Recently, we got the chance to review ‘Underbelly‘ by the LA-based pop artist single, Joyeur. Her controversial style besides a unique talent were capable to make us curious to know more about her. Let’s find out!
How did you get inspired to write “Underbelly”?
I wrote this song in response to a very painful moment in my life where I felt terrified of exposing my flaws, traumas, and insecurities within a relationship. I had to face some serious abandonment issues and writing this song was my therapy and process of letting that fear go.
Which skills do you have that help you in singing and songwriting?
I think that the most critical skill an artist can have is to allow yourself to create. It takes practice, consistency, and courage to let it come out without critiquing during the process. That’s a skill I’ve developed that helps the ideas flow freely from a pure place. I can be what I call a “lethal perfectionist”, but I’ve learned to sit down and do my work, then let the critic come into the room. This sort of applies to my voice too. Let it come out with flaws and all.
Don’t miss our review here.
Tell me more in depth about the creative process while writing the lyrics?
I like to read a lot of poetry while I’m in the writing mode to infuse my mind with feelings and images that inspire me. For this album, I was constantly jotting down notes about my emotion experience and words that stuck with me. I would really savor the concepts that shook me and let them trigger my own ideas.
Did you collaborate with someone else?
I began recording music with my long-time producer and friend Anna Feller in 2018. She produced my debut album ‘How to Love Yourself and Not Destroy Everything’ with some support from Coke Youngblood, davOmakesbeats, and Vampsy.
Who do you want or plan to collaborate with next?
I’m always excited to see female producers—as sad as that is in 2022—but there really isn’t a lot of representation of women in the music industry on the technical side. I’d love to get in a room with Kito, Empress Of, TOKiMONSTA, Grimes, St. Vincent, Doja Cat, Kelly Lee Owens. Really digging Gosford and Jamie xx too. And my ultimate creator crush would be LCD Soundsystem/James Murphy.
Did you feel unsure about the nudity seen at the end; did you feel that it might create controversiality?
I was super nervous the day before shooting. I grew up in a religious household and have received mixed reviews from people I love about revealing my body. It’s so hard to break that indoctrination even as an adult, but this wasn’t about being sexy—not that there’s anything wrong with that!—it was about really capturing that moment of vulnerability and the massive fear that can come with exposing yourself. No regrets.
Tell your fans more about your influences.
I love such a broad range of music, but I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Motown music, Celine Dion and The Police. These were the people who taught me to sing and love R&B and pop music. I used to just sit with my karaoke machine and try to emulate Michael and Stevie’s voices. I started loving more electronic music later in life.
Finally, what plans do you have for the next period?
After 2 years of not being able to play live shows, I’m really itching to perform and meet new fans and friends. I release my debut album ‘How to Love Yourself and Not Destroy Everything’ on May 25th and perform live at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang here in L.A. on June 1st. Tickets can be bought here.
Don’t miss our review here.