What is your name?
JoAnna Lee.
What is your genre of music?
Well, my music is sorted into Pop Singer/Songwriter, but i am a mix bag of Country, Soul & Pop.
Give us a little bio about you.
Well I grew up in a musical family. My Grandmother played Piano and my Grandfather played Harmonica, I always say thats how i learned to play from the heart. I performed for the first time at a very young age. I did allot of growing up and found the urge to move to Austin Texas, to further my career and try to be heard. It took a while but eventually I found musical doors opening for me as I found my voice. Then I started meeting the people who i have worked with until this day to create my music and now we are ready.
What made you go in to music?
My Family, for sure.
Are you a signed?
Yes, I’m signed to Cutmore Records.
Tell us more about your new DEBUT SINGLE ‘The Real Thing’
I wrote The Real Thing right after I moved to Austin. It was inspired by a new romance I had, an as always with new love it always crosses everyone’s mind at some point (especially during the honeymoon phase) could this be the real thing?
What was the writing process like?
I find the writing process very easy and enjoyable. at this point in my life i feel i have allot to give & allot to say.
What was the recording process like?
To be honest I’m not the biggest fan of the recording process, it wasn’t super easy. Even working with some great producers on this project, they all had their own way of doing things. Going into this never have recorded anything before and Between feeling intimidated by the pressure of getting things right in a timely matter as well as contact lay second guessing myself on my vocals overall it was a very uncomfortable experience. The writing process is much more natural to me.
You also shot a video, what was that like?
I had a great time recording this video, not only did I get to film it in my hometown of Bend, Oregon; i was able to work with one of my favourite local videographers Tim Cash.
Your album ‘So Free’ is set to release September 22nd, what can you tell us about it?
So Free begins with my song “Sunshine” which happens to be the first song I ever wrote. I thought it was only appropriate to start with the song that started it all.
It then proceeds with a mixture of songs inspired by different relationships I have had like; “Who Do You Think I Am” which touches on the subject of never settling for anything less than you deserve, while “Cuddle Buddy” is my cute proclamation that maybe a relationship isn’t just the thing you need. I fell so Free has a good mix of all the different notions of love and lack thereof.
Describe each track in 2 words.
Oh my, here goes,
Sunshine – So Fine
So Free – Be You
Cuddle Buddy – Mmm Hugs
Always On My Mind – Reassuring Love
Who Do You Think I Am – Bouncy, Strong
Back To You – Campfire Love
The Real Thing – Instant Attraction
Drinking By Myself – Drink Responsibly
Haven’t Thought About Me – Moving On
Forever In My Heart – Quiet Closer
Do you have any gigs or tours coming up?
Yes i do.
If so where will you be heading?
Iv got a short visit to the UK at the end of July to coincide with my single release. I also have a headliner show booked in Dubai as well as performing locally in the states.
Do you play any instruments?
I play Guitar
Who are your influences?
I have many influences. My parents were major influences in my younger life, they are both musicians as well and really helped pave the way for my songwriting. Other influences include all soul/R&B singer/songwriter/musicians… Any music that has a way of striking a chord within you has always influenced my sound and writing.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
My mom… I never stop asking her for help when I get stumped on a song, I know she can always pull me away from any block that might be clouding the way. And Stevie wonder, he has a way of being super straight forward with his writing and messages. Songwriting has many art forms, my favourite kind to write, is when you don’t have to rake through the words just to figure out the message, and the true art is the creation of the melodies and how they carry the words to connect you to the song.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
In 5 years I hope to be releasing my 3rd album, seeing and performing in more parts of the world and just living life sharing with others what I love doing most.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Relax with friends or family. Most of my time is spent on music so i use my free time to keep in touch with loved ones.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
I don’t really have a specific song that influenced that decision. If anything hearing some of the really artificial auto tuned songs that were being released and put on radio influenced my decision. I want to be able to help keep the raw organic sound alive, it’s something I really feel our youth need to be exposed to.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
To be myself and always follow my heart. As cliche as it sounds… In the world we live in and a society that we can easily be influenced by, the best thing you can ever do is BE YOU and follow what your heart tells you to do then you’re bound to not have no major regrets.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Stay focused on what truly draws you to your art… practice not listening to the negatives and don’t be afraid of believing in the endless possibilities.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Never sweat the small stuff”. I easily tend to get caught up in my head and worry about tomorrow when really life is too short for that. Being focused on the now, and taking things day by day is really something I’ve been trying to live by.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
I think go see a JoAnna Lee show. 😉
Your straight off tour;
1/ where do you go? To my king size bed to cuddle with my dog Tempo.
1/ where do you go? To my king size bed to cuddle with my dog Tempo.
2/ who do you see? Friends and family… They are very important to me.
3/what do you eat? Salad, fruits and veggies and a nice home cooked meal. Traveling and on the go can really push you out of your normal routine and sometimes you are forced to not eat what you’d normally eat… Getting back into my balance and routine always feels good.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
- My guitar
- To smile
- Deep breaths
- the lyrics to my own songs…ha
- Topochico… Its my favorite drink 🙂
If you had to give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Be patient. I was always in a hurry to grow up…And wanted everything to happen instantly, sometimes it’s better to go at a pace where you can take a second to really enjoy what’s happening and surrounding you in that moment in time.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
You can follow me on Twitter , or you can like my Facebook page
