Conversation with Joy Denalane
Born & Raised Review
There is a mark of undeniable Motown soul and musical bliss in every note Joy Denalene births from her passionate lungs on her US debut album, Born and Raised. The German Songstress’ first album to cross the Atlantic modestly proclaims Denalane as the Queen of German Soul. Much like an international collage of Mary J., Alicia Keys, and Aretha Franklin, her voice will pull you in, close your eyes, and make you smile.
Whether she is declaring her opinion on the industry on “For the Love”, remaking a Wu-Tang jam into a soul ballad on “Heaven or Hell”, or “Stirring Something Up” on a love ballad with newcomer Governor, Joy has married herself to soul music in a big way.
Her diverse hip hop and soul influences range from Billie Holiday and Tweet to Slum Village and The Game. In an attempt to fuse her identity into her craft, she locked herself in a studio in Philly and created with the likes of James Poyser, Lupe Fiasco, and Raekwon. The result is an amazing buffet of sound that will take you to church, bathe you in the blues, lace you in love, and nod your neck in rhythmic appreciation. She truly captured the sincere energy of what great soul music is AND was.
Experience Born & Raised by Denalane and feel the Joy!
-Ben J Brown Jr.
A NC-native, Ben is an amateur writer cycling between entertainment reviews (music and video games) and poetry in the chilled reaches of CT. Also a father and engineer, he is busy at work crafting a seductive poetry chapbook and compilation. Check him out at www.myspace.com/Bunneh3000.
Joy Denalane’s album Born & Raised is available at iTunes
In this conversation Joy talks about the German soul scene, success in the U.S. music market and working with hip hop artists Common and Raekwon. She also discusses her latest release “Born & Raised” and we’ll hear music from the album.
Hey V! Great and outstanding interview. Joy is makes beautiful music…(and it doesn’t hurt that she’s VERY easy on the ol peepers!)
it is great to see that our american musical BS hasn’t effected EVERYONE overseas! I love her record!
peace and blessings!
—jah_luvThis is a great find. Joy proves that soul music is universal. Thsnk for sharing, Honey.
SIM
—Simple'This is a great find. Joy proves that soul music is universal. Thanks for sharing, Honey.
SIM
—Simple'Good interview!
—Lizzy89I’m glad to see that an artist from Europe is appreciated in the US..
I love Joy Denalane’s music! (and I hate it that I didn’t go to her concert in Amsterdam last Thursday)
Yo, I NEVER heard that “Go”(Remix)…. That’s DOPE!!!
—R7SoulkiddGreat interview. Thank you.Make sure you promote her around the US.She is the bomb.
—joy fan siteOh, Thanks for the hookup Honey!! Check your messages and get back to me.
—R7SoulkiddGreat interview sis! I hope she’ll make it big, she’s a very beautiful soul.
—Soul SistahI can’t wait to get this one…there is something about her…
—MwabiThank you sooooooooo much Honey for the shout out. But thanks even more for the interview. I only have one complaint…It wasn’t long enough LOL.
This makes me admire Joy much more. I love her statement about the artistry of music. I always say music is an art that deserves to be preserved and there’s a certain responsibility that goes hand in hand with music as well. This is what Joy’s music brings forth and I truly hope her recognition grows to great heights…the zenith. In the meantime, we just have to keep spreading the word.
Absolutely Beautiful!!!!
I knew you would make this happen Honey. This really made my day :D :D :D :D
—TamekiaThank you for the interview. I was introduce to Joy by Tamekia. This house hold came alive. Finally another voice. Someone to keep the groove alive. I hope that album will soon be release here in the states,so everyone can enjoy Joy Denalene. But until then we will spread the word. Three cheers to you Honey
—debraWhat’s good!
It’s Marta from Poland right there. I’ve known Joy’s music for some time – got her previous album( by the way – check the live version of Mamani!) and I’m sooo glad she will finally get some recognition in the US. :):):) She deserves that!
Thanks Honey.
-Marta
—MartaYes Yes Yes!!! Good job Honey! That’s what it’s all about right here… No matter where you’re at, if you’ve “got it”, the masses will find out. I got a good feeling about Joy!
—ElliottOK, I may have to actually break down and buy something from iTunes now. ;) Very insightful interview, Honey (as always). Thanks for introducing me to another great and under-publicized artist.
—ButtaI became a Joy D fan as soon as saw her I’m Ghetto von Soweto video. Her music is deep, thoughtful, & inspiring!
Bygbaby
—BygbabyThank you for turning me onto yet another artist that I was unfamiliar with who has a very nice voice!! Keep doing it, HoneySoul!
—Trelyeah, nice voice.although she need’s to improve her english a little, because it aint enough to have just a nice voice.her music is great!but she needs to work on her accent too. that’s my opinion:)
—jamir[...] Joy Denalane, Album: Born & Raised (itunes) Joy Denalane interview Joy Denalane – For The Love Joy Denalane ft. Raekwon – Heaven or Hell [...]
—Honey Soul Music » HoneySoul.com’s Best of Soul 2006 Showa change is coming your way, mamani!
:)
ich liebe dich joy, mach’ weiter so
*smack*
—the outernationalistwhen is Joy Denalane coming to US?
—SurayahHeard that song with lupe fiasco and just felt something special was happening, didn’t the sister was from Germany. That is hot we love it here in Scotland coz we tired of listening the superficial and commercial stuff on our airwaves. One love!
—Bigga J[...] Joy Denalane website | myspace | interview on Honeysoul [...]
—My Favorite Things: Underrated Female Soul Singers « SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE[...] few years ago when I asked Joy Denalane about the soul music scene in Germany she said it was growing and coming along. Well here’s [...]
—Honey Soul Music » Oceana: From Germany With Soul