short paragraph about yourself, and who you are:
Waddup, my name is Joanlee. I am an artist/songwriter from Long Beach, CA. I grew up in the rough urban area of Long Beach and was fortunate enough to have a diverse surrounding. I grew up listening to R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock & Reggae. Each genre of music had it's own way of getting me through life. Guess you could say it was my refuge.
I've always been a fan of music since i was young. I started writing as a kid just to get my thoughts out which then led to me stumbling into my passion. Which is songwriting, rapping & singing. From then on I've been penning songs for & with some big names on YouTube (Michelle Martinez, Krystle Cruz, Traphik, Erika David, LiL Crazed and more…), a bunch of other Independent Artists and have been in studio sessions with the top industry writers & producers. I was the Asian guy that everyone doubted just because of what I looked like. But now I'm the Asian guy who's breaking the stereotype and making a name for myself.
your latest single/album/project:
My latest project is my mixtape album "Under The Radar" on June 14th, 2011. which is also my debut solo release. You can download this for free at iamjoanlee.com. This was project is literally like my first born because it took me 9mths to put everything together. It includes 15 originals songs that pretty much defines my style and introduces the world to who I am as an artist. I felt that me being the behind the scenes guy for so long, I was doing what I enjoyed but was left with a void. I've always wanted to come back out as an artist because I felt the need to be heard. And I had my stories to tell through my music.
What made you want to be a singer?
I wanted to be a singer/rapper because I know how music affects people's lives. It gets them through whatever emotions they're going through. And as a singer/rapper, you have the ability to capture someones attention, ears & hearts…even if it's for 4mins. I vent through my music.
Who inspired you?
I would have to say that Lauren Hill and Eminem inspires be a lot. Both had to deal with a lot to get to where they're at. Lauren because she was the first to do both sing and rap and do it well. But she had to go through a lot because she was a female. Eminem because of his lyrical ability, content & his passion for music. He had to struggle with the fact that he was white in a predominantly "black" market/genre. I guess you can say I share both of their struggles somehow.
What type of music are you into?
I'm pretty much in to a lot of genres of music. I listen to a lot of urban R&B/Hip-Hop/Rap. But I also listen to some Pop, Rock, Reggae, Soul & Old School 80's & 90's stuff.
Where do you want to be in 5 years?
You have been living in a few destination's, which do you find best suited to you?
I think after being in different places a lot, I feel that anywhere in Southern California suits me best. I was born and raised in Long Beach, CA so it's what I've been accustomed to. Every time I leave for a while, i tend to miss the cool pacific breeze and the palm trees.
online unsigned radio stations, if any that have played your music?
As far as I know, I've heard of a couple online radio stations & college stations have played my music. My music has also been used as soundtracks to short films & interviews also.
your website, twitter, facebook:
My online websites are iamjoanlee.com, twitter.com/iamjoanlee, facebook.com/JoanleeMusic,youtube.com/iamjoanlee and iamjoanlee.tumblr.com.
Any open mic night's?
No I don't have any open mic nights lined up but I am currently on the "School Of Hard Rockz" tour with a bunch of well known YouTubers.
Your you tube video's?
You can check out my old and new videos at youtube.com/iamjoanlee
mixtape playlist:
Great interview, very aspiring.
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