Photo Credit: Colton Chapman
[Journee](https://www.instagram.com/journeeofficial/?igshid=1hht45lrbm0f2) is ready for her big break. The 21-year-old singer-songwriter (turning 22 this month, Virgo gang) hails from the Bay Area, San Jose to be exact. Raised in a household with her five siblings, her music encompasses female empowerment and the struggles we all go through in this thing called life. Her ability to seamlessly serenade her lyrics throughout each record has resulted in a huge buzz within the industry.
The name Journee derives from beautiful, talented actress Jurnee Smollett (Jussie Smollett’s sister), whom he parents named her after. What sets Journee apart from other R&B artists is her demeanor, tone, and passion. She states, “ As a new artist, you gotta bring a new vibe and energy to the game. I can do that.”
Her biggest influences include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, and her favorite rapper J. Cole — whom her father put her onto. Currently a college student at UC Riverside studying Liberal Studies, real name Journee Walker admits her focus is most definitely on her artistry.
Earlier this year in February, she released her [standout single “This Or That,"](https://www.laweekly.com/in-rotation-journees-this-and-that/) recently following it up with the “Options” visual. Flaunt caught up with Journee via FaceTime, who was posted at her crib in the Inland Empire (south of Los Angeles).
**You grew up with 5 siblings, when did music come into play?**
My household was messy, my family’s kind of a mess. \[laughs\] Music came in through my dad who rapped. He had a studio in the garage, I’d be out there with him vibing. He’d make me write. The first song I wrote, I was 10 years old.
**Why do you say your family’s a mess?**
Because I didn’t grow up with my mom, I grew up with my dad. She was out of the picture. I had siblings, half siblings all over the place. Wasn't the best childhood, but that made me who I am today.
**How’s school going?**
School’s really not for me. Music is my passion, it sucks being in school and trying to pursue a career in music. They don’t coincide.
**At what point did you realize you wanted to do music as a career?**
I’d say my sophomore year. I started posting covers on Instagram, people were really fucking with them. I wrote a song and posted it, people said “yo this is actually really good.” I started taking it more seriously, it became more of a passion.
**Congrats on the release of “Like That,” what or what inspired this record?**
The song, I’m telling the guy “you shouldn’t do me like that. You should’ve learned your lesson the first time, I’m done!” The video, we did an _Insecure_ flip. More so the guy being insecure and me reiterating the fact you could be who you are. You don’t have to be this person you’re not, continuously playing me.
**Who’s the special man?**
It’s a few of them actually, not just one. \[laughs\] Can’t throw any names out there.
**The palm trees are a vibe, what was your vision with the visual?**
We were going based off of the whole LA scene, trying to really bring out that _Insecure_ vibe. Because I know they film everywhere in LA, that’s what we tried to do.
**What’s your connection to _Insecure?_**
I relate to Issa. She’s that awkward, black girl and I feel the same. I love her vibe and her energy, she’s hella funny.
**I saw the #BlackLivesMatter banner in the video, what does #BLM mean to you?**
It means everything. Being a black woman is very serious. Bringing awareness to the matter is very important. Social media has brought a huge light to the matter in general. Everything’s being filmed nowadays. All these murders are being filmed. It’s sad, I wanted to bring awareness in the video.
**3 things you need in the studio?**
I need incense, candles for the vibe. I love the area that I’m working in to smell really good. I need water! Hella basic. \[laughs\] I need some good food. I like to eat snack foods. I like candy, I like Rips. I’m basic but I like Chex Mix, the traditional one.
**What’s a normal day in the life of Journee?**
I’m still in school, I don’t start till September though. A quarter left honestly, not even a full year. Right now it’s waking up, getting cute for the Gram. Making a TikTok or2, nothing crazy. Quarantine vibes, you feel me?
**How would you describe your fashion sense?**
I’m inspired by the 90’s era. I like really comfortable baggy types of clothes. I make it girly sometimes, but definitely prefer comfortable. Baggy jeans, tight top. Baggy fit in general, Aaliyah vibes.
**What was the inspiration behind “Options”?**
The song is letting a guy know he’s not the only one, he better act right because he can get left real quick! The video is really simple, sexy vibes. We did a play on it. If you watch the whole thing to the end, I’m pretending to stab him. It’s eerie, a little crazy, but it’s a dope vibe.
**What can we expect from your EP? Is there a title yet?**
No title yet, we’re still working on it. You can expect some fire. We got some features, nothing crazy. The concept is still in the works.
**Goals for yourself at this point of your career?**
I’m trying to get out there, trying to get more exposure. I definitely want to get signed by a major label, that’s my main goal. I want to be huge, a huge artist.
**What’s it gonna take to get there?**
Hard work, dedication, continually dropping stuff, promoting it. Working hard.
**What’s one thing fans may not about you?**
I can rap a little bit! I try to. I keep it on the low, I don’t want people to think I’m a rapper. But I can rap.
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