Tiny Desk Spotlight: Jo

T-2 days until TRUM Tiny Desk! We have SOLD OUT, but definitely look out on our social media for videos and photos from the event!

Jo

Where are you from? What’s the music scene like there?

I was born in Philly, and raised in Upper Darby (“the county”). Both my mother and father are also from Philly, so my family roots are here. Philly is considered the birthplace of neo-soul, which is where I draw a lot of my inspiration from. Philly is also concentrated with jazz clubs and jazz musicians, so jazz radiates throughout the city. That acoustic, organic, instrumental sound definitely permeates through my music, and centers my style.

How did you decide on your band/stage name?

Joelle is my first name, but I didn’t want to go by that because I didn’t want my parents to find my music. So I just go by Jo. Short and sweet like that.

If you could headline any festival or show in the world, where would you want to perform? Why?

I’m split between Afro-Punk Brooklyn, and the Roots Picnic. I’ve never been to Afro-Punk, but I love a concept of a music festival dedicated to the sounds and aesthetics of the African Diaspora. Roots Picnic is Philly’s jazz festival, and it’d be a dream come true to perform at home, and bring my journey full circle.

What is your favorite piece you have written or you have listened to? Why?

My favorite piece I’ve ever written hasn’t been released yet, but it’s called “Sunrise.” It takes 1st Corinthians 13, a Bible verse about love, and dissects it through the lens of heartbreak. The point is to show that there’s a duality to love – it’s patient it’s kind, and simultaneously a blind cycle that compromises your logic.

If you could pick anyone in the world, living or dead, who would you most like to collaborate with? Why?

I would love to collaborate with Masego. In addition to singing, I also play piano, so I have a deep admiration for artists who are both a master of instruments and their voice. Plus, I love his swag. When I saw him live, I loved how he would go from singing, to sax, to singing again. In my vision, we would produce our own track, go back and forth doing piano/sax solos, and then lay down some vocals. Our song would be at least 7 minutes long.

What’s next in your musical journey? What are your goals?

I’m recording my debut EP right now. My goal is to release it sometime during the first half of 2020. It's actually two parts, 5 tracks each. I’ve had the demos sitting in my computer since 2018, and now that I have a few more resources, it’s time to get my art out.

How has Philly influenced your musical aspirations?

Philly is my home. There are so many artists that I look up to that made it out of here that have a profound impact on music (like Billie Holiday, and Jill Scott, to name a few). Their legacies make me proud to be from here, and remind me to dream big. I’m also really invested in Philly’s current music scene. Some of my peers are making major waves in the city (like Andrea Valle, Tierra Whack, Masie Blu), and it’s inspiring to witness. Philly is really small, so being part of such a tight knit community makes me feel like I have a family that I know will support me, and ride with me on this journey. As an independent artist, that sense of community is invaluable. It’s easy to get down when you’re doing everything on your own, but when you have a network of like-minded people on the same journey who are rooting for you, it keeps you going. I love my city, and I couldn’t see myself doing this music thing anywhere else.

What is your favorite type of candy?

Trollies!

Listen to Jo on SoundCloud and check out her cover of Persian Rugs on Youtube!

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