Joan Velasquez: Beginnings, Inspirations, Music and Advocacies

 

— Kriezeth Mina

Do you need some soft and chill music to sooth your tears or to at least have something as background music while everything seems to get bitter each passing day? Well no more worrying about Maxwell’s silver hammer (Paul McCartney’s analogy for when something goes wrong out of the blue), because Bulakeña singer-songwriter Joan herself will surely hit you in right in the feels (Beatles pun intended) with her acoustic guitar and her mellow tunes, and the good news is she “won’t sleep, till your tears are dry.”

Read on to get an idea of what is behind the Filipino singer – from influences, family background, quarantine experiences and what causes she stands up for.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC?

I cannot recall the time I got hooked into music. It must been a realy long time or I am actually born for and with it though I came from a family with no musically inclined members. My dad introduced me to The Beatles, U2, and Eraserheads then my brother influenced me on listening to Ed Sheeran. Ever since I was 3, I am fond of listening to radio, CDs and tape.

DID SOMEONE INSPIRE YOU TO DO MUSIC? WHO IS IT?

If there’s anyone who made me think that I can do my own music that is Clinton Kane. It’s still fresh but I’ve been a supporter of this man [even when he didn’t] have his own originals yet. I’ve witnessed this man make covers, upload song demos and finally producing and releasing it professionally. When it comes to my sound, Maisie Peters contributed a lot.

WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT? WHAT INSTRUMENT IS IT? HOW DID YOU LEARN IT?

Never in my life [had] I thought that I would be able to play an instrument. I have this annoying kikiam fingers. I can play but I do not have that intermediate and advance skills. When I was 15, I had a huge crush on someone and I said to myself “I am going to sing Reese’s Home for him.” This lead me [to] buying a 600 peso ukulele at Lazada and then the guitar and piano followed.

WHO ARE YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES? HOW DID THEY INFLUENCE YOU?

In terms of writing, Clinton Kane inspired me the most. He has this great way of transposing feelings from the heart to thoughts in head and rationalized words that most people can relate to. He’s really good at turning his trauma and pain into something people will get addicted to. So, I look up to him because I wanna write words that sting. In terms of the sound, people find it generic and cliche. They think about Clara Benin, Reese Lansangan and beabadoobee but in my process of making songs, Maisie Peters is the main inspo.

WHAT IS YOUR ARTIST NAME? ARE YOU USING YOUR REAL NAME? IF NOT, WHAT IS IT AND WHY CHOOSE THAT NAME?

I am using my real name. I used to hate my name ‘cause it’s too generic and short but as years go by I learned to appreciate it. Joan means God is gracious and “Jo” means love or dear. I feel like I was supposed [to be named] after John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s son, Sean. Joan is the female name of Sean and my dad is a huge Beatle fan. I think that correlates.

ARE YOU FROM A MUSIC FAMILY? WHO PLAYS WHAT INSTRUMENTS?

I often introduce myself as an “artist-wanna-be” and it would be followed to short intro that I came from a family without a musically-inclined member but my family includes music on their respective everyday routines. Well? Who doesn’t want to listen to music all day?

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL STATUS? ARE YOU IN HIGHSCHOOL? COLLEGE? WHAT COURSE ARE YOU TAKING?

I am an incoming college freshman. College of Criminal Justice Education, Bachelor of Arts in Legal Management can’t wait to welcome me and give me hell. Just kidding.

WHAT GENRE DO YOU CATEGORIZE YOURSELF INTO? WHY DID YOU LEAN TOWARDS THAT GENRE?

I categorize myself as an Indie-Pop artist but I can’t wait for everyone to hear what I’m about to release in the following years of my career. I think it’s going to be messy and people might get confused or label me as versatile. HAHAHAHAHA I am so confident. I’m enjoying it anyway and I bring no harm to people so I’ll just go for it but mainly, I lean on this Indie-Pop sound because in this genre I am free and more creative to express and interpret.

HOW DO YOU WRITE YOUR SONGS? LYRICS FIRST? TUNE FIRST? BOTH? EXPLAIN WHEN, HOW, WHERE DO YOU USUALLY WRITE?

Depends on the idea that sparked. There is no specific time when I write, inspirations can occur anytime and anywhere. Usually, I am able to write something if I am thinking about a certain topic, feeling or even a person for a phase. Not a long time but a thought that resonates in my head repetitively. My brain speaks to me, “You gonna write this down so that It would be over.” For me the best place to write is a comfort room and at the jeepney while [it’s] traffic.

DO YOU HAVE ORIGINAL SONGS? IF YES, PLEASE NAME THEM AND EXPLAIN EACH SONG'S STORY.

As of now, I’ve released 3 singles and 1 EP. The first single is a collaboration with Cyber Band’s frontman, Andoy Patuasic. The song is about a failed relationship and it’s called “Huling Sandali”. The two other singles are connected to each other, the first one is called “Jupiter and Pluto” and the second one is “Conjunction - the sun’s glare opposed”. They are both love songs and my recent released EP titled “Black Hole” is all about anxiety and wrong phases of life.

DO YOU HAVE SIBLINGS? HOW MANY ARE YOU IN THE FAMILY?

I only have one brother. I am the youngest in the family.

ANY LOCAL MUSIC FETISHES? INTERNATIONAL? WHO ARE THEY? WHY?

Bass and bassists. Periodt. Do I have to explain? Bass is freakin’ hot.

DO YOU HAVE ANY LIVE GIG EXPERIENCES? WHAT IS THE BEST SO FAR? WHAT IS THE WORST? WHY?

I do not have yet live gig experiences, just live school performances.

WHAT DID YOU DO THIS PANDEMIC ERA? HOW ARE YOU COPING WITH THE SITUATION?

Since the pandemic gave me all the free time in world, I’ve revisited and tried to resolve everything I tried to escape. These things are too personal to talk about and share. I am coping not that quite hard because I am a low maintenance friend. Everyday interactions are not necessary to me.

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT YOUR MUSIC CAREER?

My music wants to ask, “Who said 2020 ain’t a great year?” Pandemic gave me time and opened opportunities to learn and explore and meet my kind of people.

DO YOU CONSIDER DOING MUSIC AS A CAREER (OR CAREER IN THE FUTURE)? OR IS IT JUST A HOBBY?

Depends on my family’s situation. I’m in music not for the money and since I need money, I have to enter doors for high-paying job or calling. I mean, let’s be rational. Money is essential but I love music. So, as long as I can do both I would try my best. If not, I would stop music for a while then get back as soon as I can. That’s why I managed to release 8 songs in 9 months because I am uncertain about what lies ahead in college and adult life.

HOW DOES MUSIC HELP YOU IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE?

Even if I do not have my own music, I can say that it saves each day of my life. I do not know what to do without music. It lives in me. People can leave me but music won’t.

ANY MORE HOBBIES BESIDES DOING MUSIC?

Taking care and playing with cats, I guess?

ANY FUTURE PLANS? WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS REGARDING YOUR MUSIC CAREER?

Next year’s going to be cool and messy. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the other sides of me.

ANYTHING YOU WANNA SAY TO YOUNG ASPIRING MUSICIANS WHO WANTS TO DO MUSIC AS A CAREER?

“Believe in yourself before they believe in you.” – Waiian

Velasquez also happens to be one of the ambassadors of Sulong Philippines, a non-profit, non-governmental youth organization formed in July 2020. Sulong lends a hand to those who are experiencing or have experienced violence and sexual harassment to help them to get access to free and legal psychosocial support. “I am fond about joining movements for Lumad schools and children, and other activities for Indigenous people and their ancestral lands and culture,” said Velasquez.