Jamaica born artist Jovi Rockwell is the next Caribbean sensation coming to the states to deliver an upbeat attitude that’s sure to have you winding your hips and nodding your head to the riddim. Signed to Epic Records this 25 year old sings, “you’re gonna need me darling, and it wont be long” in her verse with Mr Vegas, and she means it! Already working with some heavy hitting music producers, read what she had to say when we caught up with her…
Hey Jovi, we were recently put on to your music and we’re definitely diggin’ your vibe. With such an eclectic sound, how would you classify it?
Thank you, my sound is definitely different it’s hard for me to classify. Still I would say my music gives a “feel good” vibe and sometimes inspirational, my music could be classified as “hard soul” music. Lol!
How did you get your start & how long have you been making music?
My dad was a singer so ever since I was a little girl I always wanted to do music.
I noticed you go back and forth between the states and Jamaica, where do you call home these days and what’s the biggest difference between the two?
Jamaica will always be my home, that’s where I was born and raised but, if I had to have a home away from home it would be Miami because it has that Caribbean vibe. The difference is Florida is more fast pace.
You say your motivation is Rebel. Love. Goddess, can you explain that a little?
If I could describe myself in 3 words those would be them. Rebel- I never want to be a part of the crowd, and I’ll sing about that. Love- I write songs about relationships or I’ll do one touching on a more conscious tip which represents the Goddess. That’s the basis of how I express myself through music, so I call myself The “Rebel Love Goddess”.
Who are some musical influences that have helped shape your sound?
Lauryn Hill, Alanis Morrisette, Bob Marley. There are too many to name them all.
We heard you’ve been working with real heavy hitters in the industry including Akon, Mr Vegas, Ne-Yo, Sly & Robbie and Diplo just to name a few, who did you have the most fun working with?
They were all fun to work with. It would be hard to say who is more fun, they all bring individual vibes that are really cool and extremely creative.
It is important for any artist breaking onto the scene to establish their “image,” what direction do you envision yours going in?
I think Beyonce is a great role model and someone any young artist would love to duplicate, she’s sexy and extremely talented, that’s a path I would love to take and at the same time be original.
If you could pick one designer whose runway soundtrack you could provide, who would it be?
Probably “D Squared”. Their shows are always something spectacular and the clothes are funky, fresh and sexy!
If you could pick any leading man for your next video, who would it be?
Shia Labeouf
Sneakers or Stilettos?
Dont get me wrong, I love a great pair of heels but, I love comfort more.. so im gonna go for the sneakers.
When does the debut album drop?
I’m still working on the album so a date is not finalized yet, however it should be later this year.
Visit Jovi on MySpace.
Cop a free download of Jovi Rockwell’s, “Tonight” on thefader.com.