FEATURE

JOYLISSA IS BRINGING US ALL HOME JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Published on December 7, 2020

Singer/songwriter Joylissa is back on the music charts with her latest single entitled, HOME, which is a collection of memories painted through her beautiful lyrics that make us all miss our youth, but also remember where we all came from.

We spoke to Joylissa about her latest hit, which has been a top streaming classic this holiday season, and about her career in music as a breakout artist…

What do you feel separates your music from others out there in your same genre?

Music has always been a form of therapy for me. I never felt truly understood until I started writing songs and sharing them with those around me. My goal as a musician is to write honestly so that those who are going through the same thing know that they are not alone. I also think it’s important for art to be able to be understood and experienced in a way that we enjoy it and remember it. So if you like a catchy tune with meaning, I’m your gal!

How did you decide on which genre and type of music you wanted to create?

I think it all really started with learning how to play guitar. I write some songs on the piano, but I primarily write and perform with my acoustic. As a rather moody teenager, I gravitated toward singer/songwriters that wrote about deeper concepts, but being a child of the 1990’s and early 2000’s I also loved pop music so my genre is a combination of the two!

Which artists inspire you?

I grew up listening to Stevie Nicks, Death Cab for Cutie, Jewel, Coldplay and, I’m only partially ashamed to say, a plethora of boy bands. These artists and others like them have greatly impacted me as an artist.

How has social media and streaming platforms changed the music scene today?

In some ways, it makes being an independent musician harder and in some ways easier. It can be life-giving to be able to promote myself and get my music out to people’s ears without a label but on the other hand, it also means that I have to wear a lot of hats. I am a musician, music marketer, CEO, artistic director, and everything in between. The way to having a successful career isn’t nearly as straightforward but there is a lot more freedom.

Tell us about your latest single HOME and what it is all about?

I wrote “Home” in my childhood bedroom while visiting my hometown of Pullman, Washington. My entire childhood was spent in the same town, the same house and I even always had the same bedroom. My first understanding of the world was built there. This song is a tribute to the place and the people that shaped who I have become.

What have you gained as an artist during this strange COVID-19 period?

This time has allowed me to really figure out what matters to me. When the world becomes nearly unrecognizable, what do I still have? While there were times I got anxious or stressed, I really tried to take advantage of the downtime to look within myself and see what was really going on as well as connect with family and friends.

What would your ultimate dream gig be?

That’s a tough question! Right now I think I just really want to be able to get back to playing live shows where I can actually connect with my audience afterward and chat about what the music stirred up within them. So I think almost any gig where I can connect with people is what I hope for!

If you could perform with one artist dead or alive, who would it be?

Performing with Stevie Nicks, Brandon Gibbard, or Ingrid Michaelson would be a dream come true!

What is your final advice to other artists out there trying to make it?

Your art won’t be liked by everyone so remember, you create for your fans and forget about the others.