Joy Ike

Crafting coffee shop-style music with jazzy instrumentation and soulful vocals, Joy Ike is not only one of the more promising songstresses in recent memory; she’s also one of the most engaging. Soul-Audio’s John Wofford sat down with her recently to discuss art, perspectives on life, and popular music culture, and this is what she had to say…

Soul-Audio: Suffice it to say that you are an up-and-comer. Tell us about yourself, your ministry, and your music. The good, the bad, the ugly?

Joy Ike: Well, I love dark chocolate and bare feet. Not together. But those are two things I’m passionately in love with. My ministry? I’ve always felt drawn to people who are detached – people who feel displaced. I sometimes feel that I am called to get to know them better simply because I have always felt out of place and a bit socially awkward. I think this is why several of my songs have a lot to do with dependency. Dependency is bittersweet. Without community, we live lonely lives. But when we open up to people, we open ourselves up to potential hurts. It’s sometimes hard to be transparent when you know there is potential for your vulnerability to be taken advantage of.

SA: Describe your debut album in a few words.

Joy: Personal. I was listening to it in the car yesterday with some family members and I felt like they were reading my diary.

SA: Who and/or what were some of the inspirations for your (I must say) deeply personal lyrics?

Joy: For the most part, my inspiration comes from the people I interact with on a daily basis. I think relationships are the fabric of life. They make for excellent songs! Also, my faith informs everything I do. My thoughts, which ultimately turn into lyrics, are naturally a product of my belief system.

SA: How do you feel about current trends in the industry? You can talk about anything from file-sharing and downloading to popular musical styles and trends in songwriting; basically, this is your opportunity to rant about music however you please.

Joy: What I love about the music industry in its current state is that musicians are becoming independent in every sense of the word. We are learning how to do our own advertising, create our own websites, and we’re learning how to produce and distribute our own music. So basically, we’re learning how not to rely on nationally recognized labels anymore. Even the big “dawgs,” like Radiohead, who used labels to make a name for themselves, are now becoming independent because they see the benefit of distinguishing themselves from “the man.” For this reason, I say “there is hope for the independent artists.” More power to us! That’s not to say that major labels aren’t important or necessary. They are mass media’s closest companion.

SA: How do you plan to further promote your music? Any touring/performing plans that your fans or potential listeners should know?

Joy: The main goal right now is to take things to the next level- to continue networking with others in this industry who understand indie music. For independent artists, resources are limited but we have a lot of ambition. While I plan to hold on to the “indie” title, I want to see this stuff go national (isn’t that what every artist says?). I’m passionate about making music and sharing it with others, so at each show, with each interview, and on every radio broadcast, I want to engage my audience and make real connections with the people who really hear truth in this music. This kinda sounds like a business plan or a mission statement…but I guess it is.

Also, yes, I am beginning to travel more. I will be in Chicago and Philadelphia next month and will continue to travel (hopefully within the college circle) as the opportunities present themselves.

SA: Share some thoughts on the church, both overseas and here in the States. Are there certain things that you find discourage you about the current state of Christianity in the world?

Joy: Someone I was talking with a few months back described the church as a country club- where more and more programs are being created for those exclusively within the church while those on the outside are forgotten. This is how I feel about the church as a whole. There are, of course, several exceptions but I feel like the church has become self-centered. It has forgotten how needy its surrounding community and world really is. If the church and its members could spend less money on itself and more on others, I think that would literally turn local, national, and international poverty upside down.

SA: What sort of scriptures or spiritual tenets do you cling to in times of despair or disappointment?

Joy: When my brother (who was fighting cancer) slipped into a coma earlier this year, the number one thing I told myself was that I really can’t do anything about this situation but trust in God. The only thing I could do was sit in the hospital, keep him company, and pray with him but I couldn’t “fix” the situation. I often tell myself, “Joy, you can’t physically do anything to change the circumstance so the only thing left to do is to trust in God.” Sometimes I need to hear that because it helps me realize that I’m not in charge.

SA: How do you foresee the future for Joy Ike and her musical career?

Joy: I’m very excited about the future. I don’t know what it holds but I truly feel like I’m starting over…like I’m in a new season of my life. One thing I would love to do with my music is to partner with non-profits and corporations working to make a difference in their communities (i.e. International Justice Mission, Compassion International, To Write Love on Her Arms…etc). I don’t know exactly what that looks like just yet; but music is a vital part of every aspect of life – even business. I know it’s possible.

SA: Do you have any words for your fans/listeners, not necessarily about your music alone, but just something you feel is important to share?

Joy: I really like flowers too! Like really.

• www.joyike.com
• www.myspace.com/joyike

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