She didn’t think she should just try and make it off of her father’s steam. So 32-year-old Geselle “Izzy” Joseph is going to try and chart her own way through the local music industry.
Though she admits it is a bit difficult for a new artiste to break through, she is determined to stand her ground and try again and again until she succeeds.
The daughter of calypsonian and soca parang veteran Kenny J, has been a lover of music since childhood.
At her Siparia home music of all genres rung out, especially on the weekends.
“There was always music in my house. Dad was always playing music. I remember listening to a lot of calypso music, soul, R&B and jazz,” said Joseph.
At first she fell in love with R&B and when she came of age, began singing at various night spots and casinos to build her name.
Last year she decided for the first time to dabble in soca music.
“I cannot say I wasn’t a fan of soca music. I would be telling a great lie if I did. But I felt back then I was not completely ready to command a soca stage. R&B yes, but back then, not soca,” she said with a chuckle.
The mother of two finally got the gumption to go fully into soca in 2014 when she penned the groovy single, Start To Wine.
She said it took no longer than half an hour to complete. When she was satisfied with the lyrical content, she sought the expertise of well-known producers Johann Seaton and Ricardo Rameshwar at MadMen Productions studio.
“I wanted to make a really good first impression and they were the people I knew could help me pull that off,” Joseph explained.
The song got some radio airplay which brought her some recognition and also landed her some gigs.
This year she is back with her 2015 offering Radiator, written by her father and produced by skilled producer Leston Paul.
So far the short Carnival season has been doing well for Joseph. She has already made appearances at a few events and has performed on Synergy Nights, with some good reviews. Joseph also plans on getting her feet wet in social commentary.
“I really don’t want to hold back anymore. I have hesitated for so long. Anything that depicts our culture. I will be there,” Joseph vowed.
As a new artiste she advises upcoming entertainers to do their homework.
“Make sure you know as much as you can about copyright issues. Have a mentor who can show you the ropes and just believe in yourself.”
