Joy was born in a small country town in Central Mississippi in 1971. At the tender age of 3, her life changed. She became an Army Brat, thanks to her mom and adopted dad. She literally grew up around the world. Her and her parents always had music playing. They played everything from Hank Williams, Jr. to Elton John. And a little bit of Peter, Paul, and Mary, The Mama's and the Papa's, Eagles and Alice Cooper in between, along with many others. When Joy got a bit older, she discovered bands like Queen, Journey, Aerosmith, KISS, Van Halen, and all the other Rock music legends. That was what really peaked her interest. All through school, Joy joined the school choir every chance she got. And when she wasn't singing with the choir at school, she was singing with her mom at home, or with her radio in her bedroom. There was always music somewhere nearby. Today, Joy is still influenced and inspired by the musical greats of her generation. Her two musical idols are Cyndi Lauper, and Amy Lee of Evanescence. But she is also inspired by Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and Sixx:A.M.
Music sometimes is what gets me through a difficult day. Sometimes it's what puts a little pep in my step. No matter what's going on in my life, good or bad, music is there to help. And when I'm playing my guitar, it's therapeutic. It's also therapeutic when I sing. So basically, music is a free therapist. :)
Right now my dream is to be able to learn to play my guitar better. But overall, my music dream is to be able to perform in front of an audience. I'm not looking to become some huge rock star (although that might be kinda cool). I'd be happy just to be able to sing and play my songs for others, and share my gift.
I would start with trying to get people to try to not be so judgemental toward others that are different from them. Some people seem to be afraid of anyone or anything that doesn't fit in their "status quo". We weren't made to fit into a mould. We are all meant to stand out.
"Little Willy" by The Sweet. A young guy that used to babysit me when I was a very little girl back in 1974- '75 (our parents were good friends), used to bring his record album over when he'd babysit me. And he played that song for me. I've loved the song ever since. :)
My all-time favorite band is Motley Crue. My second favorite band is Sixx:A.M. But I also like Disturbed, Evanescence, Queen, Aerosmith, Pantera, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Lita Ford, Joan Jett, Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benetar, Cyndi Lauper, Led Zepplin, Eagles, and many others.
Life in general.
Usually nervous. lol But, I also feel free.
Artists (specifically Pop artists) need to quit being so dependent on technology to make them sound better when they sing. Things like Auto Tunes wasn't meant to improve people's singing voice. It's like a distortion pedal on a guitar- it's made to be an effect, not to completely change how you sound. If you feel like you can't sing without digital assistance, then you need to get a vocal coach. And we really need people to get back to the old school way of music- original stuff, not cookie-cutter. Quit trying to sound like every other band out there. And single words, or just a few words, repeated over and over throughout the entire song, is not really a song. It shouldn't take a team of 20 people to write the lyrics for one song. Songwriting should come from the heart.
I like it! It's a great way for musicians to come together and collaborate, or just vent about what's going on in their music life, get inspired, and to discover new music.
Right now, not being able to finish the songs I've been writing. Writer's block sucks. lol
If I had the money and a vehicle I would.
Spread the word about your music on social media, and try to get others to help you spread the word.