We had the good fortune of connecting with J0VANNA and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi J0VANNA, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned from my music career is to never settle for less and to take everything with a grain of salt because the path chosen isn’t easy. People can be critical and always have something to say, especially when they believe they are trying to help. I just believe it’s good to try to develop a thick skin, to take notice (but not dwell on it), and move on. Making yourself happy is more important than making others happy.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What separates me from others is that I am not afraid to share my struggles through music. I know that my own and other people’s life experiences inspire me to write. I feel empowered to talk about things to which others can relate, and if I can help others in the process, that is a win/win! I am most proud of my song “Brain On Fire,” which came from a very dark time in my life. This song was written in my bedroom during a period of severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorder. At that time, I really didn’t know what was going on with me. I had these repetitive and irrational thoughts that wouldn’t go away. Eventually, I got help, but it was very difficult for me. I was worried about what people would think of me. But I realize now that talking about it has been part of my healing process. This has led me to be freer with what I write in my music and to allow others to get to know this raw side of me. It wasn’t easy. There were times when I wanted to give up on myself when I doubted my artistry and thought I wasn’t good enough for this industry. But I’ve learned to overcome it by being patient with myself because music doesn’t write itself. If I can’t think of anything, I’ll have to set it aside and not force it because something will eventually spark my creativity. The world should know that I’m just a girl following her true passions, and no one will ever stop me from doing so. That I am ready to make more music and have it heard!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh wow! I’ve got so many ideas! First and foremost, I would take them to a coffee shop (BECAUSE WHY NOT?!). Panther Coffee, one of my favorite places, offers a wide range of coffee options, including lattes and mochas! They also have a lovely little patio where you can sit and chat. Then I’d take them to Wynwood Walls to see the colorful murals that make it ‘Wynwood,’ as well as the mini museums like ‘The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse’ and ‘Nadar Museum.’ And if we get tired and hungry, we can go to Joey’s for delicious Italian dishes or 1-800-LUCKY for a variety of Asian food markets with indoor or outdoor seating and live music! If we’re still hungry, we can stop by the Salty Donut for a dozen of their handmade donuts or Morelia’s Gourmet Paletas! I think I’ve made myself really hungry.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Mom and Dad are two people to whom I would like to dedicate my shoutout. They are the ones who have given up so much for me to be able to pursue my music career. They are as incredibly passionate about my career as I am! They are my biggest supporters, and I’m grateful for all of the times my Dad found opportunities for me to sing at local venues, and for all of the times, my Mom took me to music industry conventions and master classes so I could learn more about the ever-changing music industry and network with like-minded people who are also seeking to make a career in music.
Website: https://jovannaofficial.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xjovannamusicx/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/xj0vannamusicx
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XJOVANNAMUSICX
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/j0vanna
Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ILEWunbo2Yr5xi6LXJtGy?si=jzky3yRvTGmlz9hS2hRAKQ AppleMusic: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/j0vanna/1549469560
Image Credits
Catherine Wright & Gianna Rodriguez