Legendary singer Joyce Sims is back with her brand new album 'Love Song', released today (August 31).
Joyce Sims
Storming the pop charts in the late 80s, Joyce is the voice behind some of music's greatest club anthems including 'Come Into My Life' and 'Walk Away', establishing her as an icon in the business, and now she returns with a dazzling new set of songs.
We got the opportunity to chat to Joyce about her new material, her career to-date and much more in a new and exclusive interview - read on to find out what she had to say!
You've been in this industry since the late 80s - how much have things changed since then?
The industry has changed tremendously since the 80s. The major labels had all the power before the social media explosion. Artists now have much more control over their career and the outlets to get their music heard.
What do you think of the current look of the business and popular artists nowadays?
I think with the advent of social media, there are more opportunities for independent artists and labels to market, promote, and get their music to the eyes and ears of their present fans, as well as develop new fans. Also the business connections that can be made are unlimited. The popular artists nowadays are really capitalizing on the social media networks to get their music out and connect with their fans directly, without having to depend solely on the majors. The are some great artists putting out some really great music now.
Now you're back with a brand new song - 'All I Want Is You' - what is it about this track that inspired you to release it as a single?
I feel that the new single 'All I Want Is You' is a lyrically strong song with a universal message of being in love that people can relate to. You can have all the money in the world, ("Got money in my pockets"), and still not be able to find real happiness, ("and can't buy nothing real"), because you are searching and cannot find the one who can bring you that happiness, only to turn around and realize that that someone has been there all along, ("cause you're right there before my eyes, and finally I realize"). We have all been in a situation like that at some point in our lives. Also you can have all the riches in the world, and that special person that you want so badly has no interest in you, but you still try your best to get with them, ("all I want is you").
What should fans expect from your sound on this new collection of material?
Fans should expect to hear a good mixture of soul, pop, & R&B. I think I stayed true to my sound with a bit of today's technology. I worked with different writers and producers on this project and their influences are reflected in the music as well.
How would you say you've changed or evolved as an artist and musician since your debut?
Since my debut I have learned a great deal about the music industry. Being an independent artist and musician I have learned that you have to take your career seriously and treat it as a business. Connections are key to an artist success. I'm much more hands on in regards to my career. I am on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and I do it all myself. When I chat with my fans on Facebook, rest assured that is really me they are chatting with.
Can you tell us about some of your best memories in your career to-date?
One of my best memories is my first US and UK tour with my band. My first sold out concert with my band was in London at the Hammersmith Odeon. Another is hearing my first single 'All and All' on NYC radio Kiss FM.
Similarly what have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced?
One of my biggest challenges has been going totally independent as an artist. Everything is dependent on you and how you handle your business. Another challenge is balancing my time between handling the business of music, creating the music, and my family time.
If you could work with any other artist going forward on new music, who would you like to collaborate with and why?
I would love to work with Stevie Wonder on some new music. Stevie is a musical icon. He is one of the reasons I learned how to play the piano. I love his music.
You'll also be coming to the UK for some live shows, what should those attending expect?
Anyone attending my live show should expect to go on a musical journey and have a good time doing so. I'll be singing all of my classic hits, and new music from my 'Love Song' CD. The music will take you back in time to some good memories, and bring you forward making new ones.
Finally what's next for you in the coming weeks and months aside from the new music?
For the following months I'll be performing and running my record label August Rose Record. At the present time all my attention is being focused on the marketing and promotion of the new CD album. Being a label owner is time consuming. There is so much to look after especially when you have a new release.