March 28, 2024

Edited with Afterlight

Hey Joe 🙂 You just released your new inspiring Gospel single “Better Days”. What does this song mean to you?

Hi, and thank you for having me today! “Better Days” is a reminder to me that everything is going to be okay. 

Can you tell us the backstory of this song? Is it from a real experience?

Back in August, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Through this difficult season, we’ve all tried to stay strong. So strong, that my entire family hasn’t even cried together, yet. My mom stays strong out of fear her tears will make us weak, and we stay strong out of fear our tears will do the same to her. A few weeks ago, I was standing at a self-checkout in Walmart when I got a text from my mom that said “Cancer Free”. She is now officially in remission!

A couple weeks before hearing the news, I wrote this song with my good friends, Autumn Buysse and Tony Chetta for my mom and for anyone is experiencing a difficult time in their life and is unable to express their emotions. Hopefully this song helps you find peace and positivity amidst your struggle. 

What do you hope your supporters will think of the new song? & What do you hope they’ll get from hearing your new song?

I hope that the people who hear “Better Days” will smile when it comes on. I hope that it inspires and uplifts their spirit and reminds them that everything is going to be okay, because whatever obstacle is in the way is only temporary. 

You also have more music coming out in 2020!! Can you spill any details on what your supporters can look forward to?!

Yes!! I’m so excited about what’s to come! 

“Waiting on you is like waiting for rain in this drought.”

I’ll leave it at that for now. Hopefully you guys picked up on that reference!!!

Is there anyone you want to thank that’s helped you get to where you are today? 

There have been so many amazing people that have been there for me and offered me amazing advice/opportunities. And of course, my family. They’ve been supportive/encouraging of this career path for as long as I can remember. They even drove a total of 30 hours in 2 days last September to see me perform live in Nashville. They are the absolute best in the world.

What do you want your message to be towards your fans? What do you want your fans to take away from your music and shows?

I want my listeners to know/find who they are and celebrate it! I hope to inspire joy in their lives and to put a smile on their face at my live shows.

What is it like performing in front of your fans? 

Writing a song is not easy. Some days, it is. You’ll pick up a paper, pen and go to the piano and have a song done in 10 minutes. My single “Body Talking” actually happened that way. Other times (most times I should say) it’s more difficult and tedious. When I finally get to perform my songs in front of a live audience, all of that hard work that went into creating the song goes away. It feels as though I’m sharing my inner-most thoughts with the audience. When I come up with a dope song idea or hook, I feel so connected to myself and I feel a sort of high. That’s how I feel when I perform. I feel that high and that connection with my truest self. I feel the happiest on stage when I have the opportunity to share my truest self in front of others. There’s no feeling quite like it. 

What do you want your supporters to know that you think is important?

I hope everyone knows how important believing in yourself is. We are so lucky to have a mind that is able to manifest all of our wildest dreams. No dream is too big for what we can accomplish. Whatever you want to make of your life is in the power of your thoughts. Think intentionally. Learn and understand what your morals and values are, and always act accordingly to them. Figure out what your passion is and put your heart into it. The more time you spend on that which makes you happy, the happier you will be. And isn’t that what we’re all after? We think “oh the minute I get that promotion, then I can be happy” “When I get married and get settled down, then I’ll be happy” “When I get out of this situation, then I can be happy”. The truth is, happiness never comes with any of that. All that comes is a temporary high. Instead, focus on living presently in the moment, and be grateful for that which you have – in doing that, you are training your brain to create a state of mind that is positive which in turn will bring you happiness 🙂

There are days I wake up and I am over the moon jumping over the kitchen counter in joy and excitement – then there are days I feel down. Some days we are blessed with waking up with a positive mindset, while others we aren’t. You can wait in hopes that tomorrow you’ll wake up and be happy, or you can make the decision to create happiness. In the morning and at night, wright down 1 thing you’re grateful for, 1 thing you’re excited for and 1 person you’re proud of. 

What’s something your fans don’t know about you?

I am obsessed with Hilary Duff. When I first moved to America, I would watch Lizzie McGuire, and that was one of the ways I learned English! I’ve recently translated some of that love/admiration for her into a song that’ll be coming out later this year so be on the lookout for SM 😉 

What do you want your fans to know if they ever see you in public? 

Let’s talk! Tell me about yourself. Let’s get to know each other even if it’s just a few moments. I love to make genuine connections with people, so if we ever get the chance, please let’s do it!

What would you say is your biggest dream/goal right now?

My biggest dream right now is to empower people with my music. I want to create my platform to inspire others to chase their passion. We are all capable of achieving our dreams/passions. I hope that people can see me pursuing mine and be inspired to chase theirs – even if that’s working the Wendy’s drive thru, if that’s what your passion is and what makes you the happy, do it! My dream is to motivate people to feel better about their truest and most authentic self. Not the self that you put on in the morning after you brush your teeth and comb your hair, but your soul and your spirit – your truest self. 

Any last things you want to tell your supporters?

Live big, love hard and never wear white after labor day hunny!

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview!

LISTEN TO “BETTER DAYS“ NOW:

 

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