>>> March 9, 2010 ::: Associated Content ::: A Little Something Different
At the University of Pittsburgh's Hillman Library, in a little makeshift café known as the Cup and Chaucer, a woman approaches the microphone with the
professionalism of a seasoned performer, yet the candour of someone just stepping into the limelight for the very first time. On keyboards and leading
vocals...
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>>> January 28, 2010 ::: The Duquesne Duke ::: Showcasing Connections at "Ladies Night"
Three years ago, three women performed to a nearly empty audience at Connections Coffee Shop in Oakland. It was the first time they all performed together
live, and what they heard, they liked. Now the trio, Kristen Graves, Joy Ike and Heather Kropf, will be...
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> January 10, 2010 ::: Patrol Magazine ::: Rediscovering Values with Jim Wallis in Manhattan
Last Thursday night at The Riverside Church on Manhattan’s upper west side, New York Faith and Justice sponsored an event, in collaboration with several other
organizations, celebrating the launch of Jim Wallis’ new book Rediscovering Values On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street. The evening started out
with a performance by Joy Ike...[
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>>> November 9, 2009 ::: Empowering Everyday Women ::: Joy to the World
After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Communications, Joy Ike ventured out into the "real world," ready to take full advantage of
the opportunities that lay ahead. From the looks of it, everything was falling into place for the Pittsburgh native when she landed an exciting full-time job
as a publicist with...[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> October 28, 2009 ::: Inkling Media ::: Indie Music and Social Media: A Match Made in Heaven
I have no musical ability whatsoever. Yet I love music and live vicariously through some of my favorite bands and musicians. I particularly love the indie
music scene and when I find an artist I like, I work hard to help them promote their music...I was introduced to the music, and person, of Joy Ike. Not only is
Joy a talented musician and performer, but she is taking her knowledge of the industry and helping...
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> October 15, 2009 ::: Penns Eye View ::: 4 On Tour
This feature is the first of its kind on PensEyeView.com – we’re featuring four artists at once (including one that’s already an alum!). You see, 4 on Tour is
not a band, but a collective – literally a group of four very talented artists all sharing the stage together with shared messages…
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>>> October 5, 2009 ::: ZoeCarnate ::: Four On Tour
It’s a bit unlike anything you’re familiar with. As 4 on Tour puts it, “We are 4 singer/songwriters making good music in a mainstream culture that doesn’t
believe Christians can make good music.” And it’s true. As our post-modern culture progressively shy’s further away from all things religious and faith-based,
4 on Tour wants to change that…or at least share good, quality, authentic music with anyone who wants to listen.
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> September 25, 2009 ::: Wrecked for the Ordinary ::: 4 On Tour: An Interview
Mark your calendar between October 3rd-11th. Brooke Annibale, Garrett Heath, Hiram Ring and Joy Ike make up the roster of "4 On Tour," a team of individual
artists whose styles range from a mix of folk, acoustic, neo-soul and blues (among other genres). And, they have come together to offer a unique event on
nine special occasions along the east coast. Joy Ike, the orchestrator of this unique co-op gave Wrecked for the Ordinary some insight on how it all began,
what drives it and where it may go. [READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> July 10, 2009 ::: Gospel Highlights ::: Joy Ike: Passing The Test
Oftentimes, a great leap of faith can make all the difference when it comes to achieving a dream. The minute that Joy Ike turned in her letter of resignation
at her full-time job, her dream became an immediate reality. She was bound and determined to place a stamp on this world as she knew God had called her to do.
And so far, there has not been one iota of regret on her behalf. ...[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> May 17, 2009 ::: Pop Wreckoning ::: Joy Ike @ The Reading Terminal Market
I owe the world an apology. I’ve known about the beautiful song stylings of Pittsburgh’s Joy Ike for just over a year, and I haven’t shared it. Last weekend,
Ike played at Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market, a nontraditional music venue, though she wasn’t out of place amongst the other vendors. Nestled in
between ...[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> April 1, 2009 ::: "Pittsburgh Business Radio"
Roundtable discussion about the Pittsburgh music scene, and pursuing music as a business. Panelists include Joy Ike, Jim Dispirito (Rusted Roots), Maree
Gallagher (TR Creative Services), and Carol Lee Epsy (KDKA)
[LISTEN TO PODCAST]
>>> February 20, 2009 ::: Wildy's World ::: "Good Morning" CD Review
Joy Ike is the real deal; a singer/songwriter with something to say and ample to talent to deliver it. A warm and inviting voice wrapped up in strong and
generous piano-driven pop/rock arrangements is the general recipe for Ike, who may be the best thing to come out Western Pennsylvania in a decade or more.
Good Morning...[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> February 4, 2009 ::: BeatCrave ::: "Good Morning" CD Review
Joy Ike's first full-length album, “Good Morning”, is truly beautiful, with insight on life and the various directions in which it tends to go - whether down
avenues constructed in one’s own mind, or detours influenced by outside behavior. Against themes of jazz and soul, Ike gifts listeners with a practical
optimism that accepts the deepest downs but allows room for hope, love, and perhaps a better understanding of the human condition. It’s almost as if the byline
...[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> December 10, 2008 ::: Pittsburgh City Paper :::
Local singer-songwriter Joy Ike has the goods on Good Morning
Joy Ike is the sort of person you're not likely to encounter too often these days: piano-pop singer-songwriters from Pittsburgh. She started writing songs just
three years ago, after graduating from Pitt; this summer, she released her first full-length, Good Morning, a collection of 13 tracks that exude positive
vibes. Good Morning showcases a young talent with an ear for...
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>>> December 10, 2008 ::: Etsy Pittsburgh
I am very pleased to announce that Joy Ike will be performing at the CityCraft Handmade Holiday Happy Hour Market! According to the Post-Gazette, Joy Ike is
"a neo-soul contender in the vein of Corrine Bailey Rae or Norah Jones." And when it comes to the City Paper, she is...
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>>> December 4, 2008 ::: Pittsburgh City Paper ::: Jingle Bell Jams
The past year has seen dozens of noteworthy local releases, from newcomers to veterans, from low-budget self-released CDs to major-label monsters. The following
sample should spark some ideas for music-lovers on your list. Buy direct from the artists, and you might get a stocking-stuffer thrown in -- stickers and
patches, bottle-openers, even a toothbrush. Joy Ike and her piano were...
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>>> November 15, 2008 ::: Mojo Republik
Ike’s music has a certain sort of Ani DiFranco meets Tori Amos meets Corinne Bailey Rae thing going on, but it’s unique in its own right — there’s a sort of
hopefulness in every song that’s very sweet. If she is...
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>>> November 15, 2008 ::: Rock Sellout ::: Taking Five With Joy Ike
Joy Ike’s new album “Good Morning” is a good album to get lost in. Its quiet ambition reaches in a gentle way, the songs weaving effortlessly without feeling
forced or contrived. The piano hypnotic, the drums near perfect, the vocals neo-soul, it has layers and beauty in its acceptance of unorthodox melodies and
progressions. It is like a warm blanket for the winter months fast approaching and has a depth which will carry you until spring. We took the opportunity to...
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>>> November 13, 2008 ::: YOUR South Hills :::
Reporter turns into music judge at acoustic challenge
So last week I put my critical ear to good use when Nancy Lachner, event planner for Three Rivers Productions, asked me to judge the 2008 Acoustic Challenge at
the Rhythm House Cafe in Bridgeville. Performers included Todd Edwards, Joy Ike, Todd James and Stu Hiers of Southern Blue, Ben Alper and Eric Granata of Second
Favorite and The Brad Yoder Duo. The winner, The Brad Yoder Duo, received $1,000. I've fallen in love with Yoder and Ike's music in particular, though...
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> November 07, 2008 ::: The Blah Blah Blah ::: I Think You'll Love Her
If you read my post on Anadara over here, you know I’m picky about female vocalists. I’ve got nothing against women - I just am getting tired of the
over-populated female singer-songwriter market...Joy has a great voice that would be good enough for her to put out a very mediocre album that would sell great
in Christian bookstores, but what I like about her is that she’s not content in doing that. The music has a measure of...
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>>> October 16, 2008 ::: The Globe ::: Acoustic Challenge plucks out Pittsburgh's finest
When Joy Ike performs her songs, she bares a bit of her soul-and her feet.
Last Wednesday at Connections Coffee House in Oakland,
she approached her keyboard, sat down, slipped off her shoes and placed her feet on the pedals, playing her way to a spot in the finals
in Pittsburgh's Acoustic Challenge 2008...
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>>> October 16, 2008 ::: Indie Zone ::: Joy Ike - Good Morning
Quando chiedi a Joy cosa influenza la sua musica…ti piazza addosso occhi grandi come lanterne e senza pensarci molto ti risponde con le prime
cose che le vengono in mente: i nerd, i piedi nudi, i fiori, i bambini, il gelato, le grandi cucine e mmm…il sole. Joy Ike è una ragazza
nigeriana di soli 24 anni che si ritrova a far musica a Pittsburgh. Dopo essersi brillantemente laureata...
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> September 29, 2008 ::: Love at First Sound ::: A Tribute to Joy
You know how you associate certain songs with certain memories? This piece is my Saturday afternoon memory. Living in Pilsen and always having
the windows open, I'm used to letting in a lot of sounds: the church bells from across the street, cars on 18th, Mexican music, children playing,
etc. After a long week at work I came home to a bustling weekend-long festival on my street, complete with...
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>>> September 17, 2008 ::: Wrecked For the Ordinary ::: Voices In Culture
As Joy Ike ordered her tea at an urban Starbucks in Pittsburgh, PA one of the baristas squealed, “Are you Joy Ike?” Flattered and surprised,
Ike responded and asked the barista if she had been to a show recently. They talked for a few moments longer and then Ike joined me at a nearby
table. While Starbucks is wonderful for a multitude of reasons, it was particularly helpful in providing a glimpse into Joy Ike- the musician.
Ike later added that she... [READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> September 12, 2008 ::: Indie For Bunnies ::: Joy Ike - Good Morning
Quarto piano dell’Etap Hotel a Leeds: seduto con le braccia appoggiate alla scrivania sento che i miei occhi si spingono piano oltre il vetro
della finestra. Leeds vibra: grattacieli, treni, macchine che sfrecciano sotto i ponti e sembra quasi di veder scorrere il sangue nelle vene di
un gigante. Domani: Roma. Ma per il momento i pezzi di architettura gotica sembrano comandare le sensazioni sprigionate da una città sempre
coperta dal grigio delle nuvole. E’ da qui che il miglior indie proveniente dalla Gran Bretagna sta facendo versare un bel po’ di inchiostro a
quelli che raccontano di musica “fresca”... [READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> September 8, 2008 ::: The Pitt News ::: Indie Artist Has Soul
Pitt alum and rookie songwriter Joy Ike is putting the soul back into Pittsburgh’s music scene. But Ike doesn’t just bring soul to the table.
Her first album, released this June, fuses the styles of jazz, soul, pop and indie music together to make herself known throughout the area as
an exciting upcoming artist. [READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> August 20, 2008 ::: SoulSite.de ::: Good Morning
Die Frau ist rund. Nicht körperlich betrachtet, sondern in Beug auf ihre Ausgewogenheit zwischen den unterschiedlichen Stilen wie Neo-Soul,
Jazz und etwas Pop. Die Musik der Sängerin lebt von ihrer vielfältigen Stimme und dem Klavier, das auf allen Liedern präsent ist...
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> August 14, 2008 ::: New Pittsburgh Courier ::: Ike’s ‘Good Morning’ offers a new, one-of-a-kind sound
Rising artist Joy Ike harnesses a fresh sound in her music that’s eclectic enough to appeal to any music lover. Her debut full-length album,
“Good Morning,” is a congenial mix of funky yet soft upbeat songs with a strong message and sultry ballads, driven by her excellent piano playing
and versatile voice. Ike is a humble creative genius, writing...
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>>> July 28, 2008 ::: Rockstar Life Lessons :::
Good Morning: If You Could Eat Music, You’d Want This CD for Breakfast
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> July 23, 2008 ::: A 3Q Interview with Joy Ike
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>>> July 23, 2008 ::: The Parenthesis Project ::: We Like Ike *
Although Joy Ike may not be looking to pursue the Presidency anytime soon, Ike’s latest release, Good Morning, is running a good race.
Ike’s soulful voice is like jazz cream in freshly brewed coffee; waking one up with aromas you can’t see but sense coming...
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>>> July 23, 2008 ::: This Winki's Review
What are you going to do if you have the piano of Tori Amos, the feminine side of Sufjan Stevens and you don’t have to be on Oprah to gain
credits (Yes, Corinne Bailey Rae is the case here)? I guess you better quit that daily job and become a musician. Under any circumstance,
whether you’re hypnotized by what Oprah is recommending or you’re digging the deep net for talents, Joy Ike...
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> July 21, 2008 ::: Soul-Audio Featured Interview
Crafting coffee shop-style music with jazzy instrumentation and soulful vocals, Joy Ike is not only one of the more promising songstresses
in recent memory; she’s also one of the most engaging. Soul-Audio’s John Wofford sat down with her recently to discuss art, perspectives on
life, and popular music culture, and this is what she had to say...
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>>> July 18, 2008 ::: The Soul Pitt Interview
Joy Ike’s style of modern neo-soul/acoustic sound hits you like an old friend. A friend who you shared a close friendship, a friend you
miss most when the days are long and good friends are few, you turn and think of that friend, and you smile and everything is all the sudden
beautiful, again. Joy’s CD “Good Morning” takes... [READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> July 14, 2008 ::: Soul-Audio Review
You haven’t heard of Joy Ike yet, but you will. She’s just what the industry is looking for: an artist who can take small ideas and
limited resources, and spread them out to make something that sounds unique, even without the pretentious production design. Her debut
solo album, Good Morning, makes a lot of promises, on some of which it delivers—namely, a jazzy canvas splattered with random orchestration
and soulful vocals. While its strengths are occasionally marred by a weak hook or a trite lyric, Ike is honest and passionate through and
through, and make no mistake, she’s hit ...[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> June 27, 2008 ::: Allegheny Times::: You'll Like Ike
The 24-year-old Squirrel Hill woman’s musical pursuits began just three years ago, which makes the elegance, earthiness and lyrical depth of
her songs all the more remarkable. Voicing an alluring and rhythmic blend of soul, jazz and pop, Ike will debut her first full-length CD twice
on Saturday. Ike’s album begins with a brief intro that mentions...[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> June 27, 2008 ::: Observer Reporter ::: Ike's 'Good Morning' produces good results
For her first full-length album, Pittsburgh performer Joy Ike chose the title "Good Morning." Considering the effect of her live appearances
in Washington, the name is appropriate: The sound of her voice can serve as a wakeup call. Joy has played locally the past two years at the
Main Street Farmers' Market, an event that usually functions with each week's featured musicians as an...
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>>> June 26, 2008 ::: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ::: Neo-soul singer starts anew with 'Good Morning'
Joy Ike begins her bio noting of herself, "She hasn't been writing since she could hold a pen, and her life as a musician is only three years
young." We can add that she's come a long way in a short time. The 24-year-old singer-pianist, whose Nigerian parents moved here when she was 3,
is already releasing her second CD and sounding very much like...[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> June 9, 2008 ::: Joy Ike to Release New CD Good Morning at EastSide Borders
Pittsburgh artist, Joy Ike, releases her first full-length project, Good Morning, at the EastSide Borders on Saturday, June 28th at 7:30 p.m.
In just under three years, Joy Ike has climbed to the top of Pittsburgh's independent music scene. Usually referred to as the next Fiona Apple,
Corinne Bailey Rae, or Norah Jones, her latest effort, Good Morning, appropriately blends elements of pop, jazz, indie, and soul.
Ike's music has earned a reputation for being lyrically challenging - addressing issues of social awareness, faith, loneliness, and the
complexity of relationships. Good Morning is an anthem to all four concepts and specifically tackles our human need for dependency and the
growing obligation to realize that the world is bigger than our own individual problems. Ike will be accompanied by a full band at the CD
release, using the same instruments -piano, drums, cello, violin, and djembe- incorporated throughout Good Morning.
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> February, 2008 ::: Jenesis Magazine Interview
An incredible mix of songwriting and a soft yet powerful voice are the tools used to captivate listeners who have experienced Joy Ike music.
And an experience is just what the audience gets. Thought and purpose are both prevelant in her music providing an exceptional journey from
the intro to the last note played. Already receiving critical acclaim from places such as Allhiphop.com and The Pittsburgh City Paper, JENESIS
Magazine caught up with Joy Ike for a Q&A session as she gets ready to relase her first full-length album.
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> February 19, 2008 ::: Philadelphia Bulletin :::
World Café's 'Philly Rising' Showcases A Local, 'Low-Maintenance' Musician
Next Monday, 24-year-old Joy Ike will take the "Philly Rising" open stage after a full weekend of local performances. A Pittsburgh native who
was voted second for "Best Solo Artists" by Pittsburgh City Paper readers, Ms. Ike has performed at the Hard Rock Café, Club Café, the
Rex Theater and the Shadow Lounge in the "Steel City." She appears regularly at Arefa's Espresso, a café in her Squirrel Hill neighborhood,
which is one of Pittsburgh's most popular - filled with ethnic restaurants, delis, bakeries, old-fashioned grocery stores, new eateries,
boutiques, movie theaters and upscale shops.
[READ FULL ARTICLE]
>>> November 24, 2007 ::: Allhiphop.com ::: Get To Know Joy Ike
When you think of Pittsburgh, thoughts of blue-collar sweat, hard work, and the daily grind immediately come to mind. Known as
“The Steel City,” Pittsburgh is not a city known for its burgeoning music scene, but as time rages on, the flood gates of various genres of
music are beginning to spring forth and spill over in the region. Joy Ike is one of the artists that will ultimately be responsible for
placing Pittsburgh’s music scene firmly on the map. Her compelling voice and alluring sense of excitement has placed her at the zenith of the
local music scene, and the...
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