Meet musician from Singapore, Joie Tan.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Joie, a 24-year-old creative based in Singapore. I primarily do music and do part-time work at a dog shelter. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with loved ones, animals and children. I express myself best with creative work. I’ve always enjoyed teaching and finally got to do it for a bit as an art teacher in a pre-school. I left that job to focus on my music full-time and released my debut album early 2018. I started a business in March 2019, Layla Luna selling sunglasses and glasses. 20% of every pair purchased goes to an animal shelter. Our beneficiary from March – July 2019 is The Right To Live, a dog shelter in Singapore. I’ve always immersed myself in projects and anything that requires me to use my creativity.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Singapore is a city of hustle and bustle, a concrete jungle like New York City. We have summer all year long, with the exception of short seasons of rain- the humidity is constant, though. We are a country that’s big on education, and kids are often found to be introduced to stress and a competitive learning environment at a young age. Contrary to popular belief, we are not in China and English is our first language. We are taught British English, so we say things like lift and queue instead of elevator and line. We also have a slang that we speak called Singlish. It’s a mix of all the languages we speak morphed into one to make for efficient conversation. More people know about Singapore now because of Crazy Rich Asians and I guess it’s pretty cool! Creatives in Singapore can only go so far in the industry, but we are growing and making waves outside of Asia and it is an exciting time. People used to say that homegrown acts have no future, but my generation and the ones after are proving that so wrong. If I could describe my city in two words, it would be small and safe.

People used to say that homegrown acts have no future, but my generation and the ones after are proving that so wrong.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

How did you start your career in art?

I grew up with music, with my dad playing the guitar, my mom playing the piano and both of them singing religiously. I eventually started singing religiously as well and found myself happiest when I was singing

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Yes! I am so very fortunate to be surrounded by supportive parents and friends who have my back and truly believe in me and what I do. They are also honest, which I appreciate a lot. It’s not to say that they don’t express concerns for my future at times, but they never fail to show me their love and support.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I would really love to travel the world and do more shows abroad. At this moment, I’m focusing on giving back to causes that I care deeply about and would love to see how much I can do that with music as well.

I would really love to travel the world and do more shows abroad. At this moment, I’m focusing on giving back to causes that I care deeply about and would love to see how much I can do that with music as well.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Man. This one’s really tough. There are a lot of people I look up and would absolutely love to make music with. Because I just watched him in concert, John Mayer. He writes beautifully and working on a song with him would be an absolute honour and I think it would be fun!

How would you describe the women around you?

Strong-willed, with unwavering spirits and are amazing at what they do.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

I didn’t really have any particular one local female creative I favourited growing up because I don’t think I was exposed to any of them. I knew of some female local singers, but none that I looked up to. Most of them are based in the US and I think it’s just because it’s what I was exposed to.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

No, I really don’t think so. I feel like challenges will always be faced and it ultimately boils down to your personality and how you deal with things. This might also be because I’ve never faced any gender prejudice- something I’m really thankful for as well!

Do it! Don’t let the fear of possible outcomes that you make up in your head scare you.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Do it! Don’t let the fear of possible outcomes that you make up in your head scare you. You’ll never know till you try, and I always think it’s better to know you tried your best at something rather than to dream about it for the rest of your life. Surround yourself with people who you trust and will be honest with you. Take in what they have to say, process it and take whatever can help improve and constantly work towards refining it! You can never go wrong with a strong support system. Find people who are fellow creatives, share your work and broaden your perspective on things by exposing yourself to others’. It’s so amazing when creatives come together with no agenda other than to share with, inspire and hold each other up.

Photos courtesy of Joie Tan.