Joanna Weston is a pop/folk singer/songwriter originally from UK, currently living in The Netherlands. I spoke with her about new album Inside Out, her music, London, new hometown Utrecht, sentimentalism, angelic voice and plans for the future.
Your debut album Inside Out is a mixture of pop and folk. Why do you like these genres the most?
I think sometimes it can be difficult to know what genre my music falls under. Whether it’s folk, country, americana or pop, because each song has a different feel/style, so if I have to choose one it would be folk as the instruments we use mostly are acoustic guitars, double bass, violin, cajon/percussion.
You live in Netherlands, is folk/pop music popular in your country?
I was born in London, spent recent years in Guildford, Surrey before coming to Utrecht in The Netherlands. I am currently based in The Netherlands, which is where my album was recorded. I came here a couple of years ago on holiday and met a couple of musicians, and we got on so well that the idea came up that I should return and do some recording. From this experience my music was naturally developing and we were having such fun, that I decided to come back for a longer period of time for new experiences, to perform across Europe and to record my debut album.
I like your new album a lot, but my favourite song of yours is “Amy”, from the earlier release “Pieces Of The Puzzle”…
“Amy” is a song I wrote for a very dear friend of mine, we’ve known each other for a very long time. “Amy” tells the story of our lifelong friendship…
You say that your songs are “never sentimental”. What’s wrong with being sentimental?
There’s nothing wrong with being sentimental, If something has sentimental value, it is difficult to let go of. As I write from my heart in a non-sentimental way, this allows me to relieve myself of those feelings.
And your angelic voice? Where did you get that from?
I’ve always sung, so it is hard to remember what my voice was like way back when I was little. If I listen to the songs I’d written and recorded in 2006, when I started out as a singer/songwriter, I can definitely hear it’s me, but there is a difference. I suppose by growing with age, confidence, expression and emotion this is how my voice has been naturally trained and I feel is stronger now than ever before.
What do you find in Netherlands what you couldn’t find in Great Britain? And what could you find in Great Britain what you don’t find in Netherlands?
The UK has been my home for many many years, so when the opportunity came up to go to The Netherlands, I jumped at the chance to try something new. I wouldn’t really say I came here because the UK didn’t have something to offer me, I came here because of wanting to try new things, and with working along side some fantastic musicians opened up new opportunities. My thought at the time was, that if it didn’t work out I could always head back to the UK. However, I am so happy that I made the decision to go to The Netherlands as it’s really a special place.
Is the town you live in, Utrecht, influencing you in any way?
I guess so. I feel very happy here. It’s such a beautiful city.
What are your plans for the second half of this year?
Since the release of my album and the birth of my daughter I’ve taken sometime out from performing, and now that I am raring to go, my plan is to get back on the stage and continue promoting my album. Im planning a tour as we speak, so watch this space.
For more visit Joanna’s Website
