Josephine Relli is a recording artist, model and actor. She released her debut album “Miscellaneous” in 2016 and has continued to release new music since. This year, Josephine Relli released a new single and new EP. She’s teamed up with artists such as BrokeBoii, Kay-Ree. Josephine Relli’s duology album “Slow Down/Falling” was released on all major platforms on February 2, 2020. YEM spoke with Josephine Relli about her growing career.
Young Entertainment Mag: What led you to pursue music?
Josephine Relli: Well, I had always been passionate about music. But I never really thought I could turn that passion into my career until a vocal coach I had presented the opportunity to create an album to me, and I figured, “What have I got to lose?” Ever since then I’ve been working to make it happen. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely proven to be what I need to be doing in life.
YEM: You’ve been described as an “old-soul” when it comes to your musical tastes. Why is that? Who are some of your musical inspirations?
Josephine: I tend to connect a lot with older music, specifically the music of the ’50s. I love Jackie Wilson, Dean Martin, etc. I also enjoy sprinkling in aspects of that old feel into my own music.
YEM: Your new tracks are a little more subdued than your previous singles. How would you describe the sound of your new songs?
Josephine: That’s hard to say, really. I always struggle with labeling my own music. But something I can say is that it’s definitely more me than some of my previous work. I worked a lot on trying to find my process and my own sound that really vibed with me over the years, and with these two songs I definitely found it.
YEM: You have a rather diverse sound. Why is that?
Josephine: I don’t tend to stick in one place or try and write anything to be one specific thing. I usually let the process take me wherever it wants to take me, which results in a more eclectic sound palette. I also tend to listen to a wide range of music that I think definitely influences why I incorporate more than one variety of sound.
YEM: What new projects have you been working on?
Josephine: I took a break when quarantine first hit for some “me time” and self-reflection. But now that things are a tad less chaotic, at least in my personal life, I’m starting up a handful of projects I had planned pre-pandemic. For sure more songs are in the works, I can guarantee that, a clothing line, blogs, etc. Many things are in development at the moment and I can’t wait to share them all.
YEM: You are “a strong supporter of philanthropic endeavors.” Why do think as an artist it’s so important to be involved in giving back?
Josephine: As an artist, I am very blessed to be able to do what I love and not only that but to be able to be compensated and praised for it. And I think when being given that opportunity, it only makes sense to give back to those who gave to you. When in this industry, as well, many eyes are on you, and if you can utilize that to positively influence others to do good things, help out, etc. it’s a wonderful thing.
YEM: How has music influenced your life? What would you want to be able to do through your music?
Josephine: It’s influenced it in so many ways that I can’t even begin to explain. But my life would definitely be incomplete without it. I mainly just want to be able to continue to express whatever I want through my music and for others to be able to find some form of expression of their own through it as well.
