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

Hi Josey, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
For me I think its very important to never give up on yourself, however at the same time knowing when to “quit” or pivot can be a game changer. I am dead set on my goals but I’m flexible about how I’m going to get there. Be open about how you are going to achieve your dreams, but if its what your really want, never give up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Music is everything to me. I started writing songs at 11 years old. I first started with poetry actually. I got bullied a lot growing up and music was my only comfort or friend. When I realized how powerful music was, I knew I was a lifer. I’m really excited for the world to hear my new music. Its my most personal writing yet. For a long time I wrote about how other people affected me but this music is about me. I did a lot of inner work, dug deep and had realizations I didn’t want to face, this music is about that. The Journey has not been easy. It has been a long road. Especially with these songs, I started writing most of the songs about 3 years ago when I was having vocal issues. The last song written for this project was done last year. About 3 years ago I got diagnosed with an auto immune disorder and they still can’t really give me an exact diagnosis of what I have. I was under a lot of stress, moving, lost my job and my grandmother died. To top it all off I had no voice. It felt like I hit complete rock bottom. I was grieving, making no income, and in so much pain physically and emotionally. My biggest joy in life I could no longer do. Even with all the no’s or set backs, I always had the ability to sing. Not being able to really broke me. Eventually I found out I had muscle tension dysphonia. Once I got physical therapy along with vocal therapy my voice finally started to come back. I had been afraid to sing and unable to use my full voice for over 2 years. Being able to use my head voice and sing soft again was a huge relief. In July of 2023 I started recording for my Debut EP. I’m still working on finishing recording and production for some songs. I’m so happy to finally release new music again. Knowing everything it took to get my voice back and find a new producer, record, keep writing new music even though I couldn’t perform at my best. This next release is very special to me. Limelight will be out 5/10 and my EP will be coming later this year, most likely October. I hope this music finds a home in whoever needs it. I have a different perspective to offer. You hear so many love songs, yet limelight is about the lack of love. Growing up and still never getting to experience being seen, loved and cared for in a romantic way. Even though it feels very lonely, I know I’m not the only one. I hope people who feel the same way can find comfort in this song. If anything I want people to take away the importance of resilience, the right timing and never giving up. It has been a hard journey and I’ve gotten a lot of no’s. I’ve been overlooked and counted out by many people, brands, casting directors etc. Still I keep going, keep writing, keep performing and keep sharing my art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love a good happy hour! We have to go to the beach, then I’d wanna hit up Griffith Observatory. I’m new to LA and still haven’t been haha. I would definitely recommend Great white, I went to the Larchmont location and loved it. Also the swan boats in echo park are fun! For happy hours I would recommend Home is Los Feliz and the Edmon LA, A good brunch spot is Alcove and Catch LA. Places to go out , I would say the abbey in Weho is fun and Mamas Shelter is a good time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out the black opry for giving me the opportunity to perform at the City Winery Nashville , Play my first show in Memphis and play The Basement. They do so much to uplift black artists and black country artists while building community and reach.

Website: https://www.joseyofficial.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/josey_omo

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ItsJosey

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Y7M85DT5ghRcwtZTwcgH8?si=Dc9J_gXPRNeOnXoyWgpCoQ&nd=1&dlsi=cb079adb681c4d7b

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@josey_omo

Image Credits
Photo on stage in purple top- Jenna fine ( @itsfinephotos) Photos outside on stage in green dress- Nashville Pride – Nathaniel Clayton (@cc.portz) Studio Photo- me ALL other photos- Raf ( @colorsbyraf)

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