Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Spencer.
Hi Joyce, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My initial introduction to music, specifically in relation to playing instruments, came from my older siblings. All three of them played instruments in the school band, so in 5th grade I joined the beginner’s school band playing the clarinet. I sounded so bad my dog would howl, and my father would laugh. I continued with the clarinet through 11th grade. I switched to saxophone at the request of my band director, Carole Bergeron, because our marching band of about 40–45 members didn’t have enough saxophones. I found the saxophone to be easier and more interesting than the clarinet.
Although I auditioned for a music scholarship and received one, I initially majored in Radio and Television Broadcasting. When it became evident to me, along with my college advisor, that I was spending more energy in the music department, I switched majors to instrumental music education with the saxophone being my principal instrument. In addition, I participated in the jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, marching band, a cappella choir, musicals, orchestra, and other stage plays. After a couple of years in college, I added flute as my second principal instrument and completed my last semester with a student recital on both saxophone and flute. Following graduation, I played flute in the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra for a brief period. At that time, my husband and I moved to Dallas, Texas for a new life and job opportunities, which means music took the back seat for approximately 20 years as we worked corporate jobs and reared two children.
One day I decided to overhaul my sax to see what was or was not there. My husband was surprised that I had retained so much. After I played at a wedding shower my best friend coordinated in her home with nothing but a backing track in a CD player, I saw a lot of positive and pleasant reactions. That’s when I knew it was time. I tried to join other band situations, but I felt the calling to forge ahead as an independent artist, and I haven’t looked back.
With the support of my husband, I have gained extensive knowledge about the music industry, encompassing its positive, negative, and challenging aspects, even recording and producing my own music, and I’m still learning. However, when you are aware that you are pursuing your true calling, you remain steadfastly focused on your goals. I have since won several awards and recognitions, including a Hall of Fame induction and Grammy consideration for my feature on David McLorren’s album, “Life Happens”. I’ve had the pleasure of performing with international artists/bands like Jazz in Pink, Yarbrough and Peoples, Tom Braxton, LaLa J’s Tina Turner Tribute Band, and more. One of my greatest accomplishments is my band Joyce Spencer & Expressions performing at many venues from private wedding or corporate events to music festivals, including my Sade Tribute Shows.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not. Some challenges include the tasks of branding, marketing, and advertising to secure ticket sales and other bookings. Although sold-out performances are excellent, they do not ensure that the subsequent show will also be sold out; therefore, one should not become complacent. The financial aspect also presents difficulties. An artist may invest several thousand dollars in producing a professional recording track for streaming and radio airplay, yet can only sell that track for $0.99 or $1.29. Furthermore, since anyone can listen to your music for free via streaming, the chances of selling physical CDs and downloads have significantly decreased. Live performances can also pose challenges, from curating the set list to managing sound production on the stage. For instance, if your band is scheduled to perform at an out-of-state festival and a band member decides to withdraw the day before the show, you must find a way to make it work, because you are striving to protect both your brand and your band.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I consider myself a multi-artist, encompassing roles as an instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and composer. Additionally, I identify as a multi-genre artist who has received classical training, yet performs a diverse range of music including traditional and contemporary jazz, R&B, funk, pop, as well as elements of classic rock, country, blues, and Gospel/Christian. My performances feature both original compositions and cover songs, utilizing soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax, flute, and my vocal abilities. As a self-taught producer, I established a home studio equipped with recording gear, which allows me greater control over the quality and creativity of my recordings while remaining cost-effective. If I were to select a particular area of expertise, it would undoubtedly be live performance.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
My Discography and Upcoming Release Sweet Dreams
Many Colors
It’s Christmas Time
Hidden Treasures
Solace (single)
Solace (Water Version)
Upcoming Single Release:
Sweet and Sour (Album: Cinemuse)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joycespencermusic.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JoyceSpencerMusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joycespencermusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/JoyceSpencerMusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ladarien001
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/joyce-spencer-music-rowlett
- soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/joyce-spencer
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/JoyceSpencerMusician
Image Credits
Image Credits Carvontez Gates LaDarien Spencer
