Riding the crescendo

-

Published July 15, 2012, Sunday Gleaner 
Joan Phillips' talent, love for performing arts and zeal for life rise way above her petite frame. A singer, dancer, choreographer, songwriter, businesswoman, academic valedictorian, this 24-year-old is basking under the arc light's glory.
The multifaceted artiste says she draws inspiration from Michael Jackson, Prince and Beyoncé - artistes she grew up listening to.
"I was inspired by them. I grew up listening to them and I emulate them," Phillips said. "I focus on world music as opposed to only reggae and dancehall, so learning Spanish music, Italian, jazz, is what I do."
Phillips says she likes to push the boundaries and do something different. "I had a song where I was on my head," she said.
"I like to dance and sing, so I always have a head mike and even if I have my (hand-held) mike … I am still dancing."
Though shying away from being called a childhood prodigy, Phillips' romance with music and the performing arts began at an early age.
"I loved the arts ever since I was young and I (have been) writing songs since I was eight," said Phillips.
By the time she was 12, Phillips was choreographing dance for the dance ministry of her church. Along with two schoolmates, she formed her first band at Merl Grove High School, which won a bronze medal in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's music festival. "That's where the love of music began," she said.
Armed with a dream and a myriad of ideas, Phillips had a career path rolled out, though singing was not her first choice.
EXPOSED 
"I was always the actress and the dancer. I wanted to come to Edna Manley to dance," informed the 2009 valedictorian of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Phillips got exposed to a wide range of visual and performing arts at school, "I went to different schools to learn different art forms I ended up learning introduction to film, animation, dance, acting, and playwriting."
Being exposed to a wide spectrum of visual and performing arts, Phillips tries to incorporate those nuances when she is onstage.
"My performances should relate to the preference of the audience. Sometimes, based on the vibe you get on the stage, you go with the flow," she said, clipping her fingers in synch and rhythm of the tone of her words.
She describes music and dance as her passion, and is currently recording her first album. "The first single will be Caution and the video premiere should be in November 2012."
Phillips has her eyes set on the long haul in the creative industry. When she is not conceptualising shows and performances, she is busy putting plans in place to develop her business.
"I always wanted to be my own boss and want JPen Studios (her artiste management company) to be the conglomerate of performing arts companies for the Caribbean," said Phillips, who has worked as production coordinator for 'Mission Catwalk' for two seasons.
INSPIRATION
Four individuals, whose work, teaching and approach to life have been a constant source of energy, have always inspired her.
"Michael Jackson as the entertainer; Marcus Garvey for standing up for rights, he had a dream and believed in his people; I would say Jay-Z and Butch Stewart, in terms of business, because they come from different backgrounds, circumstances, and different cultures and made a mark in their respective businesses."
Phillips says she is striving to make her country proud, by spreading her wings and flying beyond the shores of Jamaica.
"I want to be an international performer, I will push further and never let anything get me down."
amitabh.sharma@hotmail.com
Location: Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Kingston, Jamaica

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Naandeyé García Villegas – narrating social commentaries through her art

-
Image
Naandeyé García Villegas, Mexican artist who uses her creativity for social commentary. Naandeyé García Villegas’ earliest memories of delving into creative pursuits were ‘drawing’ letters on the earliest known Word program. The palette had a choice of four fonts and black and white colors to fill – minimalism driven by technology. “Since I was a child, I had a special interest in art. I drew a lot. I drew all the time,” Villegas said. “I loved the color and the letters. “When I was eight years old, my parents bought me a computer and a printer,” she said. “At that time, computers still didn’t have design programs, but mine had one installed where you could write things (I guess it was a kind of Word). It was just typography. I used to spend whole afternoons making signs, ‘designing’ them, then printing them, and finally, coloring on top of them (it had all kinds of markers, colors, watercolors, oil, etc.),” she said. This was the first taste of design for Villegas. A great deal has ch
Read more

OFF THE BEATEN PATH - Free your spirits, rest your mind

-
Image
A retreat to the home of Blue Mountain coffee and endless nature Published December 23, 2009, Hospitality Jamaica Sun, sand, sea…the proverbial Jamaica…but there is an element that rises above it; the panoramic Blue Mountain Range, with a misty coolness unparalleled and the home of the world famous coffee. Looking to break free from the traffic jams, sweat and the endless pressures of life; bliss is just 45 minutes away from Kingston. The changes are evident as one drives up, from the grey to the green, the air from the exhaust fume filled road to smell of foliage and nature. Welcome to Jamaica’s higher plane! Nestled in a coffee plantation in the foothills of Blue Mountain Range, Forres Park Resort and Spa is a getaway which offers a rejuvenating experience. Surrounded by scenic mountains, the resort offers a panoramic view of the misty mountains, lifting one’s mind and soul. Choose from suites, standard rooms or cabins, the resort offer a variety of options for accommodation. The roo
Read more

Sonia Gray – custodian of Kingston’s best kept secret

-
Image
Sonia Gray is proud of her roots and her country, which shows in the warmth and the down-to-earth attitude that she exudes. Owner and operator of Ahlambra Inn and Restaurant, the lush green foliage, fish tanks and quaint and historical relics welcomes the visitors. A thoroughbread country girl, Gray recalled her childhood in Portland, where she used to spend time, at one with nature. “As a little girl growing up in Portland I used to catch Jhaanga (shrimp) and make soup.” She went abroad to pursue degree in film and television with minor in radio, after a career in public relations, Gray decided to live her dreams. “Cooking is my passion, all my life I have loved to cook… I decided to go back to my passion of cooking,” she said. The journey began in 1981, when Gray started her catering business from home. The transition was tough, but it was a learning experience, it gave her a chance to go around the city and explore the shops. “In the first couple of years I knew what was sell
Read more