Joi – Interview

do you know Joi? If not you need to!

How long has Star Kitty’s Revenge been done?

About a year.

Wow.

(Laughs) I know.

How long have the songs been complete?

The first song I did was “Lick” and then over the course of a year after I made that song the rest just started to flow. I did some songs that didn’t make it because the producers didn’t like them.

What are the beginnings of a song?

It really depends and varies from song to song. Sometimes the melody comes first. Sometimes I only have lyrics first and then we get some inspirations from that. We have no set formula.

The songs seem personal, do those feelings carry over?

I write honestly, I don’t do to well with fiction. I’ve either seen it or done it.

I read the bio and there was a quote about getting critical success, but that you haven’t had the mass success that you want. Do you think because the songs are real that people have a hard time swallowing them today when so much is materialistic?

Uh-huh. I do. But you know I don’t think it’s any different than other stuff that is coming out. I think its more about the label and what they might want to help me with. I think there is stuff out there that is more raw and less entertaining. I think the realness is a frightening variable for the label. They like the more cookie cutter stuff. I’m up to that challenge.

Who are some of your inspirations growing up?

LaBelle, Chaka kan, Sade, Sly, and so many more. That list could go on.

The album has a lot of soul, something a lot of artist claims they are soul singer, but aren’t. I wonder if they ever heard real soul. Or something that was made in the ’90’s that was called soul then and in actuality wasn’t.

(Laughs) That is right.

Do you think part of the problem too is that you don’t fit in the mold of what people think is soul today because your songs are more of a revival?

That’s right. That has a lot to do with it. For me the name of the game is creativity and honesty. That is part of being a good and true artist. I’m all about doing something to inspire somebody’s willingness to empower themselves.

What do you think the biggest problem with music today is?

I think just looking for the financial returns. People will do a whole bunch of anything to get a financial return, and I understand that, hell we all gotta eat. But I think that everyone’s line they are willing to draw for themselves is different. My line is clear but I’ve gone through some blur moments over the course of this project. But still I try to set parameters for what you are willing to do. I’m not comfortable with people saying things about my music, especially saying I took something from someone and didn’t pay homage.

The album is a bit of a roller coaster ride, how important is that ride to you?

It’s got to be a roller coaster ride. Some people do vibe albums where it’s all this one vibe. But I like to take a trip. I like to drive through the trees, go down a hill, pull over for a minute and just keep going. I need more of a journey. When I go back and listen to something in its entirety I want the journey. And if my album doesn’t have that then I didn’t do what I was supposed to do.

Sitting around waiting for the album to be released must have been tough.

Hell yeah, but I’ve been waiting since ’93 so what’s another year, especially when it was important that the album stay the way it was. I was under pressure to make the album more commercial.

I wonder why they want something that we’ll be bored with in a few weeks.

It’s about money. Its about a microwave return, they want the money back quick. Unfortunately the industry isn’t designed anymore for the catalog artist. Some of us make it through and some of us don’t. I don’t think anyone is disputing whether the music is good or not, they know its good.

Is it tough in the business because you want to be a singer and now you have to be five different things? Back in the days your voice made you a star.

It is hard. And then to have to wear so many hats when trying to be an artist, watching the budget, tour manager, publicist and all these things to make sure your record is going to sell. It takes away from your creativity. Its hard, but I’m up for the fight.

Speaking of touring, are you looking forward to getting back on the road?

More than anything else. I think that is my shining area, and my label is finally realizing to get me is to see me. So you’ve got to let me show it to you for you to understand it.

How much has your daughter changed your perspective?

She’s the one who has given me the will to continue to do it. After she was born I was willing, which I never thought I’d be willing to give up singing, but when she was born I was ready to put it all down. If I couldn’t figure out how to sing and take care of her, my choice was simple. But she has been so wonderful and it’s in her soul that keeps me going and has made it so much easier for me.

Does she grasp what you do?

Completely. I was doing shows up to days before I delivered her. She was a bitty-baby and on the road with me on my breast. She’s just always been in it. It’s a part of her life too.

+ charlie craine