Interview by Carol Wright | Photo Courtesy of Josephine Relli
We got to chat with Josephine Relli about her original music and her advice for aspiring singers.
Growing up did you often put on performances for your family or friends?
Surprisingly, not really, at least not that I can recall, although my memory isn’t the best. I do remember performing in the car, in the shower, and with karaoke games a lot with family and friends. But for the most part, I think I kept my performing to myself a lot.
Tell us about your songs “Slow down” and “Falling.” What inspired the sound?
Those two songs are both based on feelings I had during my relationship last year, and their sound was my way of exploring a new vibe in my music. I tried a lot of new things with those two songs, so it’s mainly inspired by change and evolution, if you will.
What is your songwriting process?
My process has changed so much and probably will continue to do so, but as of right now I’m spending more time on the story of each song. I find that if I have a visual of a story or movie in my mind, the sound and lyrics come easier.
Has it been easier or harder to create music during quarantine?
I wish I could say it’s been easier, but it’s been pretty hard. I’ve been in a rut throughout most of 2020 and it has felt like the longest and shortest year ever at the same time. In the grand scheme of things, I’ve been very blessed throughout 2020, but I do seem to continue to be in a creative rut. Thankfully, as the year draws to an end, I find myself slowly making my way out of that hole, and I’m hoping to continue and get back on track as much as one can.
What have you been doing to keep your creative juices flowing?
Honestly, watching really good TV shows. The stories and writing help keep my brain moving and inspires me to create for myself as well. Plus it’s fun.
You also act, what did you learn while working on the short film Carmen?
My biggest takeaway from working on that film was just how important acting felt to me. It was always something I was interested in, but until I was actually on a set and seeing it all happen, I hadn’t realized how much I wanted to be a part of it. It was eye-opening in a sense, and I am forever grateful for it.
Do you hope to tie your acting and singing passions together in the future?
Yes, yes, yes — for sure. A big dream/goal of mine is to be able to combine them in any way I can, albeit in theatre and musicals, or writing for a movie, etc.
What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
To find your “you.” There are so many people singing that it can be hard to find yourself in such a massive group, especially with the added struggle of being able to compare so easily. So my main advice would be to just focus on you and what makes you happy with singing, and try not to let the mass amount of singers out there discourage you.
