Check out our interview with talented singer-songwriter Joy Kate.
Joy Kate has and always will be a self-made artist. Never content on what she knows now, she’s always looking to learn more and develop her craft even further.
Joy Kate just released her new single, “Body.” This track is a catchy love song about finding that irreplaceable someone. The message behind “Body” is about navigating the challenges of dating and refusing to settle for just anyone.
“Body encompasses what I want my fans to look for when searching for love. As we go on this journey together, I want to encourage you to never settle for someone who doesn’t respect and accept you for who you truly are because once you find that person who understands you on a deeper level and still loves you, it will all be worth it.” – Joy Kate
The lyrics speak to the idea of not wasting time seeking out relationships that are disingenuine and not changing one’s self to accommodate another’s preferences or expectations.
Follow Joy Kate @joykatemusic
Hi Joy, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m an eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter from Mississippi who recently started attending NYU Clive Davis Recorded Music, and I want to use my voice to inspire other people.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative, Positive, Passionate
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I started singing when I was six years old because my older siblings were performing, and I wanted to be just like them, but I didn’t start songwriting until I was 10. The first song I wrote was inspired by scenarios that I witnessed happening to me and some of my peers at school. I knew as soon as I wrote the song that I wanted to use my voice as much as possible to make a difference in this world and speak out on topics important to me.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Authentic, empowering, emotional
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
One of my biggest influences is Carole King. Her music and songwriting inspired me as well as her story because I can relate to graduating high school early. I chose to make music because, like her, I also want to use my voice to empower and evoke emotion in my listeners.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, guitar, ukulele, and basic drums.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes, but not always with performing. Anxiety is something I have struggled with on and off stage in my life.
Tell us about your new single “Body?” What’s the story behind this song?
I wrote this song a while back and decided to release it as a first single release right after arriving as a freshman in college as a good reminder to myself to not settle for bad relationships or interactions with people who wouldn’t love and respect me the way that I am. “Body” relays the message of wanting to find deeper emotional connections with good people and not settling for “someone who will make you change” or anyone who might not treat you with kindness and respect. My heart doesn’t work that way, personally, so this reminder was very important to me. I wanted to send a positive call to action to my listeners to “keep searching for the one(s) you can’t replace!”
What is the feeling to have over 600k streams on Spotify? That’s amazing, Congrats!!
Thank you so much. I’ll be honest that I didn’t really even realize I had that many streams combined so I am completely in awe. My goal has always been to touch at least one person with my music, so to see it resonating with thousands is unreal, and I’m so thankful for everyone who has listened.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
Yes, I had to rearrange several plans I had lined up including a music video performance. It is so important to do everything possible to help stop the spread of COVID so rearranging my plans or any live performances was important. There are many ways to share music, thankfully, and I’ve engaged with other avenues for that and yes, I have performed some online concerts for my fans which was fun.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I really want to work with as many producers and industry professionals as possible and have longevity in my career as an artist and songwriter. More specifically, though, I think it would be really cool to write a hit song for a very well known artist.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The saying “follow your passion and you will never work a day in your life!” rings true for me, as I think everything is fun and rewarding about what I do when dealing with singing and songwriting. I don’t like it when I am sick and have to sing as that is challenging.
What’s next for Joy Kate in the last months of 2020?
I am planning to continue to release new music each month even while in my college program, and I am releasing a new music video in October that has been in the works for over a year so I’m super excited for everyone to see it. I also will continue to write as much as possible.
Any loves other than music?
I really love baking and I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of that during quarantine which has been awesome. I miss that now that I’m in a college dorm setting without a kitchen. I also love traveling, dancing, and acting.
How’s a typical day in your life?
My life has not been very typical during the pandemic. A typical day right now involves me waking up and preparing for either a ZOOM lecture or one of my in-person or blended classes. Between classes, I try to find good food, and then at night I do homework and write songs.
Name one of your strengths?
One of my strengths is how driven I am about stuff I am passionate about.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sleeping in, no homework, no chores, snuggling with my puppy, staying in my pajamas all day, watching Netflix, and eating ice cream!
What is one of your favorite songs to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
“If I Were a Boy” Beyonce
What is your own definition of happiness?
I would have to say that for me happiness is being content with who I am and what I have and living freely without worrying about judgment from others. Finding true love from family, friends, and relationships is also important to me.
Do you support any charities?
Yes – several. I am a National Advocate for Free2Luv which is an anti-bullying campaign. I am also an advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and an ambassador for The Literary Initiative. As well, all of the proceeds from my last single release are being donated to Donate PPE which is a COVID-19 relief fund.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love smoothies
And your favorite cheat food?
ICE CREAM
What would be a deal-breaker on a first date?
Tough question. I really want the person I’m with to be “present”, and not distracted or on their phone.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I love thrifting and finding one of a kind pieces and combining them with pops of color.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media can be toxic among teens sometimes, and that is why I try to be completely transparent through my music and be a positive role model to those younger generations.
Where we can follow you?
@joykatemusic on Instagram and Facebook, @joykatel on Twitter and Joy Kate on all streaming platforms 🙂
Quote: “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ann Rand
Movie: The Hunger Games
Travel Destination: Italy
Photo Credit: Jeremy Ryan
