Q: What’s your name and where are you from?
Joey Vells: I go by Joey Vells, and I’m from Jersey City, New Jersey.
Q: How did you first get into music?
Joey Vells: It really started in church. I was playing drums as a kid, and that helped me understand rhythm early on. It wasn’t just music—it was spiritual too. That experience shaped how I hear and feel sound today.
Q: When did you start recording your own music?
Joey Vells: After building that foundation, I started getting into recording. My first official release was “No Distractions,” which really set the tone for my journey.
Q: How would you describe your sound?
Joey Vells: I’d say it’s melodic hip-hop with R&B influence. I like to blend emotion with rhythm and switch between rapping and singing naturally.
Q: Who are some of your musical influences?
Joey Vells: Artists like Gunna, Future, and R. Kelly definitely influenced my sound. Usher too. They all helped shape my melodic style and how I approach records.
Q: What’s your creative process like?
Joey Vells: I write everything myself. Usually the beat guides me, and I just tap into whatever mood I’m in. Every track is a different energy—sometimes it’s deep, sometimes it’s confident.
Q: What else inspires your music outside of hip-hop?
Joey Vells: I listen to gospel, jazz, and even frequency tones. Those sounds help me create a certain vibe and add depth to what I’m doing.
Q: Are you signed or independent?
Joey Vells: I’m fully independent right now. I’m open to a distribution deal, but I want to keep control over my creativity.
Q: Who’s been your biggest support system?
Joey Vells: Honestly, myself. I’ve had to stay motivated even when nobody else believed. But my brother Dee—he goes by 9111—he’s a big part of my sound too. He produces and engineers for me.
Q: Tell us about your latest release.
Joey Vells: I dropped “No Distractions” on January 19. It’s out on all platforms. That track really represents my mindset right now.
Q: What’s next for you?
Joey Vells: I’m working on a full album and visuals to go with it. I want people to really experience the music, not just hear it.
Q: What are your long-term goals?
Joey Vells: I see myself performing on big stages like Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, and MetLife Stadium. In five years, I plan to be up there with the biggest artists in the world—locked in and living with no distractions.
