out right now: 'Don't Wanna Lose Your Love' by joy orleans

Joycelyn Owens goes by the professional name 'Joy' - not just a simplification, but a pure distillation of the effect her voice has on an audience. She's backed up funk legend Dr. John and toured as the featured backup vocalist with Walter 'Wolfman' Washington. Stages she's graced include the New Orleans House of Blues and the Maple Leaf Bar. In 2016, she released her debut EP, 'Just Like That', and having tested the waters, is in the process of launching her solo career in earnest. She's a proud native of New Orleans. 

Her new single, 'Don't Wanna Lose Your Love', is a sultry slice of New Orleans soul. You can listen to it here:
​

​Tell us about your new record, what's it all about? 
My new single is titled 'Don't Wanna Lose Your Love' and as the name implies, it's about not wanting to lose someone you love. Don't Wanna Lose Your Love goes into a very open, very vulnerable place of letting someone know what they mean to you and how much you care about them. 

So you're New Orleans born and bred? 
I'm a born, bred and cornbread fed, New Orleanian! I love my city so much, the culture, the atmosphere, and especially the music. I'm a very creative person and I really thrive in a lively atmosphere, that's what keeps me connected to NOLA. It's in the air, it's in the water, in the streets. I'm quite well traveled, and the whole vibe is so unlike anywhere I've ever been. 

Tell us a little bit about your experience of the music scene here. Which local musicians or artists have been your inspirations or mentors? 
I've had a lot of amazing experiences in the music scene in NOLA. One of my most cherished experiences is when I performed at the B.B. King tribute at Jazz Fest. As for inspiration, Irma Thomas inspired me as she has five children just like I do and she has been able to soar and really thrive in music. I've also had the good fortune of being taken under the wings of Dr. John and Walter 'Wolfman' Washington. They were the best mentors I could have asked for and I miss them dearly.

Which local venues do you most like to perform at? And where do you like to go and see live music?
I love performing at Tipitina's, The House of Blues Gospel Brunch, and I really enjoyed my musical residency at B.B. Kings Blues club. I like going to the Orpheum and the Joy theater to see live music as well as the New Orleans Jazz Museum. 

Where do you like to hang out/see friends/eat/drink in NOLA? 
I like eating at Commander's Palace, Galatoire's and Brennan's. I also like walking with friends in Audubon park.

Where can we see you next or find out more about you? 
You can find me on all social media platforms @Iamjoyorleans, and see all my upcoming tour dates, events and releases on my website Joyorleans.com 
​