Biography - Read what people say about Phoenix
J in Quotes.
Phoenix J (a translation of her Chinese name "Hong")
a.k.a. Joan Martin, is a Singapore born, UK based performing singer-songwriter.
A self-taught musician, Phoenix progressed from singing in choirs
in her native Singapore to running her own Firebird studio...
and finding herself alongside Elton John in the top 40 charts
with her debut release Binary Star.
Her self-produced and released Asian Top 40 debut CD 'Binary
Star' on Firebird Music was a blend of modern-traditional music,
world-ethnic instrumentation and a variety of arrangements ranging
from classical and ambient to dance trance to pop. Her second
release "Junkk", also under Firebird, has been likened
to that of Madonna and Bjork, but her influences are even more
eclectic. "It takes the blend of Western pop, R&B dance
and Asian influences she explored in Binary Star to another level.
Lovers of alternative music, dance and even rock will also find
plenty of tasty riffs and touches." (Zach Trax)
In live performances, Phoenix J has entranced capacity crowds
from the UK Coventry Skydome Arena in a set supported by 50 dancers
to a traditionally rock crowd at the world-renowned Whisky A Gogo
on LA's Sunset Boulevard. She has a thrilling stage presence,
complemented by spine-tingling and heartfelt vocals.
Having toured globally, and along the way garnering accolades
such as winning Best Dance Song in the US Just Plain Folks Music
Awards, Best Female Pop Artist in the Singapore National Arts
Council Radio Jam Awards, as well as voted a UK Top 5 on Freeserve's
Wanadoo Discoveries and Panartist Most Wanted, she has now settled
in the rural West of the UK. From here she released her second
solo album, Junkk, whilst also fronting for London-based electro-rock
band greenhaus*
and recording on their album "You're Not Alone".
This critically-acclaimed collaboration has a global following,
enticed by their sonic wall of sound, complemented with Phoenix’s
ethereal stage presence and vocals.
Her latest solo musical evolution goes back to her acoustic roots.
And in her Second Life incarnation as Phoe Nix, she travels a
new stage of her journey of musical self-discovery online, presenting
songs in a soulful and jazzy style, with heartfelt vocals, self-accompanied
on piano.
For ALL concert dates, view her Calendar.
Phoenix is currently in studio writing and recording for her third
solo album. Let her voice touch your soul!
On the producer side, Phoenix J is especially thrilled to have
been interviewed by Editor Paul White for Sound on Sound, one
of UK's premier music creators magazines, who has described her
as "clearly talented." A real compliment to the breadth
of her musical abilities and talents. Read Phoenix J's SOUND
ON SOUND interview.
* Phoenix and greenhaus have been writing and recording for their
third studio release due out soon on German label Major Records.
Quotes
MissJade's Alternative Music & Culture
Blog
" Singer Phoenix J sings with a passion and a drama that
makes you suspect that she writes lyrics about matters close
to her heart. Her jazzy vocals have a beautiful richness to
them as well as having a somewhat haunting quality."
New World Notes
"Few singers in either world can boast a voice so crystal
clear and haunting that the collective hair of the audience
stands on end. Performing a mixture of elegant covers and
self-penned songs, Phoe Nix delivers a flawless, emotional
set accompanied by the confident notes of her piano."
D. S. O.
"a captivating stage persona... and a wonderful voice"
Pan Show
"Not only she played with solvency and efficiency, but
also sounded excellent around the edges and classical at times.
Even Alicia Keys would have been jealous of her performance!"
Music.terrorvelaq - Bielefeld, Germany (De/vision tour)
"Right from the start of the concert, I was very impressed
with the stage presence of lady singer PJ... petite, charismatic"
Elektrofest
"Singing in her soulful soprano range, she at times broke
into a choreography of unique dance moves that wowed the audience
and led to a frenzy of photographers snapping shots at the
front of stage."
Kixx FM, Coventry Youth Festival
"What a fantastic performance!"
The Stage
"a cut above.. hot stuff!"
Dotmusic.com
"Future star.. J is certainly one to watch."
now.com/MP3tv '00
"She is a true talent.. her performance will entrance
you."
The Stage
"J provided a breath of fresh air...and proved to be
a real class act. There is a definite feel of the Orient in
her music."
BBC What's On Southwest
"I've seen three genuine star-quality performances this
year, and all of them were from J!"
The Stage
"J is genuinely distinctive. Her own songs have a delightful
Eastern touch, and she performs them with graceful dance movements."
Monmouth Festival Review
"J gave Monmouth an electric performance of her original
music and routines. One song included sign language for the
deaf, and it was magical to see.."
Top
Record of The Day
"we turned the TV off, listened, and heard not just an
ethereal soundscape but an enchanting melody as well... the
kind of music not heard since the Cocteau Twins. And listening
to Higher Ground, we're very glad of that."
Slippy T
"(Higher Ground) really builds wonderfully and to add to
the listening pleasure they have a superb guest vocalist in
the form of one Phoenix J... Her voice just permeats and intertwines
through the song lifting it to superb level."
Musik.terrorverlag.de
"(greenhaus) very trancey waves of sound in conjunction
with Phoenix J’s powerful and clear voice took the listener
on a voyage on an ocean of melodies. It was most therapeutic"
Kalinkaland Records
"....just want to say that we listened to your album all
day long. It's fantastic! My compliments."
Revolver Records
"Your CD is on the stereo all the time, we love it."
Top
"Upper Room with Joe
Kelley & Gi Dussault" radio show
"Phoenix J's CD "Junkk" is a refreshing modern-day CD that
showcases her great vocals and innovative songs."
Zabadak
"A worthy successor (to Binary Star), with more maturity,
more emotion, stronger vocals & some cutting edge production
touches."
Essex FM
"Nice soulful vibe throughout the album. Got to be an artist
to look out for... definitely a hot one with a very good writing
style."
Maximum FM
"This is a brilliant album! I can hear influences here
from j lo through to moby. If she had a big record company behind
her she would be massive. Very promising."
Switch FM
"Very cool & mellow - perfect for our warm up zones
both on the radio and clubs."
Phoenix FM
"She certainly has a distinctive sound... and when 'love
science 101' came along ... wow! That track stood out head +
shoulders + screams to get plenty of radio play."
JPFolks, USA
"You've risen to the TOP of what we believe is the LARGEST
MUSIC AWARDS PROGRAM IN WORLD HISTORY.. with over 35,000 songs
and over 2,400 albums entered"
Oldham
Love science is a mint tune. Been charting this highly."
Dream / Corks FM
"A v.nice album! Fav track 'Cry'"
Diffusion
"A truely 21st century international star."
Impact FM London
"With the right people behind Phoenix J, the album could
sell bucket loads, it's got some great tracks on it."
Frequency Radio
"A nice swing to this, will do well."
Party Radio Liverpool
"Kinda weird bjork-ish album. Nice still."
Kool FM
"It's a grower."
Australian Music Marketing
"Excellent music!"
Panartist
"Phoenix sings in a voice that will bring you great pleasure."
Classic Gold
"The songs are very good!"
Zach's Trax
"(J's new album, Junkk, sits) high above today's rapidly
growing music wasteland."
Sound on Sound
"I was immediately impressed by her (musical) arrangements
as well as her terrific voice...J is clearly talented"
GWR/Wyvern FM
"I like what I heard"
Top
Len Amsterdam Radio Show
"A blend of power, style, and raw emotion... producing some
of the most brilliant modern music ever... HOW CAN ANYBODY be
this talented!"
ArtistForum
"I am moved.. how do you manage to get such depth of feeling
from such a young artist?"
THE STRAITS TIMES
"The music is unique..."
Power 98
..felt like an M&N's chocolate...just melts in your mouth"
M3
"It's a veritable album to listen to after hours..."
Heart91.3FM
"..a beautiful album, very different.."
8 DAYS
"J has a lightness of touch that reminds one of Kitaro, whose
New Age palate music-lovers readily lap up. No doubt about her
musical skills.."
Heart 91.3FM
...underrated, underplayed, underheard little gem...a highly polished
work of art.." [On Lie With Me]: what a track, what a voice!..
Zabadak
"From the hymn-like opening.. the gentle, sad voice of the
singer girl from Singapore entices.. there will be those who fall
in love with J."
WEA International, Thailand
"..Asia's answer to Bjork; simply stunning."
Top
Total Film
"J's lush Moonraker [is] truly accomplished"
London Street Talk
"Waif-like J adds a new level of contribution to the proceedings.
| GECKO
SUSHI by Gwailo (Pony Canyon) |
Singapore traits Times
"J is the sweet voice that sung on most tracks"
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