EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Jocey

As you may know iWontSTFU is always open for new talents and this time we would like to introduce you to Jocey, a Dutch singer/songwriter/producer.

Jocey, you’re from the Netherlands. How is it living there as a musician?
It’s great! I enjoy making music everyday.

You are, like many other artists, using the Internet to gain popularity and when I think of a Dutch youtube sensation I come to Esmee Denters who was signed by Justin Timberlake. What was your reaction when you heard about that?
Fantastic! I said: She’s opening doors and it’s nice to see that a Dutch singer signed a record deal with an international label.

When I listened to your songs and learned that you not only sing but also write and produce them I was really impressed since they sound so professional. Where have you learned all that?

Well, thank you. As long as I can remember I’ve always enjoyed singing and dancing. My father recorded my singing and not long ago we found a tape with me singing my own songs when I was 3 years old! I’ve been performing since I was 12 and I’ve learned to write songs professionely when I started my study at the conservatory. That’s a music school (university) where you can receive a diploma as a singer/songwriter/teacher. I received my diploma 4 years ago. I’ve always been writing my own songs, but since last year I also started producing my own songs, I have a little home studio. I just never thought of producing my songs, but since I started producing I’m having even more fun making/creating music! (laughs)

That’s really cool! And what would you say is your favorite part: singing, producing or writing?
I enjoy all three very much, but I just have to be on stage…singing! I enjoy singing so much!

“I Am Me” surprised me pleasently with its oriental influences in the beginning. Do you like mixing different cultures?
Yes I listen to all kinds of music and when I grew up I was listening to Gloria Estefan together with my mom who is a Gospel singer and she’s also a true inspriration.
I like mixing styles of music. Mostly I just produce what comes to my mind, like “I Am Me” I wrote in 1 day. “I Am Me” is my first production and I hope to produce lots of songs in the future and combine lots of styles.

Many popstars get their songs produced and written by other people. How do you feel about that?
That’s cool, I would also like to produce songs for others and work with other producers. By the way, I already wrote and produced a song for somebody else.

How much do you care about vocals?
A lot, I’m a perfectionist and I always think I can do better, but I really enjoy singing and I think I just have to let go and it feels really good when I do that!

I love your attitude, it’s probably the best way to improve. Who are your favorite musicians?
A lot of musicians, producers inspire me but Aretha Franklin had inspired me a lot in singing! Besides her also Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Timbaland and many others.

Who would you love to collaborate with?
Timbaland, Max Martin, Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin, RedOne.

Do you plan to release an album in the near future?
Yes definitely, I wrote a lot of songs and I’m very busy recording them all. Lately I have a lot of inspiration writing so I write and produce pretty much all the day long.

You are not signed yet so how will you distribute it?
I haven’t really planned that out exactly but I only know that I will release my album at the right time at the right place! (laughs)
Right now I’m already sharing my music on Youtube and on my website www.iamjocey.com I get a lot of mails from people writing that they enjoy my music, that’s so cool, a big thanks to them!
You can download my songs at: http://www.legaldownload.net/Jocey

You already toured with the Western Experience All Star Band and The Country Line Dance Machine. Will you do your own (club) tour?
Would be great, can’t wait, I love performing my own songs!

How does your regular day look like?
I get up pretty late, cause Í always work (writing/producing) on my songs during the week till 2 o’clock at night, I usely perform in the weekends. I have my own sound system and perform with my band at
party’s, festivals, weddings etc. that’s how I earn my living.

Now we want to play a little game. I’m going to say a word or name and you will just say what comes first in your mind.

Alicia Keys
Beautiful singer/songwriter/pianoplayer.

Michael Jackson
An icon, he’s such a big inspriration.

Haiti
Saw it on the news a couple of times and it gave me a terrible feeling, my heart goes out to the people there.

Twitter
Who wants to know me writing: I’m going to the toilet right now…
but for the fans of popstars for example it’s a great way of communicating and having the feeling to really connect with that person.

Lady Gaga
A wonderful performer, songwriter, I think she inspires a lot of people with her fashion/style/music.

Blogs
A great way to share your story/thoughts.

Jocey
A singer/songwriter/producer, who has a great passion for music, it’s a lifestyle!

Thanks a lot for the interview, Jocey. iWontSTFU wishes you the best for your career and private life!