Joanna Andrea Set Poo-Folk As The Main Identity Of The Music

Joanna Andrea (doc. Ist)

JAKARTA - Young songwriter from Jakarta, Joanna Andrea, has set a pop-folk color to oversee her musical journey in the industry.

This choice is clearly seen from the four songs on his first mini album or extended play (EP), 'Lepas', which was released last August through the Pro-M label.

In an interview with VOI recently, Joanna explained, her determination to carry the pop-folk color was obtained after trying various genres during her independent career.

The decision marked a "new chapter" for Joanna, who said pop-folk is a genre that has never been abandoned, although it has explored other genres, such as pop rock, alternative pop, to electronic music (EDM).

"I've tried all these genres, but I'm back in pop-folk. I think this is my favorite genre," said Joanna when met in Gading Serpong, Tangerang.

In EP Lepas, a thick pop-folk feel can be seen clearly in the four dominated by guitar playing.

"For pop-folk, in my understanding, the guitar must stand out," said the singer, who has references to music from Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, John Mayer, to Olivia Rodrigo and Celine Dion.

Producer who is also a guitarist, Chandra Piescano, also influenced the final results of the arrangement that seemed intimate and acoustic.

Despite involving producers, this young musician ensures that he is fully involved in the creative process. "I give a lot of input too, what do I want. Yes, I just give directions," he said.

In addition to the color of music, lyrics are Joanna's main focus to represent herself as a songwriter.

He said the trend of lyrics among Gen Z was very varied, starting from those using home vocabulary in the style of Sal Priadi to the poetic ones such as Nadin Amizah.

Personally, Joanna likes lyrics that are easy to understand, but has a depth of meaning when viewed repeatedly. He tries to apply a writing style that uses everyday vocabulary but remains formal.

"I like the lyrics that are read again, it means different... Actually, if it's read it's simple, 'Oh, this means this. It's easy.' But if it's read over and over again, 'Well, I think it can mean this too.' So, it looks like there are two meanings. I like that," he said.

With works that have been released so far, Joanna Andrea hopes that the public can recognize herself as a singer and songwriter whose work is connected and can accompany listeners in various moods.

"I want my works to be recognized by people, who are really relatable," he concluded.