Country Artist Barefoot Joe has been on our radar for about a year. He is one of those artists that you listen to and ask yourself ‘Why have I not heard of this guy”? We have featured many of his singles and videos leading up to his most recent release ‘My Baby Likes to Slow Dance.” Once more Barefoot Joe delivers a soulful and country music inspired track that leads with his rich vocal delivery and his always clever lyrics. Download and Stream My Baby Likes to Slow Dance
Barefoot Joe’s last release took us quite by surprise. Not country. But rather a sharp and steller Pop R&B track. He released the song and music video under his alter ego “Joe Tann”. Knock It Out The Park is a hot track and really shows the diversity that artists rarely are given credit for in their endeavors to create their art. I personally like an artist that is not trying to stay in the lane of “the expected”, rather he is carving his own path with delivering the music that he wants to share with his fan base. We wanted to learn more about Barefoot Joe aka Joe Tann, so please enjoy our interview below. Additionally make sure to follow this talented artist on both of his platforms. Download and Stream “Knock It Out the Park”
How have your country fans embraced your last release “Knock It Out the Park”?
To most of my country fans, the Joe Tann release of “Knock It Out the Park” was a bit of a surprise! They had no idea that I had this alter ego, and that I wrote and produced hip-hop and R&B music. Honestly, the feedback was very mixed from my country music fans! They fell into three different buckets, 1) they liked it but were scared I was hanging up my boots to pursue Joe Tann, 2) they loved it and were clamoring for more, 3) or they hated it as country music purists!
Both of your artistic endeavors are stellar, do you see yourself working in both genres for the long haul?
My heart and soul are in country music! I think Joe Tann shows a different side of me, while demonstrating my range as an artist and songwriter. While my journey as Joe Tann is a major part of my story and influences my sound, the core of my artistry resides in country music. But that doesn’t mean that I am restrained by genre in any way. So long as I remain inspired, I will go wherever the music takes me.
Where did you come up with the name Joe Tann?
Funny story! I used to be in an R&B trio, which consisted of a white guy, a black guy, and myself – the tan guy! When one of the members left, the remaining short-lived duo was rebranded as “Black and Tann.” Ultimately, I went solo as an R&B artist and called myself “Joe Tann”.
Where does the name Barefoot Joe come from?
My mother is Korean, so in my household, it was mandatory to kick my shoes off at the door. When I’m on stage or in the studio, it’s just natural and comfortable for me to kick off my shoes; it’s my home away from home. People took notice and began calling me Barefoot Joe, so I embraced it!
With regards to your latest release “My Baby Likes to Slow Dance”, do you prefer a slow dance or an up-tempo honkytonk line dance?
“My Baby Likes to Slow Dance” is an up-tempo two-step about slow dancing. I didn’t really plan it that way; it just felt right at that tempo! Ultimately, this song is one of my most danceable up-tempo songs; it just makes you want to move! When I perform it live, I typically follow it up with a good slow dance song! I let my line-dance friends,Kickin’ Country Line Dancin’ choreograph a line dance to it, and they came up with a fantastic couples’ dance! I’ll be debuting the dance in a couple of weeks.
Have you ever thought about creating a collaboration of both artist in one song?
I’ve thought about it, but as of right now, I don’t have any plans to do it. In my mind, both artists are me, so it’s hard to differentiate them artistically in a song. Maybe one day I’ll crack the code if enough people ask for it.
What is up next for you?
I’m staying busy! With the remainder of this year, I am planning 3 new releases. In September, I will release a two-song EP as Joe Tann called “I Know What She Wants,” which includes a remix featuring hip-hop artist Grunge Gallardo from Virginia Beach. In October, as Barefoot Joe (and just in time for Halloween), I’ll be releasing a cover of Jace Everette’s “Bad Things”. And, finally in November, as Barefoot Joe, I plan to release the soul-wrenching ballad, “God is Good with Me” with a music video! I’m also finalizing the physical release of my sophomore album, which will eventually be available on digital next year. Additionally, I’m looking forward to the Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry, where I have been nominated for 10 awards! There is so much work to be done and life is too short!
