We were lucky to catch up with Joi Najae recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Ocean Water Clear has been the most meaningful project for me so far. I worked on the creative development of this song for a year and half. I first thought of ocean water clear during a phone conversation with my closest cousin, we were discussing our values in love and relationships. As we were conversing, she made a statement that sparked a light in me to write on what we were discussing. I then went into creative mode starting ocean water clear off at first as a poem, then I went searching for instrumentals to create the melody. As I was creating this song I was thinking about love in relationships and how in today’s time it is not very clear what relationships should consists of. I thought about my values and what I have always admired in romantic relationships since I was a little girl and I began to write. The first line of the song starts out with me asking my significant other a question “I just have one question, could you answer it for me? Did you learn your lesson, having your way out in the sea?” So here I am being straight up about their loyalty to me, looking for a honest answer proceeding with what I am expecting. Overall this song is so meaningful to me because of the vulnerability I express in my lyrics and melodies, which is why I held on to it for so long, I wanted to make sure if I was going to be this vulnerable that It be perfect. Going through several revisions on paper and in the studio, I did not stop until I was satisfied with the final result. It was the longest journey so far I have had with a song, which is another reason it is so meaningful for me, my team and I worked very diligently on the mix, the visuals and the sound hoping to make a project that is timeless.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Joi Najae, singer and songwriter and I have been pursuing this dream of mine since a little girl. Performing on school talent show stages, or even family events, I always knew this is the journey I wanted to take even if it would be hard… and it has been hard. What makes what I do so special is the fact it is the only thing that truly keeps me going in this life of ours. Even with all the hurdles and obstacles, neglect and downfalls, I continue to persist. It sets my soul on fire. I love receiving feedback of my art and knowing how truly effective it is, that lets me know I am doing exactly what I am suppose to be doing.

I have recently release an affirmative song called “Joi’s Interlude”, I wrote this song in a very hard time in my life, its funny because the song expresses the exact opposite emotion I was feeling, but once I produced the final product it made me feel a whole lot better. Joi’s interlude is about perseverance, loving on yourself, loving your life no matter the circumstance, no matter how hard and dark your days and nights might get, Joy comes in the morning. This song is meant for emotional support and encouragement. You can find it on all streaming services!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my perspective the best way society can support artists is not just through social media reposts, but also going out and seeing these artists/creatives live. Investing in them fully if they truly admire their art. Even as little as reaching out the the artist letting them know how impactful their art has been is very supportive. I have several people that I didn’t even know reach out to me about my music and how they enjoyed it. This as eye opening and special for a small artist like me. Not knowing if people are really listening hearing, from those who do helps me to keep going and not give up on my craft. Society can support artists and creatives by recognizing the value of their work, providing accessible platforms for exposure and creating a culture that invests and values the arts. Even in education and schools encouraging creativity is essential to younger artists who need a space to feel accepted.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I felt this was a great question for me, because I have been building my audience for some time now and I am STILL building it. I was say my most vital advice to anyone just starting out their social media presence is to stay consistent. Secondly I would say is not focus on numbers or quantity but truthfulness and quality. The more true to self you are, the more organic and loyal your audience will be. As a newer artist this is something I am still working on and developing as I persist through my career.
And thirdly I would just say follow your instincts, your first mind, whatever you think of creatively to post on your social media, follow through and produce, you will be surprised by the outcome.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinajae/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Joiwatts14
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/-pPBvNGCdgo?si=vWvn1gmoAa1kB0aT

Image Credits
Rawntellect