Q: I love the tenderness of “Narrative.” Can you tell us more about what the song is about?
JOËTTA: Narrative is about negative self-talk. We probably all experience it to some extent, though some more than others. And I wanted to write a song that addresses how I feel when I’m caught in that loop. Just that. No fix, no solution, but just acknowledging it.
Q: What is the inspiration behind the song?
JOËTTA: My experience is that when I try something new or I’m ready to make a change, my inner critic shows up. This also happened when I started working on my debut EP “Narrative.” I struggled with anxiety and depressive feelings. So much so, that I started therapy. The EP is full of very personal songs. It documents a process of rediscovering myself. The lyrics are an important pillar. I don’t want to take the easy road, even if my anxiety plays up, because I know I’ll experience so much fulfilment and happiness when I have created something special.
Q: Who are some of your favorite artists?
JOËTTA: I love listening to the Staves, First Aid Kit, Bon Iver, Billie Marten, Sufjan Stevens, Lucy Rose and Alice Phoebe Lou.
Q: Can you tell us more about your musical background?
JOËTTA: I was always passionate about music and dreamt of singing. Even though I went down a different career path, I always had the calling to do music. I ended up surrounding myself with musicians, taking lessons, singing at jam sessions, soaking up live music and joining different music groups along my travels. Until I built up the courage to take a deep dive and throw myself into my music. I started writing my own music and made my debut EP “Narrative.”
Q: Besides music, what other things do you enjoy doing in life?
JOËTTA: I travel as much as I can, I love specialty coffee and besides being a musician I’m a yoga teacher.
Q: Are you currently working on anything?
JOËTTA: I’m trying to enjoy the fruits of my labour and even though I have that ‘productivity voice’, I try to enjoy the moment and be proud of myself. At the same time, I can’t wait to start working on my second EP.
Interviewed by Katrina Yang
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