What is your name?
Alyssa Joseph
What is your genre of music?
alternative singer/songwriter – sadgirl with a grungey twist
Give us a little bio about you.
Alyssa Joseph is a singer/songwriter hailing from Philadelphia, PA. her electrified, calculated guitar playing, paired with her passionate, raw vocals create grungey sadgirl tunes that draw influence from Big Thief, boy genius, and Daughter.
What made you go into music?
music has always been a big part of my family. my older brother has special needs, and we’re always watching Disney movies and singing along with him. I started dance, theatre, and playing piano all in third grade. I grew up doing theatre. I always liked being on stage. it just took a few years to figure out what I liked doing on stage. I started writing songs, and then picked up a guitar, and then it all just went from there!
Are you signed?
nope!
You have released your new single ‘leaning,’ tell us more about the single.
the single is coming out friday, july 12th!! it’s a picture of where I’ve been in my life for the past few years.
What is the meaning behind the single?
well, I graduated from college and moved home with my parents. and I felt pressure for leaning on my parents – not so much from them – but from their friends or family friends or other adults like “why doesn’t she have a real job?” “she just got a degree and she’s not pursuing a 9-5” “she should move out! why is a 25 year old living in her childhood home?” etc. I could feel that pressure from other people and also myself. this song is about growing up and having to lean on my support system. it’s about screwing up and not having all the answers but confronting the obstacles of adulthood head-on anyway. even if I’m in debt and they told us everyone would be. even if I’m ordinary even though I was told I was special. even if I make mistakes along the way when I’m supposed to be perfect. I can lean on my support system. that’s why you have one.
So this song is just about me navigating my way through adulthood and trying to figure it all out,letting other people know that it’s okay to not have all the answers. and it’s okay to not be able to do it all on your own. we are alone, but we’re alone together.
Describe the track in two words.
personal growth
What was the writing process like?
weird. and amazing. it was stop and go. there were parts that were so sudden, they would hit me when I was driving and I’d record the lyrics and melody quickly on my phone. but there were days, even weeks in between those sporadic moments.
What was the recording process like?
very cool! we recorded all the basic tracks live, so drums, bass, and guitar. then we went back and recorded lead vocals and guitar overdubs.
Who did you work with on the single?
Ryan O’Grady. Henry Merker. Rish Singh.
Will we see a music video for the track?
not unless someone wants to fund it 😛
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect?
we will be seeing an album… 🙂 there isn’t a set date yet. we’re getting close to finishing the recording process.
Do you have any shows coming up?
we’ve got a single release show in Philly!! Saturday, July 13th at a really cool art gallery. it’s going to be a night filled with new and old friends and a lot of art made by a lot of stellar women.I’m also embarking on a northeastern tour! stay tuned for dates!
If so where will you be heading?
we’re headed up to Maine! we’ll be hitting Philly, New York, Providence, Boston, Portland, and a few other cities.
What else can we expect in 2019?
I am moving to Nashville at the end of July! and then tour at the beginning of September! as for the rest of 2019, I’m currently figuring that out.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
I do not! but I love the idea and think that could be really cool.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact? I love collaborations! Two or three heads are better than one 🙂 they could just hit me up! alyssajosephmusic@gmail.com
Do you play any instruments?
I’m mostly a singer, but I also play electric guitar. I dabble in piano, ukulele, and other random things.
Who are your influences?
Oh so many!! I love Big Thief. I’ve been a Daughter fan for a long time now. Andy Hull from Manchester Orchestra and Conor Oberst have been songwriters I’ve looked up to since high school. I also love boygenius and all of those individual artists.
Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?
hopefully I’ll have the privilege of still sharing my music with people and connecting over this human experience through my songs 🙂
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I’ve got a lot of great friends who I love spending time with. I’m a big family person. I also love hiking and hitting up local coffee shops and music stores. I love volunteering and planting things.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
“Bohemian Rhapsody” changed my life when I heard it for the first time in eighth grade. I remember that moment well.
I also always loved the Dixie Chicks. I used to sing “Traveling Soldier” in my room as a kid on repeat and cry and just be so taken aback that a song could move me in such a way.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
fake it til you make it!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
find yourself. discover who you really are. and then confidently be that person, that artist, that performer. I did a lot of work to figure out who I wanted to be and then be confident enough to actually be that person.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“this is temporary” – my best friend always tells me that when I’m going through a hard time. sometimes, you just need reminding.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
well, all of Jersey is made up of shopping centers, so the Ritz shopping center! there’s a Pancheros and Tunes – a record store. what else could you want?
You’re coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? my bed
2/ Who do you see first? my momma and my doggo 🙂
3/What do you eat first? I’d probably make my favorite zucchini and pasta dish 🙂
When you are at a gig, what are the 5 things you cannot forget?
I try to remember to bring my pedalboard, but sometimes I forget :P. I always thank the people I play with, the place I play at, and the people who take the time to listen to me. also, I never forget where the bar and the bathroom are.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Website
Janice
July 3, 2019 at 1:05 am
Wow! So great to find a truly Genuine, caring person who has the talent to “be real” and connect the dots to inspire others. Alyssa can take life’s ordinary moments and move you so you see a different perspective. Her passion ignites creativity and authenticity. Her lyric, unique sultry voice transport all who listen.