.” I’ve been working on a one-woman show for
years, honestly. I’ve always been hesitant because not only am I performing it,
but I’ve chosen to write it, so it’s like two ways in which I could have viewed
people judging me. But now I see it as me needing to get this work out to be
creative and to be artistic and to spread what I feel are important messages.
They [the characters] are all women. They span time and location and they are
all talking about different ways they have found peace. For some of them it’s
because they were gay and didn’t know how to come out and for some it’s because
they lost children in the earthquake in Haiti and one is because…um…Well, I
guess two are about lesbians actually when I think about it! (laughs). One is a young girl who is
kinda pan-African but I’ve put it into a voice of a nine-year-old and what we
teach our children about sexism and colorism, but in a fun, creative nine-year-old
way. It’s all women trying to figure out who they are and the process helped me
figure the woman I’m becoming.
Pat: I want to talk about Get Rooted!
Joy: I was hesitant about it,
because I’m very particular about how I come off or at least I try to be. Umm
as someone who’s like, “Oh I’m vegan and therefore I am here and you are there”—and
I think that sometimes veganism comes off like that—people kinda condemn people
for their choices. I personally don’t care what you do with your body, but I
find that especially in our community a lot of people are interested more and
more in weight and health and what goes into their body. And I feel that
veganism is a perfect way to find that. Also, being from the south, I’m not a
life-long vegan. I was raised on meat and I understand how it tastes, but for
me I like to know very specifically where my food comes from and then I’m able
to make that choice. If I know it comes a factory and I still want to eat it,
then cool. A lot of times in the African-American community we sit down at the table,
cover our food in hot sauce, and we don’t question how far back it went before
the grocery store, we don’t care as long as it’s on discount. I think for any
community, especially for the black community in order to repair this tear in
our cultural fabric, we have to start from the inside out.
I didn’t want to make
another vegan cooking show. I wanted to know that it happens, and everyone has
a different definition of it. Our last episode, we had young people who are
artists [and vegan]. One eats fish, but she considers herself vegan. Another is
dietary vegan, but he has no problem wearing leather. It’s what you make it,
you know, but the point for me is to be in control over your food.
Pat: Now, you also have non-profit organization under your
“Actor-preneurial” umbrella, Tee2Tea?
Joy: Well, Tee2Tea is a golf
mentorship organization where we use the game of golf to teach principles of
life. So…commitment, dedication, accountability for young minority girls 8-18.
First off, we do not discriminate [against] any sweet little Caucasian babies.
It’s so interesting that when an organization [is] for a specific group, people
are focusing on what it’s not. This
is not anti-white org, this is not a anti-male org, it just happens to be an
org for minority, mostly Black mostly Hispanic young girls.
We make the game of golf
affordable and accessible. In the inner city, there are no golf courses. Not
only is the game of golf, different and unique but it can open doors…it opened
doors for me. When people find out that you can play golf, they look at you
differently. Men, especially white men, people in power places look at you
differently to be able to step outside of what is considered “normal” for a
young black girl and say, “No, I know how to do this” is really beneficial.
We have summer camps and are
working on having another golf tournament. We also have what is called “High
Tee,” which is just mentorship. The girls go through etiquette class and
self-empowerment class, because I didn’t want just another organization that
taught a sport. Those organizations are great, but for me, I wanted to make
well-rounded individuals and young women that will contribute to society. It’s
still very new, but I have lots of dreams for Tee2Tea. I hope it can be a full-fledged
program that lives on it’s own, where girls can come and grow after school and
during the summer.
Pat: I’m a web series fanatic, so I was so exited when on
saw you on YELLOW.
Joy:(laughs)
It is so crazy to me because I feel like I’ve done other stuff but it seems
like yellow has been the thing that my friends like the most. Honestly, that’s
why I did it. They [BLACKandSEXYTV] have a following and they do good work and
I had so much fun.
Pat: Speaking of film and TV, what’s your stance on black
women in the media. How do you feel about “Lupita” fever?
Joy: I don’t know what it is, but
where there’s this hit black person, you
become that. As soon as she started
becoming popular, I had quite a few people saying that I remind them of her and
I’m like NOOOOO. We’re just similar colors, but we are very different. It’s
like “oh, there’s a black dark skin girl…” But in the same vein I’m like,
“There’s a black dark skin girl and I get to be like her!” That is a very beautiful thing. As far as black women in
the media, I think things are beginning to change and I’m very excited about
it. There’s still healthy competition and there still are inner circles, but I
think that’s just more human nature than anything else. Overall, I’ve seen
black women act very professional toward each other. They may not be friends or
acting chummy, but I’ve never seen them mean or try to cut them down, which is
great. There is sisterhood and I’m still finding that and not necessarily in
the black community, which has surprised me. Some of my closest friends in
California aren’t black, but they have been incredibly supportive. I had to
kinda take a step back because I’m used to Atlanta and being around beautiful
strong black women. This person isn’t black but they believe and support me and
have my best interest at heart. The women, the female community has been good
to me, right now. Did I answer you question?
Pat: Finally…what’s your vision down the line?
Joy: Well, like I said my biggest
thing is my one-woman show. I want to continue theatre out here and continue to
build my brand. If I say I’m going to be here and work here, I need to start
planting seeds here. I think God gives us gifts and if you don’t nurture them, they will go away. So I’m working on growth as an actor right now. But hey talk to
me in a few months and I may be on a project!
#artsupportsart
Keep up with Joy and all of
her “Actor-preneurial” adventures at www.joybrunson.com
and check out Get Rooted on Youtube!
Issa Rae Productions describes FIRST as, "A modern day Love Jones, documenting the milestones of dating." Well, I couldn't agree more as I watch Robin (played by creator Jahmela Biggs) and Charlie (Will Catlett) navigate each episode which captures each unique "first" experience: the first call, the first awkward moment, the first talk. Each episode is filled with nuances and moments that make you smile from memories, laugh from your experiences and try to forget your mistakes. Biggs and Catlett, successfully create a perfect duo navigating this new journey. Only in it's first season, FIRST leaves the audience wondering exactly what will happen with this couple that seems just too good to be true.
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