Journee on Empowering Women Through ‘It’s Not You, It’s Me’ EP

Dec 16

Known for her soft, yet strong voice, versatility and impeccable pen game, comes the culture’s up next, Journee. Blessed with a range that goes beyond vocals, where at any point she can rap, becoming poetic in her wordplay and delivery, Journee’s music has been well received, with her 2019 release, “This and That” racking up over 1 Million streams.

Aside from organically building a super solid and loyal fanbase, Journee has gone on to partner with Luc Belaire, as well sign with Billy J and K Mack’s record label 1801 Records, which serves as the home of Coi Leray and 88 Keys. Swerving in a lane of her own with unmatchable work ethic and a dynamic sound, Journee is well on her way to the top of the game, running her race until it’s won.

Today the gifted artist/songwriter/model comes through for an exclusive Hype Off Life interview surrounding her new EP, ‘It’s Not You, It’s Me’. Touching on the her background, the project, it's artwork and it being an empowerment to women, plus Journee's main lesson learned in 2020, it's clear that Journee's refreshing energy and humbleness that will propel her well beyond the finish line. Tap in below.

So, you’re fresh off the release of your new EP, ‘It’s Not You, It’s Me’. What does that title mean to you?

I wanted the project to be kind of an empowerment to women. With relationships going through breakups, “It’s Not You, It’s Me” is one of those generic lines used, and I wanted to use it as a title to reflect on some of the subject matter on the EP. I share some of my hardships and experiences in relationships on the project, and I know listeners can relate to them.

Your pen game is super strong. How have you honed your skills over the years?

Thank you! I have been writing for a minute, since around the age of 10 really. I practiced over the years and kept at it to further develop the skills. Writing poetry helped a lot with that too.

Your beat selection goes hard, yet so smooth. How do you pick out which ones to use?

I work with some great producers, and they understand instantly the vibe I need on a song when I talk to them. They have a sound for anything I’m feeling at the moment.

singer journee its not you its me ep artwork

The EP’s artwork is dope too. What is the concept behind it?

Thanks for that! We made the decision to clone me twice on the cover to show there’s two different sides of me. Throughout the EP, listeners get two versions of me, me and my alter-ego.

How has life been and your artistry grown since signing to 1801 Records?

It has been pretty fun honestly. It’s also a lot of work and traveling from the East to the West Coast. I’ve been learning a lot more with them, working on myself and career more, and they have been supportive of everything I do.

When did you know you were made for music and wanted to do it full time?

I’d say around two years ago during my time in college. I was studying Liberal Artist and Education, as I wanted to be a teacher. Seeing that I had what it takes, I just decided from there that I wanted to pursue music completely.

What lessons from 2020 are you taking into the new year?

There’s a lot of lessons to be honest, but overall it’s to not take things for granted. We all have experienced losses this year, and one day you can be here, and gone the next.