Inspired #341 - Joëtta
Dutch indie-folk song writer Joëtta has just released her stunning track ‘Narrative’ - which is taken from her debut that is out now. She took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind her music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
If I had to choose, I’d say Lucy Rose, First Aid Kit and Alice Phoebe Lou. They all inspired me to start writing my own songs. I love Lucy Rose’s soft vocals, authenticity, honest lyrics and would love to make a documentary of my travels and music one day, just like she did of her trip around Latin America. Alice Phoebe Lou has my heart with her rawness and freedom. I love that she addresses social issues in her songs and writes straight from the heart. I have listened to her analogue album “Glow” so many times. I’m also a huge fan of Sweden's First Aid Kit. I love their harmonies, melodies and lyrics. I remember seeing them live in Brussels and tearing up as soon as they started playing. It really hit home and was so beautiful.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
Arthouse films for sure and picking one is real challenging. But generally the genre is enjoyable to me because it’s less predictable, there’s authentic storytelling, and how they portray aesthetics really feeds my soul. I really enjoyed watching Call me by your name - the tranquil Italian countryside, the love story and the soundtrack is so good too. I’m a fan of the song Mystery of Love by Sufjan Stevens.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
I lived in Málaga for three years and it’s during my time in that city that I decided to pursue my music. I spent a summer busking in the streets of Málaga with a friend and I absolutely loved doing that. Perhaps it’s also the sunny weather and the warmth of the people which I loved. Although having said that, cities sometimes overwhelm me. I love spending time in nature where I have lots of time and space to think and feel. And I travel as much as I can - new places inspire me to write new music as well.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
Whenever I feel a little lost in the creative process, I draw inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert. She wrote my favourite book on living creatively beyond fear, “Big Magic”, and I admire her joyful spirit of adventure.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
“Narrative” is the title track of my debut EP and it's about negative self-talk. I wanted to write a song that addresses how I feel when I’m caught in that loop. For years, I have struggled with anxiety. While working on this EP, I started therapy and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The EP documents a process of rediscovering myself and the lyrics are an important pillar. I hope this song can offer some comfort to listeners, as lyrics might resonate and music may soothe.
How would you like to inspire people?
If anyone looked at me for inspiration, I’d love for them to know that art is a process and you need to work on it. Even though I went down a different career path, I was always drawn to music. I decided to take music classes and surround myself with musicians. I allowed myself to try and fail and try again. If you want to make art or have anything else that you’d like to do in life, try and don’t be afraid to be a beginner at something new.