Meet Jo Bad | Professional Singer & Vocal Coach

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

Hi Jo, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
I would say it was the decision to help others through music. Art is healing in more ways than one. And while I get the opportunity to make money with it, what drives me is my passion for truly helping others find their own unique voice and inner confidence to feel comfortable in their own skin.

To be an artist is allowing oneself to be vulnerable. To share intimate parts of their story and in some cases their pain through their craft. And it is through this journey, one finds their confidence.

Having had the honor to be on many stages, I know how it feels when that shift happens. It’s like one day you walk out and look at your audience and don’t feel as nervous… knowing that you are a badass and not afraid to show it.

And this presence comes from that vulnerable place. Allowing yourself to get messy and learn from each mistake.

To be able to facilitate that for another person and witness their development is truly magical. And I feel so incredibly lucky to get to do this!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been a professional singer for over 15 years and have done everything from solo work as an independent artist and singer/songwriter all the way to leading a 5 piece soul funk band. I’ve had the honor of performing at some of the most prominent venues in LA including House of Blues and The Viper Room. And, my proudest moment was being signed at 15 years old to Viva Records International.

My career as a vocalist has been an incredible ride and I’ve worked with the industry’s most talented musicians and writers. It’s been nothing short of amazing!

I’ve always felt was sets me a part from other singers is my ability to engage with my audience as I am a true entertainer and I live for the applause! I also feel what sets me a part is my entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. I don’t believe in giving up and I will keep moving forward no matter what.

My journey in the music industry is a true example of that and I believe has gotten me to where I am today. It was definitely not easy as I didn’t fit the traditionally accepted Hollywood look or body type. The inclusivity and body positive environment prevalent now was not present at that time. So to get booked or invited to perform at events, do interviews, etc was an uphill battle for me and my team.

I took these experiences and decided that I wanted to make a difference through this next phase in my career by creating a space for creatives to come together and be a part of a thriving community where we can support, learn from one another and cultivate our crafts.

I envisioned a place to network, book gigs, events, you name it. So I redesigned my company Baduria Entertainment to do just that- and then some!

That concept has also branched out to me coming off the stage and helping others through offering vocal coaching lessons. I wanted to provide an unforgettable experience for singers of all levels to learn how to be successful as not only artists but entertainers via customized one on one lessons, digital learning materials, personalized course of study and best of all- an exclusive Jam Session with live musicians.

Using a combination of practical experience and technical knowledge. I encourage my students to embrace what makes them unique and different as they define their identities as artists.

Jam Sessions Vocal Coaching is breaking the rules and redefining the traditional “singing lesson”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do and see in SoCal. It’s hard to say where to start. But I would definitely want to take them to the Venice Beach, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, 3rd Street Promenade, and all the museums in the Greater LA Area. I would spend some time in the OC and enjoy Laguna Beach and the art galleries around there. I would introduce them the live music scene in LA and Long Beach. And if it was around the time of the Newport Jazz Festival- that would be a must see. Would have to go to Spaghettini’s Sunday Brunch and hit up the Do-Over on Sunday afternoon in the summer time. We would do a tour of all the cultures of food available to us in LA and OC and then some.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes definitely, this company called Street Pressure. We all go through a time in our life where we feel like you have to choose between our dreams, and working a 9 to 5. Street Pressure changed my mindset, unlocking my full creative and artistic potential. The company inspires, and has vision to see your dreams and the knowledge and wisdom to guide you. Street Pressure accomplishes this through their new age, ground breaking marketing tactics that work!

I also can’t forget to acknowledge and thank the company THEUKNO. Their artistic creator, took me under his wing and believed in me, my vision, and my passion. This instilled the confidence I needed in my abilities and enabled me to motivate others to bring their own dreams to life. THEUKNO continues to inspire others through its creative expression displayed in art and apparel. Their slogan says it all, “We Can’t Tell You, But U Know”.

Website: www.baduriaentertainment.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jamwithjobad

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamwithjobad

Yelp: https://yelp.to/eShwGnkgKsb

Other: www.tiktok.com/miss_badu

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Ellen Louise Photography www.instagram.com/ellenlouisephotography Logo Designer: Halston Shannon Visual Artistry and Branding www.halstonshannon.com