Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: My name is Jo LaRue and I am a Singer-songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. My musical journey started from a young age, with a background steeped in the rich traditions of jazz and funk. Artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Winehouse, Steely Dan and Stevie Wonder were always played in my house growing up. I started singing and piano lessons at the age of eight and studied Commercial Modern Music for five years at BIMM Dublin.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Jo LaRue”?
A: I plan on growing my fan base by adding my personality to my music and music videos. I like to think that people can relate to my music. For me, writing is also a therapeutic process. Using humour can help to Draw people in to my lyrics. I feel music has a great way of bringing unity, especially in difficult times.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I feel inspired by nature, the world around me and life experiences. Travelling always makes me feel inspired in my writing. I love listening to Neo-Soul Irish artist ‘Siomha’ who has some really beautiful music and lyrics.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Arizona.”?
A: I wrote ‘Arizona’ after travelling around the Grand Canyon and various parts of California. I got to see some beautiful sights while driving through the desert and this inspired me to write a song about my travels and what I got to experience. Being there felt like a bit of a dream, a very new and different place that I got to see.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Retro Pop
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Arizona”?
A: Recording the song was a long process! I had various musicians on the track and my dad and I wanted to get the mix right. We recorded the the drums first, bass, piano, vocals and then guitar. I was delighted with the final mix of the song and it was exciting to have it actually complete after months of recording/mixing and mastering
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A:My goal as an artist is to continue writing and releasing my songs. I plan on eventually creating a band and performing shows. My husband has helped with my music videos and I feel the visual aspect of music is important so that the audience can see what my music is about. That I love to bring my personality to my music.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: My dream artist to collaborate with would be Ella Fitzgerald or Amy Winehouse!
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: I think the music industry initially can be difficult at times to try make a living out of, although, if you have a passion for it, making music can feel like a very motivating thing to do. Music for me has always been very important and has helped me. I teach music to all ages and teaching has still allowed me to work at something I love to do and sharing that passion with others is a true joy.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: You are good enough, keep doing your thing
LISTEN TO THE ARTIST:
Follow Jo LaRue:
Spotify – YouTube – Facebook – Instagram – TikTok – SoundCloud