Ep506 - Joanna “JoJo” Levesque | Over the Influence: A Memoir
Dec 10, 2024
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Joanna "JoJo" Levesque, a singer and actress celebrated for her memoir "Over the Influence," shares her extraordinary journey from child star to empowered artist. She candidly discusses the challenges of fame and the fight for creative freedom. JoJo reflects on the impact of social media, the importance of authenticity, and the pressures to remain connected with fans. With nostalgia, she revisits iconic 2000s R&B hits while emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling and vulnerability within her music and personal life.
JoJo discusses her early exposure to Alcoholics Anonymous, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in her life and work.
Through her memoir-writing process, JoJo faced challenges of self-doubt but ultimately learned valuable lessons about consistency and sharing her truth.
Reflecting on her music industry experiences, JoJo stresses the need for artists to prioritize their interests and seek ownership over their work.
Deep dives
JoJo's Early Influences and Challenges
JoJo recounts her early exposure to Alcoholics Anonymous, which played a significant role in shaping her perspective on vulnerability and authenticity. Growing up in an environment influenced by addiction, she emphasizes that the principles, such as the serenity prayer, became foundational in her life from a young age. The courage to share her journey in her memoir, 'Over the Influence,' stems from her experiences in these meetings, where transparency prevailed. By drawing from her past, JoJo illustrates how this background informs her current outlook and artistic expression.
The Creative Process of Writing a Memoir
JoJo discusses the intricate and healing experience of writing her memoir, highlighting the fears and challenges that accompanied the task. She initially struggled with concerns about misrepresenting the stories of others involved in her journey but found motivation in her commitment to sharing her truth. With the support of her editor and loved ones, she navigated feelings of self-doubt and learned valuable lessons about consistency and discipline in writing. This process not only allowed her to reflect on her past but also to organize her thoughts and emotions into a cohesive narrative.
Lessons from Breakups and the Music Industry
In examining her tumultuous relationship with her former record label, JoJo emphasizes the importance of alignment between artists and those they collaborate with. She learned that industry connections can be fleeting and that artists need to prioritize their own interests to thrive. JoJo advocates for obtaining ownership and leveraging one's art as vital components in navigating the music business. Through her experience, she encourages new artists to build their fan base and negotiate from a position of strength, understanding the dynamic nature of the industry.
Resilience and Artistic Growth
JoJo reflects on her journey following a period of industry silence, which was disrupted by her groundbreaking cover of 'Marvin's Room.' The response to this cover reignited her career and served as a reminder that art can connect people across time and expectations. Emphasizing her evolution as an artist, JoJo highlights her renewed passion for music and her commitment to being authentic. This resurgence reminds her that resilience is key in the ever-shifting landscape of fame and that real fulfillment comes from artistry rather than external validation.
Exploring New Artistic Horizons
After embracing opportunities in Broadway, JoJo shares how her experiences have shaped her as a performer and inspired her creativity in new ways. She describes her role in 'Moulin Rouge!' as transformative, allowing her to connect deeply with the material and the audience. Looking forward, JoJo expresses excitement for future collaborations with artists across genres, indicating a desire to blend influences and expand her artistic palette. This progressive mindset focuses on the importance of community and supporting fellow musicians as they all navigate their respective journeys.
Joanna “JoJo” Levesque visits Google to discuss her book “Over the Influence: A Memoir.” Signed to a major recording deal at just 12 years old, JoJo catapulted to the top of the pop-and-R&B-infused charts in the mid 2000s. JoJo was an undeniable superstar and pop culture fixture, appearing in major studio films, on Top 40 radio, magazine covers, and national TV. Then, out of the blue, everything came to a halt and JoJo seemingly stepped out of the spotlight, leaving many fans to wonder: What happened to JoJo?
JoJo’s unflinching vulnerability allows readers to connect with her on a whole new level through stories of success, heartbreak, redemption, and resilience, where she explores the turbulent years that led her to where she is now: releasing new music under her own imprint, performing in shows and festivals around the world, headlining a Broadway show, and beyond.
