We’re conditioned to be impressed when we hear schools like Harvard. That’s just the norm, which isn’t a bad thing because it’s hard as heck to get accepted there. Well being a student there is a reality for singer Jocelyn Arndt.
She was accepted to the prestigious school and was all set to play her last show with her brother when a man handed her dad a card. One thing led to another and they were signed to Bridge Road Entertainment the day before she could legally cast a vote. School didn’t take a break though, but neither does her music. Finding balance between the two puts life in perspective for the young singer-songwriter.
This New York native has more up her sleeve than higher education. Jocelyn is set on taking on the world and making her fairy tale a reality.
Kendra: Would school take a break if you got offered a huge chance at a big tour?
Jocelyn: In a word, YES! But it’s not necessarily about a single big chance or big tour, it’s about the timing being right and the momentum being right for full focus on our music. Our management is really great about working school around touring, recording, and press as much as possible. Sometimes we do have to sacrifice school a bit because a professional opportunity can’t wait. Right now we have a great deal of momentum. We just played ten shows in 10 days in 4 states. While most of our friends from school were home with their families chilling, we were on a tour bus. But we’re getting a lot of great press, and the music keeps getting better and better. For us though, a seriously big part of taking a break from school is our fans. We’ve met so many incredible people who actually take the time to come and see us and say nice things. We’re beginning to feel that we owe it to them to play as much as possible. We were just in Chattanooga TN, 1100 miles from home and the place was full! To us that’s so much more valuable than a single opportunity or big tour.
Kendra: You grew up on classic rock, so where did that blues vibe in your vocals come from?
Jocelyn: I guess I’ve always loved big voices. You know, the kind where you can hear just a few notes and know exactly who’s singing. Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Grace Potter… the singing divas. I’ve also always loved it when I can listed to a singer and the emotion they’re carrying in their voice is so powerful that I can’t help but feel the same thing they are. Combine big voices with big emotions, and you’ve got the makings of the blues.
Kendra: Since your EP is called Strangers In Fairyland, are you a big fan of Disney and that Once Upon a Time show?
Jocelyn: I’ve definitely dabbled with Once Upon a Time, but I’m a Disney addict through and through. I actually just watched Mulan and Sleeping Beauty last week. Because that’s what normal college students do. But hey, it’s good inspiration. Princes? Dragons? Swords? Awesome dresses? Talk about the perfect drama for songwriting fuel.
Kendra: Musically, what fairy tale would you place your music in?
Jocelyn: If I had it my way, it’d be Beauty and the Beast. I’ve always loved Belle’s attitude. Plus, she’s a nerd and a princess, which always seemed like the best of both worlds to me. I think she’d appreciate the energy and retro sass in our music.
Kendra: Going off your song “One Kiss,” if you had to pick one celebrity to plant a big one on, who would it be?
Jocelyn: Hmm… I’ve definitely got a peck on the cheek or two for Elmo. He’s a cutie.
Kendra: You dropped the EP back in October, so what’s on deck musically in 2015?
Jocelyn: We’ve got tons planned for this year. We’re fixed to release a full-length album this summer, and we’re also working on several music videos. Besides that, we’re going to be playing as much as we can. After all, that’s what we love to do. You can expect lots and lots of gigs in the next few months.
Kendra: If you had to make a mixtape for your Prince Charming, what five songs would have to be on it?
Jocelyn: Man, that’s tricky. The five that come to my head are:
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – Elton John and Kiki Dee
“Somebody to Love” – Queen
“I Need a Hero” – Bonnie Tyler
“You’re the One That I Want” – Grease
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
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