JoLivi is a musician originally from Hawaii who moved to Los Angeles to chase her dreams and use inspiration from her past experiences to find out who she is, not just as an artist, but a young woman.
After the death of her grandpa, and a really bad break up – where she had her heart repeatedly broken – JoLivi got inspired to make an album and the honesty and emotion in the songs can easily draw any listener in.
Her sound has changed since she first started out, but one thing that hasn’t changed is her talent and passion for music, so we asked her a little bit about what inspires her, what she’s got in store for the rest of 2016, and what life experiences she draws from to make her incredible music.
Hey JoLivi – first off, your sound is incredible! Why don’t you tell us a bit about when and how you got your start?
Thank you! I got started when I was really little, doing musical theater and singing competitions. But professionally it’s been about 3 years… working through all of the phases out here in LA. It’s a tough business but it’s my passion and I will do whatever it takes.
What is the first song you wrote that you absolutely fell in love with, and your favorite lyric from it?
Honestly, it changes with every new song I write, but “Don’t Matter,” has been a constant song throughout – even when I listen to it I get emotional. That sounds a little cheesy but totally true! lol
“place your hand on my chest.. can you feel it.. it beats just for you”
What artists do you draw inspiration from? Do they have similar sounds or do you try to draw from multiple places?
Growing up my mother had such a huge library of music. She had thousands and thousands of CDs. Ranging from Prince, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Jonathan Brooke, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, and so much more! Music was always on … in the house in the car… so I had an ear for all genres. I’ve always been a huge fan of Sara Bareilles. Her writing style.. her voice.. pretty much everything about her. And I, of course, draw a lot of inspiration from Beyoncé… I feel that doesn’t need to be explained.. lol.. but she is the epitome of the perfect artist! Performance, vocals, dancing, everything. Queen B!
You mention your song ‘Chains’ is about wanting one more chance with the person you love, but it’s also about knowing that sometimes enough is enough – have you been in a situation like this one?
Yes! Every song I write is about something I’ve experienced. I can’t write otherwise.
For your listeners who have been in that situation themselves, what advice would you give them?
It’s so easy to say now and it may sound so cliché but TIME. I was really heartbroken with this one and I thought “wow – every day I’m gonna wake up sad and go to sleep sad” and then one special day you’ll wake up – enjoy your day and say “HEY. I didn’t think about that person once” and it will catch you off guard. But then you’ll know you’ve moved on! And that feels amazing.
What’s your most played song in your music library right now?
OH MY GOSH!! it’s been on repeat for like the last 72 hours lol
“Love won’t sleep” – by Lostboycrow
Where can new fans go to keep up with you, and what do you have in store for the rest of 2016?
Making more music, touring, making videos. This is what I love and I will do whatever it takes. I would also love to meet fans.
On social media you can find JoLivi here:
jolivimusic on Insta, Twitter, FB, YouTube, Spotify, amazon, SoundCloud
Snapchat is – leihokumusic
And you’ll want to make sure you keep up with her, her journey has only just begun.
