Meet Joy Autumn | Composer, Producer, and Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joy Autumn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joy, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Absolutely! One thing that sticks out in my mind is the persistent gender gap when it comes to positions of power in the music business. Back when I was an LA newbie I had no idea that only around 2-3% of music is being produced and composed by women. It continues to be an uphill climb, but I’m on a mission to help change that!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am a singer-songwriter, music producer, and film/media composer originally from Olympia, WA. For me, music is more than just a profession; it’s a calling. I’ve been writing music since I was five, and I can’t fathom my life without the creative expression it brings. I love connecting with my fans, and they often share that my music resonates with them due to its authenticity, which means a lot to me.

When I first came to Hollywood, I really thought I had it made! I waltzed into a Culver City studio to record one of my songs with a Grammy-nominated producer. Quickly things turned sour when he told me I wouldn’t be successful unless I sounded like Katy Perry. I tried to speak up, but he gaslit me saying, “Joy, how many Grammy nominations do you have? I think I know what sounds good and you don’t.” I left crying, determined to find a female producer to work with. The problem was, there really weren’t any! In that moment I knew I needed to become a music producer myself.

My album, “Midnight,” earned a place on the 2019 first-round GRAMMY ballot. I’ve toured across the United States, playing stages at festivals like SXSW, and I’ve sold out shows in LA, including the iconic Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. Currently, I’m excited to announce two new albums: a Nirvana homage titled “Come As You Are–A Tribute To Nirvana in Olympia” and “Rainy Sunday,” an acoustic bedroom pop album with a cozy, rainy day feel. I recorded these albums during the pandemic in my childhood bedroom to honor my PNW heritage. I’m also composing music for an upcoming animated film as well as a feature film by filmmaker Aline Andrade who is amazing.

Beyond my music, I love mentoring middle school and high school girls––empowering them to compose and produce their own music. I’d love to make this into a nonprofit someday!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Absolutely! I’ll share with you an itinerary for both the Eastside and the Westside of LA! I enjoy beginning my day at Intelligentsia Coffee in Silverlake. The coffee is exceptional, and it’s fun to run into fellow creatives there. Afterward, exploring the unique shops in Silverlake is always a treat. Alternatively, for those who love the outdoors, like my parents, a visit to Beachwood for a hike to the iconic Hollywood sign is a fantastic choice. Following the hike, we usually enjoy a meal at the cheerful and classic Beachwood Cafe. To wrap up the day, catching live music at The Hotel Cafe in Hollywood (one of my favorite places to perform) or heading to The Village to hear the incredible Flight of Voices sing is a must. On the Westside, a visit to the Getty and/or The Getty Villa is great, followed by some relaxation at the beach in Santa Monica or Venice. I enjoy plant-based meals, so I’d go to Cafe Gratitude or True Food for dinner. Oh…and for a memorable performance, the Hollywood Bowl is without a doubt my absolute favorite if there is a show happening!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank my amazing friend and cowriter Kara Connolly for her support! I’d also like to thank Costas Dino for championing my career, and my family as well as Bo, Ryan, and Laura for always believing in me!

Website: www.joyautumn.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyautumnmusic

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/joyautumnmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyautumnmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/joyautumnmusic

Image Credits
Katrina Manaligod, Justin Higuchi, Lyd & Mo Photography Studio