Joey Babylon’s musical journey is as multifaceted and inspiring as his sound. From his early days learning guitar chords from his father and singing with guidance from his sister, to writing his first song at the age of ten, Joey’s story reflects a deep-rooted passion for creativity. Having lived in cultural hubs like Seattle, Los Angeles, and Mexico City, his music carries the essence of diverse influences, blending baroque, pop, trap, and classical elements into a unique tapestry. In this interview, Joey opens up about how music has been a source of healing, how it helped him navigate personal challenges, and his vision for a future filled with creativity, positivity, and artistic collaboration.
Joey, your musical journey started at a young age. Can you share what initially inspired you to pick up an instrument and start singing?
Well first of all my dad always played guitar sang and wrote music. Also my sister danced and sang amazing for as long as i can remember. From the get go my dad showed me a few chords and my sister started teaching me how to sing. I think i wrote a song even before i learned a cover. I was about 10 years old at the time.
You’ve lived in a variety of places, including Seattle, LA, and Mexico City. How has each of these cities influenced your music and personal growth?
Well i would say they are all very music oriented cities and in very different ways. Seattle really influenced with its futurism and nature all in one. LA taught me about aesthetic and the pushed me to start recording more. Mexico City changed me forever by learning spanish and being the clubs every week.
You mentioned that music was a source of healing after the loss of your mother. How did it help you process that grief and continue on your path?
It helped me find songs that could heal. I dont know but music just really takes you from the hard times and keeps you in the good times and that good vibe.
What were some of the challenges you faced growing up, particularly in terms of pursuing music, and how did you overcome them?
Well some of my challenges was just improving and getting better. And i was the only guy in my choir and i got made fun of for that. I also got push back from my adoptive parents since i was pursuing it so much that i should go into science or something but i was so young and i loved music and I just believed in myself from a young age. I just could see myself doing it.
Your journey hasn’t always been easy, especially with personal experiences like your marriage. How has your music helped you navigate difficult times in your life?
Just having a solid outlet to express myself always to express my vulnerability but also my inherent confidence I have had in myself. Which has been so refreshing. I really hope to spread positivity in my music and keep that throughout my career.
You’ve released a lot of music over the years. What’s the process behind creating a song that resonates deeply with you, and how do you know when a song is ready to be shared with the world?
Well first of all Im not very judgmental with myself i just let it flow and try to get it to sound good as possible before i release. Sometimes i do a suprise release on soundcloud but other times i take more time especially with my album because even as judgment free as i can be I still have taste and i know what I want. And i am confident if i work hard on something that it will sound good.
In terms of your musical style, you’ve mentioned a blend of baroque, pop, trap, and classical influences. How do you bring these elements together to create a sound that feels uniquely yours?
I just want to transmit a feeling. Its not so much about the genre but about the aesthetic and vibe and what context the music will be played in. I do like bringing in a lot of different elements into a sound to create something unique.
What role do emotions and vulnerability play in your music, and how do you balance creating something that’s both catchy and deeply expressive?
All of the above it depends on what the song calls for. I love catchy and vibey music. Music you could drive you classic car to down the freeway. I think emotion and vulnerability are also important for my more catchy pop records as well. Because a little taste of that and its like you are crying in the club. But also I see music or an album like a 5 course dinner. Like you arent going to out all the ingredients into one song as all the other songs trying to make a hit its important the context. So i might have a very conceptual kind of lullaby but then ill have a club record right after that because it has an element of surprise.
You’ve expressed a desire to inspire others to believe in themselves. What message or feeling do you hope your listeners take away from your music?
Just to be love and embody love and confidence in yourself. To embody sensitivity compassion and poetry at the same time. To create beautiful things because i believe we are all Artists.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of music and your career in the next 5-10 years? What changes are you most excited about as the industry evolves?
Big big big big big big big big beautiful successful dramatic and fun.
I’m excited about everything. I have to believe in the good and everything is working out for me. Its gonna be a cool ride for all of us creatives. We are in this together.
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