JOVIN WEBB – AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH A RISING STAR

JOVIN WEBB – AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH A RISING STAR

Photo: KVSH Productions

By Ralph Beauchamp

Jovin Webb is an artist on the rise. He just released his self-titled debut album Drifter on Blind Pig Records. You may remember bluesy Webb from his stint on season 18 of American Idol where he cracked the “Top Ten”. His powerful vocals won praise from judges such as Lionel Richie, who called him out “How does barbecue sauce sound,” and Luke Bryan, who admitted, “I could sit and drink a lot of bourbon listening to that voice.”. And they are not wrong. His music encompasses infectious grooves and soulful lyrics.

Webb'His voice is full of soul-hugging Mississippi swamp accents. His vocals deliver groo-loaded accents while still carrying a sweet texture. Besides, WebbHis range is unforgettable. It can cross genres with spectacular ease. One song up Drifter it can create a tender light while the next a raging fire.

The opening track 'Bottom of a Bottle' sets the tone for the entire record. It transports you to the “heaven” of the blues. WebbHis voice sparkles with enchanting tones and palettes of soaring determination. The ballad, 'Save Me', has a seductive flow and is loaded with a rich tonality. “I'm A Drifter” flashes with exuberant zeal and fervor. “Mine Somebody” carries a rich R&B resonance that dives deep into the listener's anguished heart. Drifter it's a great opening statement that will fly Webb at the forefront of the current music scene.

Jovin Webb was kind enough to sit down with AMP for this intimate chat.

AMP: What got you into music?

JOVIN: Raised by my parents. it was a very musical household. There was always music in the air. From home he went to church. As soon as I came out of the womb the music hit me.

AMP: Who were some of your musical inspirations?

JOVIN: You might not hear it in my music, but my biggest inspiration is Michael Jackson because he's the king. Everything about him was fantastic, including his music, his sound and his ability to put on an amazing live show. Even at a young age he said; “I don't sing music I don't feel.” This is impressive.

AMP: You seem to be able to combine many musical genres into something fresh and unique. How would you categorize your sound?

JOVIN: It's just a bunch of sounds that I mix together to make me. It is a projection of myself. I'm not a person you can generally put in a box and my music reflects that.

AMP: Your new album, Drifterhe is a killer. Can you give us some information about the release?

JOVIN: It was a dream come true. I always wanted to go to Nashville and definitely for music. It was me up there with these great musicians as well as my producer, Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy/Susan Tedeschi/Christone “Kingfish” Ingram), making the magic happen. All my happiness, anger, joy and the rest of my deepest emotions are on this record.

AMP: Speaking of Tom, how was your experience working with him in the studio?

JOVIN: Tom is a GOAT He has hands in so many projects. Our first round was a writing session that lasted 5 to 6 days. First, he sat me down and we just talked while he took notes. By the time we finished our conversations, he had written a song. Tom is so organic and so fluid that it didn't even seem like work. His vibe is so natural and he knows how to put you at ease.

AMP: Do you feel there is a piece? Drifter where will it turn heads?

JOVIN: I personally love “Bottom of the Bottle”, but in terms of mass appeal, I think “Mine Someday” is it. If I have to be honest, most of the hearings come from women. So if you can connect with them with a song, they will share it all the time. It's important not only to write about heartbreak but also to embrace love. I think “Mine Someday” is a song that people can relate to.

AMP: If you could collaborate with any artist (past or present) who would it be and why?

JOVIN: I would swoon if I could work with Chris Stapleton. Stapleton is clearly amazing. I feel like our music is similar in feel. It has this rock on it. He has that country and blues about him. Like me, he jumps genres. I think we would be a good match.

AMP: We've interviewed other reality music competition contestants like Kieran Rhodes. Do you think American Idol was an important step in your music career?

JOVIN: They were nuts. The show definitely pushed me to my limits. It made me realize that you have to give it your all if you want to succeed in the music industry. There were long nights where all you did was sing, hour after hour. The whole experience was a great ordeal.

AMP: How did your relationship with Blind Pig Records come about?

JOVIN: When I made it to the “Top Ten” of American Idol, I was hoping to get a record deal, but that didn't happen. I got phone calls, but everyone seemed to be blowing smoke. None of the deals felt right to me. Then Jeff (Schroedl) from Blind Pig called. He said “I don't know what I'm doing, but I'm thinking of reviving Blind Pig Records. If you trust me, I'd love to have you as an artist.” This started in 2020. Then the pandemic hit, but we continued to talk throughout Covid. I just signed the record deal last year. Jeff stood his ground and held up his end of the bargain. It just felt right this time.

AMP: Is there anything about you that no one knows?

JOVIN: I want to make an album in every music genre. Like I said, I hate being put in a box. I also like to experiment as much as possible.

AMP: What's next for Jovin Webb?

JOVIN: Promote this album. In addition, we are already planning a European tour. I want to bring my music to as much of the world as possible. I want to touch as many people as I can. When that's done, I'll start working on my next project. For me, this is not just a destination, but a journey of a lifetime.

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