http://astarswomens.com

I’m a Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter who believes in following your passion. I grew up in Chicago; my dad was a pilot and my mom an artist & makeup artist. Studied Music Production & Engineering, Songwriting, and Voice at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I never want to lose the awe I have for music and how it makes me feel.

You are one of those independent artists who made the choice of making a career beyond the dictatorship of big universally known labels, what did that alternative bring you from an artistic point of view?

Freedom. Creative control. In a way, I’m trying to protect this project from too much outside influence. I want to see my full artistic vision all the way through from start to finish. There is no “wrong” in art, it’s all opinions. This is my expression. My focus is not money, it’s about being authentic. It’s about having fun. It’s about passion. It’s so fulfilling!

(That said, there are also a lot of positives to being on a record label. I’m just picky.)

Since your young age, you have certainly been inspired and influenced, in one way or another, by other artists, can you name a few of them ?

Michael Jackson started everything for me when I was four years old. Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Harry Nilsson, & Stevie Wonder are my other faves and have taught me so much about songwriting. I’m inspired by the creativity and rich vocal harmonies of bands like The Association, The 5th Dimension, The Beach Boys, Queen… I love Henry Mancini, Leonard Bernstein, John Barry, Ella Fitzgerald, Nirvana, Sly & the Family Stone, The Zombies, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Randy Newman, Simon & Garfunkel, oldies, motown, classic rock, yacht rock, hip hop I am stopping myself now // O.O

You are a singer, song-writer, producer and musician, but in which one of those aspects do you find yourself the most ?

Writing songs is my favorite thing to do in life. To me, it goes hand-in-hand with producing. I know what I want my songs to sound like – I have full-blown ideas in my head, I don’t just write chords and melodies.

Where does Joy Valencia find her inspiration? What topics are you more passionate about?

Relationships, love, longing, frustration… you know, the human experience. If you’re open to feeling and also imagination, you’ll have lots to write about. Some songs are meaningful, others are complete fantasies. And I’m not ashamed to be inspired by tv shows & books either! Yes, Dexter inspired one of my songs. I’m not saying which one!! hahaha

I’m also passionate about VEGETABLES.

Can you tell us more about your future ambitions as an artist?

I’m looking forward to working with other people who share this passion! There are immensely talented people in this business, & I would love to learn from them and enjoy the process together. One thing I dream of doing is working with a full orchestra. It calls for a pretty hefty budget.

What can you tell us about your future projects?

Been working on a full-length album for a while, and I’ve just decided to change course –> I’m going to release each of these songs one by one. Because I can! ;D And it’s going to be so fun. So keep your eyes out and ears open – my heart will be comin’ at you one piece at a time~! ♥

A final word for our readers.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

Thanks for reading, you guys. See you online! x

Thank you !

Original (in French) here: http://www.escape.ma/escape/interviews/426-rencontre-musicale-avec-joy-valencia.html

Here’s a sneak peak of one of Joy’s new songs – “Stars” ! Along with the launch of ASTARS Fall 2012 line. Check out the clothing and videos at http://astarswomens.com.

Photography by Alicia Reiner, hair by Helena van Zandbergen, behind the scenes video by Kori Stanton.
View the rest of the photos here!

Pick up the May 2012 issue of NYLON Magazine to see Joy’s latest ad with ASTARS! Pg 69. http://astarswomens.com