What is your name?
Sugar Joans
Give us a little bio about you.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sugar Joans is a singer and songwriter whose soul-infused sound merges irresistibly catchy pop with raw and sultry R&B. As the daughter of an accomplished singer, she grew up with music in her bloodline, and started her professional singing career at age 11. Armed with a big voice and an even bigger personality, Sugar has worked in the studio with a variety of ground breaking industry figures such as Pharrell Williams, Harvey Mason Jr., Ludwig Göransson, and Sergio Mendes. Following in her famous father’s footsteps – he recorded “Never Gonna Let You Go” for Mendes – Sugar was recently tapped to lend her powerhouse vocals to the Brazilian legend’s new album with her track “Samba in Heaven”. Sugar’s collaboration with Mendes is in good company on the album “In The Key of Joy”, sitting alongside renowned artists such as Common, Buddy, and Sheléa. Her distinctive and wide-ranging voice has been heard on countless projects over the past few years, including national commercials and television shows, and her many film vocal credits include Trolls 2, Sing, Pitch Perfect 3, and Hairspray. Sugar gained a dedicated national following when she appeared on Season 7 of NBC’s The Voice, where she stood out as a top 12 finalist. A natural born performer with a magnetic stage presence, she has performed live at major venues across the country, including the 2020 Grammy’s, where she supported Billie Eilish, and Coachella’s main stage, where she supported LORDE in 2017.
What made you get into music?
My father is a musician and so is my brother. I grew up in a home surrounded by music and from an early age fell in love with it. I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life almost immediately.
Are you a signed artist?
No, indie
You released your single ‘Perfect,’ tell us more about the single.
To me the song is a quintessential summer feel good track. It’s just a big vibe. When I first heard the beat I freaked out because I was like omg this has such a dope early 2000’s nostalgia to it. We wanted it to be like the 2020 version of ODB and Mariah. I want people to be able to hang by the pool and bbq and chill and bump this song. The world is filled with uncertainty and turmoil right now, and there is nothing like music’s ability to just put a smile on my face when things get tough. It can change my mood immediately and I hope this song does that for people. It’s also a song that celebrates love. We need that right now.
What is the meaning behind ‘Perfect’?
This song is about that beginning of a relationship fairy-tale honeymoon moment. It reminds people to focus on the things that are perfect about your partner, not their imperfections. It’s so easy to get caught up in what you don’t like about someone instead of relishing in the reasons why you got together in the first place. Let’s try to love more.
Describe the track in two words.
SUMMER.ROMANCE
Who did you work with on the single?
This is my first collaboration with Hugh Augustine. Hugh and I actually met in 2012 through mutual friends. We were both born and raised in Los Angeles. I always respected and admired the music he makes. In a music industry inundated by mumble rappers and traps he really stands out because he is truly an incredibly talented MC. I think we really click musically because we are both old souls. There’s a lot of heart and transparency in our music and we don’t put on fronts. We always knew we wanted to work together at some point, it just never was the right time. I had this beat that Shagg and Scoob made and I immediately heard his voice on it, so we got in the studio and it was the most effortless experience. His verse was crazy and it came together perfectly (lol no pun intended).
This is my first collaboration with Hugh Augustine. Hugh and I actually met in 2012 through mutual friends. We were both born and raised in Los Angeles. I always respected and admired the music he makes. In a music industry inundated by mumble rappers and traps he really stands out because he is truly an incredibly talented MC. I think we really click musically because we are both old souls. There’s a lot of heart and transparency in our music and we don’t put on fronts. We always knew we wanted to work together at some point, it just never was the right time. I had this beat that Shagg and Scoob made and I immediately heard his voice on it, so we got in the studio and it was the most effortless experience. His verse was crazy and it came together perfectly (lol no pun intended).
Will we see a music video for the track?
We have one in the works…
Will we see an EP or album and if so, what can we expect?
Yes – an EP coming this fall.
Do you have any online shows coming up?
Sadly no live shows until this pandemic is over
What else can we expect in 2020?
More music!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up and coming artists?
I have some exciting things in the works…you’ll just have to wait and see <3
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? Who would they have to contact?
Yes–always down to collaborate. They can reach out to my management.
Do you play any instruments?
I can play piano a bit – but not enough to play live.
Who are your influences?
As a little girl I vividly remember being obsessed with the album Purple Rain by Prince. I would sit in my room and listen to it on repeat on my boom box. I also was heavily influenced by Destiny’s Child growing up. As well as a lot of old soul and R&B – Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder etc…
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Often I get inspiration from my own life experience. But I also like to add elements of storytelling and fiction – something will happen in my life and it triggers an idea and then I take it to different extremes.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
5 years from now I hope I’m still making music, and creating and evolving. I love what I do and I hope I am lucky enough to call it my career for the rest of my life.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
During this crazy time I have been spending a lot of my downtime reading and going on hikes. I need to keep my mind and body busy or else I go crazy.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to get more into the music scene?
My introduction to Frank Ocean was really life changing. I remember downloading his first EP and playing it nonstop. “Swim Good” and “Novocane” were really important for me.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
That if you can’t handle the word no, get out of this industry. You have to learn to have a thick skin and make music for the love of the art, not for anyone else’s approval.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Listen to your gut. Be true to yourself. Trust yourself. And don’t ask anyone for their opinion.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Timing is everything”
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
I’m from Los Angeles, so I would argue that we have some of the best sushi. Kaystu-ya studio city is my favourite restaurant in the world ☺
Your coming off tour:
1/ Where do you go first? MY BED
2/ Who do you see first? MY DOG
3/What do you eat first? IN-N- OUT
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
I feel like I always forget everything – so as long as I haven’t lost my voice I’m good ☺
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
@sugarjoans on all socials
