Phoenix J
Phoenix J (a translation of her Chinese name “Hong”) a.k.a. Joan Martin, is a Singapore born, UK based performing singer-songwriter.
A self-taught musician, Phoenix J progressed from singing in choirs in her native Singapore to running her own Firebird studio and finding herself alongside Elton John in the top 40 charts with her debut release Binary Star. Her self-produced and released Asian Top 40 debut CD ‘Binary Star‘ on Firebird Music was a blend of modern-traditional music, world-ethnic instrumentation and a variety of arrangements ranging from classical and ambient to dance trance to pop. Her second release “Junkk“, also under Firebird, has been likened to that of Madonna and Bjork, but her influences are even more eclectic. “It takes the blend of Western pop, R&B dance and Asian influences she explored in Binary Star to another level. Lovers of alternative music, dance and even rock will also find plenty of tasty riffs and touches.” (Zach Trax)
In live performances, Phoenix J has entranced capacity crowds from the UK Coventry Skydome Arena in a set supported by 50 dancers to a traditionally rock crowd at the world-renowned Whisky A Gogo on LA’s Sunset Boulevard. She has a thrilling stage presence, complemented by spine-tingling and heartfelt vocals. Having toured globally, and along the way garnering accolades such as winning Best Dance Song in the US Just Plain Folks Music Awards, she has now settled in the rural West of the UK. From here she released a second solo album, Junkk, whilst also fronting for London-based electro-rock band greenhaus. This critically-acclaimed collaboration has a global following, enticed by their sonic wall of sound, complemented with Phoenix’s ethereal stage presence and vocals. Phoenix recorded on two albums with the band, including their last studio offering “A Fools Paradise” with the title track written by Phoenix J herself.
Phoenix J has continued to work with other bands and musicians, including a collaboration with trip-hop psychedelic roots cooperative The Eden House. The song “First Light”, written and recorded with them and featuring Phoenix J on vocals, was released on their album “Half Life”. Her latest band project was with Welsh based Monte Dons, who describe their music as full-on Americana, Bluegrass, Folk and Psychedelic Rock. Phoenix performed live with them around South Wales and the West Midlands, as well as recorded vocals for their Debut EP "Everything I See".
This year will however see Phoenix J returning to her acoustic roots. While still working on a new solo acoustic album, Phoenix put out a Christmas Single "Silent Night" as well as a third solo album “Let The Phoenix Fly”, which compiles a small collection of unreleased recordings and demos reflecting her transition from the more commercial pop focus of her last album to her current direction. To promote this, Phoenix performs in intimate acoustic venues as well as broadcasts live radio and video concerts on the Internet.
Phoenix J brings to life a unique blend of improvised Jazz, Blues, Folk, Pop, Rock and Classical arrangements on popular covers and hidden gems, as well as her original compositions. She performs them self-accompanied mainly on the piano, but with guitar and ukulele on occasion, utilizing the live looping facility of the Boss RC 30 Loop Station.
Let her voice touch your soul!
Phoenix_J’s tracks
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