Today we’d like to introduce you to Blanche Johnson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m Blanche J, an indie vocalist and songwriter originally from Wildwood, FL. I like to call my music SoulFunk. When I think of soul, I think of being with my family having good food, good vibes, and good times. And funk is like a big party! So fusing the comfort, the warmth, and the love, with the party – you get my music, SoulFunk! It just makes you feel good and it’s relatable.
I was born into a family of music/musicians, so I guess my story kinda begins at birth. My family had, and still has, a family choir, so imagine my excitement when I became old enough to join and sing with my “cool” older cousins! My Mom was the choir director and my big brother played keys, so music was always around!
I sang in various singing groups and choirs growing up and continued doing so when I graduated high school and began my freshman year at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL. I was a member of the Concert Choir, the Gospel Choir, and leader of Praise and Worship at several churches in and around the city. I relocated to Charlotte, NC, in August 2009, and was introduced to the local music scene thru several gospel, jazz, and open mic events. In 2013, I released my very first EP, entitled iAmMuziq, produced by Paul Whitley, with single, You Are the One. I’ve been blessed to have teamed up with indie artist and producer, Micki Miller, to release my second EP, voice memos: side a, in December 2018, followed by my album voice memos: side b, released last September. I just moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area last December, and I am continuing my pursuit of spreading love through music!
I’ve sang my whole life, but I didn’t fall in love with it until I was 14 years old.
September 18, 1999, my life literally changed forever. My family & I were involved in a car accident, where we were broadsided by a Mack truck at an intersection in Lake City, FL. ALL of us suffered injuries, but because of where I was sitting, my injuries were most severe. My left ankle – shattered; right knee & hip – dislocated; jaw – broken; & doctors planned to amputate the bottom 1/2 of my right leg because there was no blood circulating… After several reconstructive surgeries, my jaw wired shut (Kanye West style w/meals served through a syringe 🤦🏾♀️), casts on both legs & crushed dreams of becoming the baddest center the WNBA would ever see, here I was in ICU.
After ICU, I went straight to rehab & like a baby, I had to learn how walk & use my legs all over again. I’m leaving out lots of details but I remember laying in this bed trying to wrap my young mind around what happened; trying to understand it all.
My family would come & visit me & they’d sing to me; this was therapeutic. When I joined in, it was like the more I sang, I became stronger! At 14 years old I knew exactly what I would be doing for the rest of my life! I’d been exposed to music my entire life but never experienced it in this way. I’d absolutely fallen in love w/music & I understood that God kept me here for this reason. My purpose as an artist is to provide healing. We need that.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an indie artist means that you’re responsible for funding your dream. That’s probably the biggest struggle for all of us. Not being able to be a full time musician is a real struggle for all creatives. Being a responsible adult is no easy task. Music is my passion, but when life happens, you have to adjust accordingly. I am extremely blessed to have two of the greatest managers – Chontae Williams and Loren Webb. They make sacrifices daily and dedicate their time to make my dream one of their dreams too; I’m thankful. Any obstacles or challenges we face, we face them together. They’re also my best friends, so it makes it easy!
Can you give us some background on your music?
My business is singing and spreading love lol. I offer live and studio vocals. I’m also a vocal mentor, so I offer that as a service, in person and via Skype or Facetime. I do private events, weddings, full band, acoustic – I cater to whatever you need!
I have to say that I am most proud that I try to be as authentic as possible. The person that interacts with you onstage, the person you see on social media, the person you see on the street – all the same. I want people to know that I can relate to what they’re going through and my music may be able to help them through it in the same way that it helped me by creating it. Music is a release and I want people to connect to my music, vibe to it, and release. Release stress, frustrations, whatever is bothering them!
My voice sets me apart. I think I have a pretty distinctive, mature sound. I love that my listeners can say with confidence, “that’s Blanche J” when they hear my voice. I’m only 34 years old, but I’ve experienced a lot in my life. It’s always my goal to be relatable. When I sing I want my audience to feel exactly what I felt in the story I’m singing about and say, “Hey, that happened to me too!”
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe integrity is most important. I want to be known as a woman of integrity. I want my actions to always reflect my heart’s intentions. Treating others with the respect I’d like to be treated with is definitely a rule I try to live by. I believe in being fair & honest.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blanchej.com
- Phone: 980-277-0305
- Email: booking@blanchej.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blanchej85/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamBlancheJ/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/blanchej85
- Other: https://linktr.ee/blanchej85
Image Credit:
Christopher Cyrus
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