Chicago born, L.A. resident Joy Valencia has wanted to be a singer since she was 4 years old.  When she was younger Joy would take different parts of songs and put them together to make her own mixes. She would also record herself from tape to tape over and over again so it would sound like she had multiple voices. Fast forward to the present, and singer-songwriter-producer Joy has made her dream come true. Currently in the process of completing her first album with her husband co-producer, Joy has created a sound for herself that is as unique and fresh as her 60’s inspired fashion sense. Wielding her talents to produce a great mix of psychedelic pop and a hint of cabaret, Joy earned Stereofame.com’s “Artist of the Month” in September 2010. I recently had the chance to sit down and conduct The Sights and Sounds’ first ever Twitterview with Joy to find out where she gets the inspiration for her unique sound.

@TheSightsSounds: Joy, youre currently working on your first album, how’s that coming along?

@thatindiechick: Freaking great. I love this part! My new songs are coming to life one by one.

@TheSightsSounds: What/Who is your greatest inspiration in life?

@thatindiechick: In life?? hmm.. It might be Paul McCartney because of his incredible songwriting, musicianship and vocal ability. He’s vegetarian.. and truly a kind person in the world. I suppose he’s a role model of mine. Michael Jackson was also a great inspiration in my life and the reason I chose music as a career when I was 4.

@TheSightsSounds: I currently reside in Chicago, your hometown. What was your fav hangout spot? Can we expect to see a show here soon?

@thatindiechick: I loved thrift stores in Wrigleyville. And shows at Metro. Looking forward to playing there & The Aragon Ballroom (wikipedia says it’s called “Aragon Entertainment Center” now??). Ok & the Allstate Arena;)

@TheSightsSounds: What artists would you like to work with the most? Who is your biggest influence in music right now?

@thatindiechick: Randy Newman.. artists, producers & songwriters who were making music in the late 60s.. (because I secretly wish I was alive then & want to grab that magic). I really wish Harry Nilsson was alive for many reasons, one being that I would LOVE to work with him. He’s one of my big influences right now.. Though the specific song I’m working on today is sortof “Bernstein meets Beatnik”

@TheSightsSounds: That sounds awesome, I am definitely digging the 60’s style! (I secretly wish I could live during that era too!) And I can’t wait to hear your new stuff! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me, and continue spreading the peace and love, Joy!

You can find a couple of my favorite songs from Joy Valencia below. Here is what Stereofame.com had to say about Joy. “On ‘Don’t Wake the Lion,’ a hypnotic tribal drum beat set behind a sparse organ drone showcases Valencia’s adept ear for crafting unexpected melodic hooks and clever lyrics, calling to mind the best of artists like Fiona Apple and Tori Amos. Elsewhere, on tracks such as ‘Wallet,’ Valencia shows a more playful side with a McCartney-esque ode to being broke complete with a boozy, saloon-style piano hook and delicious harmonies. Valencia…proves that she’s just as comfortable singing tender ballads as she is about lions in her bed. ‘If You Love Me’ displays Valencia’s more introspective side with haunting piano lines and hushed, almost whispered vocals that feel like pillow talk.”

[wpaudio url=”http://thesightsandsounds.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/136582_9410613_1_Down.mp3″ text=”Joy Valencia – Wallet” dl=”0″]
 
[wpaudio url=”http://thesightsandsounds.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/258518_16087436_1_Down.mp3″ text=”Joy Valenica – It’s A Beautiful Day” dl=”0″]

If you like what you hear, check out Joy’s Facebook page where you can listen and download more of her music. Be sure to follow Joy’s updates via Twitter @JoyValencia and @thatindiechick. Also, make sure you visit her website at www.JoyValenciamusic.com.

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