Singer, songwriter Michael Joyner has spent the last few years in Memphis Tennessee perfecting his sound. His music is a mixture of folk, soul, jazz and rock pulling influences from musicians like, Curtis Mayfield and Jimi Hendrix to Nick Drake and Neil Young. Mike got his start playing guitar and co-writing songs with his band Bella Sun and working with soulster Valencia Robinson as a duo. In 2008 he released his first solo EP Sit and Wait. He is currently working on a new album scheduled to be released in the spring of 2012. He continues to record and produce for various Memphis band while touring and making friends on the way.
Music available on itunes and cdbaby.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/michaeljoyner
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bellasun
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/robinsonvalencia
I started out playing acoustic covers in High school open mics. I moved to Memphis Tn in 2000 and started playing in reggae bands and shortly formed a band called Bella Sun. I played guitar, wrote and arranged the music while the beautiful lead singer wrote the words. We were a mix of soul foul and jam band hippie rock. We recorded one album and split up. During that time also worked with a Neo-soul artist. I wrote the music, recorded and produced the album and started moving musically in a different direction. I eventually moved toward working solely on my own projects rather than being the man in the shadows giving the spotlight to someone else. I enjoy the spotlight!! I still work with many other artist, but without the sacrifice of my own musical expression.
Yes. Mostly coffee shops and bar venues in and around the Memphis area. I love the intimate setting of small coffee shops. I feel like I can connect with my audience better there.
My influences are: guitar picking like Nick Drake and Elliot Smith; My voice is more soulful like Curtis Mayfield or folky as Neil Young.
Just a Acoustic guitar, mostly. I play standing b/c I have very open stage presence. I also play larger gigs as a three piece band. I'm very fortunate to have an awesome bassist and drummer that vibe well together.
Michael Joyner Music available on itunes and cdbaby.com
I love to make music and perform!!
