Moontower is in it for the long haul. The alt-pop band is crafting their career so that they will be touring and playing shows for decades to come. Comprised of Jacob Culver Berger, Devon Welsh and Tom Carpenter, Moontower has eliminated all barriers between themselves and their fans by taking the time to meet them face-to-face while passing out orange juice outside of concerts or organizing kickball games while on tour! You can find their latest single “Bury Me” on all streaming platforms. During this episode, Moontower performs three songs live from the Joy Sounds studio: “Hit the Lights,” “Got My Way” and an acoustic version of their single, “Bury Me.” Follow Moontower @thisismoontower

The Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) provides a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment that offers bright and talented students unparalleled preparation for higher education and a profession in the arts. It’s home to the OCSA Popular Music Conservatory which trains up and coming songwriters, vocalists and instrumentalists. On this episode, we meet three students from the OCSA Popular Music Conservatory - Alix Page, Isabella Machado and Ethan Danto – all of whom perform an original song during the show. We also talk with the Director of the Popular Music Conservatory, Rachel Kramer, and faculty member Tony Torres. For more information about the Orange County School of the Arts, visit www.ocsarts.net.

FLAVIA is an artist with a purpose. Her latest single and video, Them, was just premiered on Billboard.com in support of Transgender Day of Visibility – March 31, 2020. FLAVIA explains that, “the video's intentions were to visually illustrate an inclusive picture of the entire trans/gender nonconforming/non-binary community. As a cisgender female, it was important that I was sensitive not speak for a community that I myself am not a part of, but rather my goal was to elevate the voices of the trans community to let them shine and represent themselves.” Be sure to check out the video for Them now available on YouTube. On today’s episode, we get to know more about FLAVIA and she performs three songs live from the Joy Sounds studio: “Ripe,” “Blue,” and “Damn, Life is Good.” Follow FLAVIA @flaviaspeaks

Emma Charles is looking to the past to create her future. Emma evokes the great singer-songwriter traditions of Laurel Canyon while always remaining current in her sound and in her writing. Her new EP titled Connecticut is a dreamy snapshot of an artist in transition who is constantly reflecting on her experiences. Emma was recently chosen as a 2020 Billboard "Breakout Emerging Artist" as well as a "What's Next" artist by the world's largest music compilation brand Now, That's What I Call Music. Emma is currently scheduled to go on tour supporting SHEL beginning May 19th. Follow Emma @emmacharlesmusic

Alexa Villa is a rock star. She has the swagger and attitude of iconic singers such as Robert Plant and Mick Jagger, but her music and style is completely her own. Alexa is fearless in expressing herself through her music and her fashion. Ultimately, she wants to be a role model for the “outsiders” and rebels who see the world through a slightly different lens and lives every day by her own motto, “embrace your crazy.” Alexa is planning to roll out a number of singles throughout 2020 – the most recent of which is “Invisible.” You can hear a live version of “Invisible” in this episode along with two other songs performed live from the Joy Sounds studio – “Not Your Fool” and “Ruins.” Alexa is also an amazing live performer, so you’ll want to follow her to keep up with upcoming live schedule. Follow her at @thealexavilla

The GRAMMY Museum supports emerging artists through their signature education programs such as GRAMMY Camp - a 5 day summer music industry camp for high school students. GRAMMY Camp is held in Los Angeles and Miami and the deadline to apply is March 31st. Also, the GRAMMY Museum recognizes outstanding music teachers through their Music Educator Award. During this Joy Sounds Spotlight we meet David Sears, Executive Education Director for the GRAMMY Museum to learn more about these programs and other initiatives from the Museum. Find out more about all their programs at www.grammyintheschools.com

The Still Tide is in a constant state of change. Stemming from their move from New York City to Denver, Colorado – you can hear themes of transition, growth and awareness throughout their music. The Still Tide has a signature sonic quality that is also constantly shifting and blooming. Anna Morsett and Jake Miller of The Still Tide talk about how they arrived at this unique sound and how they created their new record, “Between Skies.” The Still Tide are about to embark on a west coast tour March 19th through May 2nd – you can check all the dates and locations at thestilltide.com/tour. During this episode, The Still Tide perform three songs live from the Joy Sound studio – “Grow Again,” “Change of Address,” and “Renting Space.” Follow The Still Tide at @thestilltide

The Wild Honey Pie is a music discovery platform looking to break down barriers between music fans and artists. They do this through dynamic playlists, videos, dinner parties and unique events such as Welcome Campers – a summer camp/music festival experience. Joy Sounds talks with Eric Weiner, Founder of The Wild Honey Pie to hear more about his work highlighting artists he loves and Welcome Campers which happens May 23th – 25th in Camp Lenox, Massachusetts. We also hear live performances from Jennah Bell and Ayoni – two artists who are on the Welcome Campers line-up. To learn more about The Wild Honey Pie and Welcome Campers, please visit www.thewildhoneypie.com and www.welcomecampers.com. And, follow them @thewildhoneypie

Marieme is truly an international artist. Marieme tells the story of how her family became refugees when she was a child as a result of the Mauritania-Senegal war. Arriving in the US from Africa at the age of seven, Marieme opens up about her difficulties assimilating to American culture and the significant bullying she endured. She draws upon these experiences, however, as an artist and you can hear themes of empowerment and perseverance throughout her music. Marieme is also a fashion designer and she considers her look Afro-futuristic. Her fashion sense is as international and striking as her music. During this episode, Marieme performs two songs live from the Joy Sounds studio – “Be the Change” and “Rogue.” You can follow Marieme at @mariememusic

Andrea Stolpe is the co-founder of Writer to Writer – a series of dynamic retreats for songwriters of all levels. Writer to Writer retreats creates an enduring collaborative network that is critical to the long term growth and success of songwriters. Andrea brings a wealth of experience to her retreats as a professional songwriter and educator. Learn more in this Joy Sounds Spotlight episode about Andrea’s retreats and get details by visiting www.andreastolpe.com.