Joya Bravo Interview | Respect the Artist
How did you get your Artist name?
The first time I went blonde and cut my hair into a Mohawk, an old friend told me I looked like Johnny Bravo. Then “Joya Bravo” evolved from the joke and stuck because well.. violin so “Bravo” etc
How did you get into creating?
I started playing violin because all the kids ran to band instruments, so I ran to where they weren’t and chose violin. Best decision of my life so far.
I became obsessed with it. I became really good at it. I wanted to pour my soul into it.
I also loved making comedy remixes of popular rap songs which started me on the pen.
I’ve always been a performer and a perfectionist. I have always valued my weirdness and that’s what has made me, me.
How has creating changed your life?
I honestly wouldn’t know.. since this has always been my life. I’d imagine my life would be much different if I was without music and arts, but I’ve been dancing since I could walk and playing since violin was offered to me at 9.
My life has been a beautifully wild ride ever since!
Where are you from?
I always claim both New York and Atlanta. I am home in both. Sometimes I’m met with grief about it.
So you tell me:
I was born in Queens NY
Moved to GA at age 3
Did all of my schooling in Metro Atlanta
Spent all of my summers and winters in NY
Spent the last 12 years in Brooklyn.
Oh and I’m Jamaican
How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?
Growing up in Kennesaw, Georgia made for a pretty .. less than eventful and less than culturally diverse childhood experience. The best part of that was that it gave me the time and focus to hone and develop my skills. For which I am thankful. Despite my struggles to reassemble my understanding of norms in more preferred culturally balanced societies.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I focused and I took risks.
I’ve always believed I could achieve success.
Playing in honor orchestras and winning acting competitions gave me the confidence to move to NYC alone with no plan in 2009.
And what a mess!
I learned so much, I grew so much and experienced so much, I can write novels!
I’m so thankful for it all.
What does your current setup look like?
I am currently one man banding it until I gain some momentum in the ‘new norm’. With my electric violin, microphone, mic stand, mixer, loop pedal and harmonics pedal, I make it happen. I look forward to adding more live electronic triggering and live percussion ASAP.
Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?
I actively soak in inspiration anywhere and everywhere I can. I’ll take it from a beautiful bird flying by, or witnessing a stranger help another stranger with something as small as “ma’am! You dropped your wallet”.
Artistically, I appreciate great writers and philosophers. Some people I admire artistically as Stromae, Michelle Obama, Asaf Avidan, Vybz Kartel (yup), Friedrich Nietzsche, Napoleon Hill, Buju Banton and Protoje’s whole musical crew and many many more.
What is your goal when you create?
Authenticity.
Freedom.
I enjoy reaching new levels of crazy, because I think the key to life’s growth is in the crazy.
Why do you create?
Because that’s what makes sense to me. Having liberty over my mind gives me endless space to roam and explore. I always feel so good when I surprise myself. It keeps me joyful and satisfied.
What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?
Right now, my go-to song and video is “Nao Enche” by Caetano Veloso. The song is literally about breaking free. It’s happy and rude at the same time. It’s also beautiful. Caetano is one of my favorite artists. His live performance of it with all of the live instrumentalists always takes me out of my mind and into my body. It’s literally breaks me free and transcends me to an “I’m happy, f*ck you!” kinda space. It’s a rejuvenating experience each time.
What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?
My dream is to achieve freedom and inspire others to honor themselves. I believe everyone has a light inside that when nurtured, creates a diamond human being. The only way we reach that space is to be led by example. I am an example and forever a student of this life.
What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?
Honor it!
Your dream is an expression of the light inside of you. Never give up on it and it will never give up on you. Your light is your home, which you always return to. It’s your choice to return to a flourishing home or a neglected home, but you always return to it.
It never leaves you, just honor it no matter how hard it seems. You can do it.
Tell us about your most recent release
My most recent release was in 2018 with my project “Off With Your Head”. It was a dark and aggressive project which matched the mental space I was in at the time. I was living in California, barely making ends meet while working as a haunt violinist at an Alice in Wonderland themed park.. hence the name. Lol.
I have not been quick to release anything since as I have been doing a lot of inner work to align my artistry to my purpose.
It’s still a work in progress.
My next release will be October 2021.. stay tuned!
Share a link to your most recent release: https://open.spotify.com/album/1b87xskJ5wtEAIc01Xhb4I
Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/joyabravo
Twitter: http://Www.twitter.com/joyabravo
Facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/JoyaBravoMusic
Website: http://Www.Joyabravo.com
Photography credit: Hassan Photography
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