Joi Carter
Baltimore, Maryland, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2011 | SELF | AFTRA
Music
Press
By Lady M | Winter 2012
The day is beautiful. The scenery at the park is perfect, as SBEM walks over to this stunning young lady to learn her story; her trials and her successes. Along with the sounds of nature, there is an amazingly strong and soulful voice filling the air from the vocals of Joi Carter, also known as J.C. Her personality matches her voice; simply put, Joi Carter is a very beautiful young lady indeed.
J.C. is a professional graphic designer who has successfully designed for Radio One, and takes pride in the fact that she does her own websites and graphic designing work. Having played with the hottest band in the DMV “Mambo Sauce” and ripping vocals in the background for Carl Thomas, Ms. Carter is more than prepared to fulfill her dreams and goals as an independent artist.
SBEM: JC! How long have you been gracing the world with that voice?
JC: I have been a singer my entire life, but did not sing in front of other people until I was 18. I really blossomed into it while attending Howard University; let’s say that’s when I grew my “balls” lol.
SBEM: Lol. Well you have big ones! How did you hook up with the band Mambo Sauce?
JC: Wow! Singing with that band took me out of my element. It was truly challenging, it moved me from my Jill Scott/Erykah Badu groove to an extreme heavy rock feel. It was very powerful on stage. Here’s what happened. I met a manager at a club and gave him my information. About a year later, he called me out of the blue saying that he thought of me as the band was seeking a singer. I always liked their music even before I knew who they were, needless to say, I auditioned and I got it! You just never know who you know...
SBEM: The song you sang for me “22” had a country feel to it, what inspired you to write that song?
JC: You know how life seems to turn on you and sometimes you just don’t know what to do...well after so many dreams and goals just falling off I was at a crossroads. I literally packed up my Chevy and drove “22” hours to my mom in Texas. During that “22” hour drive I wrote! This entire album is JUST ME! It is strong vocally and lyrically. If it never touches a million people, I’m ok because it has touched one person; I am appreciating that accomplishment.
SBEM: JC, that’s deep! Carl Thomas...how did you become a backup singer for him?
JC: Again, you never know who you know. A drummer from making the band, Mike Moore plugged me in. He was playing for Carl Thomas and they needed another background singer. It was truly a learning experience. It was cool.
SBEM: That’s what’s up! What would you say is the most challenging for you as an independent artist?
JC: Because I am an independent artist I don’t look at the industry the same. I have nothing but control of what happens. The downside is that there may not always be enough financial backing available for projects, but I never want to give up control of my craft to a label or an industry. With creative control I have the ability to tag myself to every genre of music. My album has alternative rock, Reggae, country...you name it, I do it! I love it, my household was very diverse my mom is West Indian, my dad funk and rock, and my brother loved hip hop. I can bring whatever style I like...
SBEM: Not only can you bring it, you have a unique style that will leave anyone at awe. How hard is it trying to breakthrough here in B-more?
JC: Actually I am NOT concerned with B-more. If opportunity comes from here, cool. I’m looking to share my gift with an audience who appreciates my music and just wants to feel good. I’m geared for diverse populations, places like Eugene Oregon and Denver Colorado. To me it’s about the music, the energy, and the vibe.
SBEM: As pretty as you are and as beautiful as your voice rings, how is JC as far as a romantic relationship?
JC: I’m NOT in one, so it works! Let me live my dream 1st then I’ll bring someone else into it. I don’t really date either; my passion is my music; so I can’t relate to relationships and the road.
SBEM: Much respect to you for that approach...Any advice or closing statements for our readers or aspiring singers?
JC: Advice....Harness your craft and believe that you can do it! If you don’t believe in you, nobody will. What I love the most about music is its POWER!! Music is the conductor of feelings & emotions.
SBEM loves your vibe, and the energy was amazing during this interview. JC has a spirit just as beautiful & powerful as her voice and it is reflected in her music...JC releases her 1st solo album October 2012 entitled “Retrac” Follow her on Twitter @ The_RealJC ...check her website out @ www.therealjc.com !
- Scrapbook Entertainment Magazine
By Wesley Lowery | January 19, 2013
"Joi "J.C." Carter... got the crowd going with a cover of Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield." - Los Angeles Times
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Joi Carter, also known simply as JC, is a Baltimore native with a fiery sound and an engagingly spunky stage performance indicative of her love for 80's music and growing up in a household filled with the sounds of soca, funk and rock. As a former member of the Washington, D.C. based Go-Go band 'Mambo Sauce,' she has performed at some of the best live music venues in the United States including the House of Blues (New Orleans, Dallas, Anaheim, West Hollywood), the 9:30 Club, Fox Theatre, The Kennedy Center, 7th Street Entry, The National, The Norva and The Bowery Ballroom, along with local venues such as Jammin Java, State Theatre, Whitlows on Wilson, Recher Theatre and Rams Head Live (Baltimore)
In 2009 Mambo Sauce released their debut album ‘The Recipe,’ followed by a 15-U.S. city tour in 2011, opening up for Grammy Nominated Reggae band SOJA.
JC has also shined as a background singer for R&B crooner Carl Thomas and has toured internationally with 'The Pocket' a Washington, DC-based alternative-rock-reggae band. JC’s experience has taken her around the world from China to Mexico and now this dynamic performer brings her fierce energy center stage as a solo artist.
When asked about 'The Real JC Experience' Marcus J. Moore, a music journalist with the BBC, Washington City Paper and Okayplayer, among other national publications states, "When left to her own devices, Joi certainly knows how to captivate the audience with her daring wit and remarkable flair."
"JC is the most exciting female artist that I have had the pleasure of working with from the DMV. She is definitely not in the box. Her vocal range and ability to motivate the crowd is effortless & definitely poppin! - Chucky Thompson, Producer
Band Members
Links
