Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Brown.
Joy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been a professional musician for over 20 years. I moved from Pittsburgh, Pa to Atlanta in 2015 to pursue this musical journey on a new level. I’ve played with countless bands and music groups back in Pittsburgh. I worked in recording studios, I’ve done busking on the streets of Pittsburgh as well as on the streets of Philly, New York, Baltimore, Ashville, NC, New Orleans, Miami, and Atlanta. For those who do not know, “busking” is another way to say performing outside on the street. I love playing in the street.
My first instrument was the piano at age seven. I love piano, but when I picked up the bass 10 years ago, I found out what real love was. My purpose of getting into music was to write songs that people can relate to. I wanted to do to audiences what my favorite songs did to me. I make that feel-good music. If I were to put a label on it, it would be Soul, Funk, Jazzy Folk, with hip hop elements all throughout it. I’m old school, so there is a gritty vibe to it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No way has it been a smooth road! Ha!!! Ha!!! The world wants us to have a house with a picket fence and working a 9-5, but I am a free spirit. What gives me life and purpose is my art. I made a commitment to my higher divine self to never give up. Having said that, my life has definitely been the school of hard knocks university.
It has been filled with naysayers and non-believers, broke times, homelessness, discrimination(because I’m a woman), and of course, the compromise and sacrifice of stability. This is the age-old musician’s story. We believe in our God given talent so much that we go through these things. We do it just to give our precious gift to the world. It has taken me a long time to get to this level of wisdom about my art and its success. But I feel those challenges were necessary for growth.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a bassist/songwriter/composer. I play for other artists. I also perform and write my own songs. I write emotional songs with the idea to reinforce the human thread that binds us all. I have married nature,
health and wellness, and motivation with my brand. I write a blog on my website that can help others on their journey to enlightenment and happiness. I am a very spiritual person. I read, I meditate, fast, and live my life for growth and development. I share and offer perspectives on what I have learned to help others on their own personal journey. Make no mistake, the music is still mystical, gritty and fun!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
As I kid growing up, I was shy with a healthy balance of adventurous. I loved to make others feel good.
I really loved being in my room and keeping myself occupied. At the same time, I loved to go on hikes in the woods and play in nature. I loved putting on a performance in my room and listening to my favorite songs. It was amazing how records like Stevie Wonder’s “Innervisions” made me feel. Niecy Williams record gave me such an emotional time at such a young age. Earth, Wind, And Fire touched my heart in a major way. Verdine White,( the bassist for EWF) is my inspiration to play bass. Those bassline (along with the vocals) were so emotional. I truly have always wanted to make people feel the way these records and so many others made me feel.
Pricing:
- Download my single “Deceptacons” for only$1.25 to be enter in a drawing to win a gift card
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joybrownmusic.com
- Phone: 412-583-0247
- Email: oluchigardens@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grown_woman_bassist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sequoia.treeroots
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BassistGrown
Image Credit:
Shades of light photography (Aretta L. Baldon), Micheal J. Media, Febbers
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