Joanna Chaba | "For Us" Feature/Interview
What inspired you to write “For Us”?
“For Us” was born out of a deep reflection on how much the modern world needs unity, genuine and mutual understanding. My inspiration is life itself – the world that surrounds me, the people I meet along my path, my own experiences, but also the stories and emotions shared with me by others.
I draw inspiration from the energy I sense in the space around me, from the emotions present in another person, from subtle impulses that are often not expressed directly. An important source of inspiration for me is also life lessons – sometimes intense and revolutionary, and sometimes quiet and evolutionary. I try to observe and understand them by listening to my inner voice.
Various kinds of conflicts and problems – both personal and global, such as wars, hunger, homelessness, and all forms of suffering – led me to ask myself who I am, what life means to me, and what I, as an artist, can do in this reality to help make life better. I came to the conclusion that I can begin by getting to know and understanding myself, and through that – another human being – and vice versa.
I believe that through artistic expression I can add my small brick in the form of words, sounds, and pure intention, to remind us all how important and valuable our energy is. And that it is this energy that creates change – real change.
I also have a deep love for film music, in which the inner emotions of a character are painted through sound.
I hear a choir in the song!
Tell us about the recording process?
Yes, a vocal group called The Fentress Experience took part in the recording. These are wonderful voices and outstanding artists who train under the guidance of Brian Fentress.
Brian prepared the group vocally according to the provided score, and then we met in the studio for several hours of recording. The entire process was very focused and intense.
During the recordings, I was accompanied by Grzegorz Duszak – a versatile and talented artist and co-creator of the music for “For Us,” as well as the entire album “Awakened”. His presence and the arrangements he created were an important element of this creative process and of shaping the sound of the song.
The vocalists set aside their everyday responsibilities and came to the studio early in the morning to support me – to sing together and carry the energy of the song “For Us” out into the world. This choir is not just a background. It is a symbol of us – of unity, shared feeling, and the connection that this song carries.
What are you most passionate about?
What I am most passionate about is discovering the voice – not only the outer voice, but also the inner one. For me, this is a beautiful process of discovering myself, my soul, my truth.
I am also passionate about creative expression through words, sound, emotions, and awareness. This gives me a deep sense of meaning and fulfillment. Creating music that helps me express myself, while at the same time being useful to others – music that has meaning, moves emotions, and stays with people for longer. I love the moment when music ceases to be just sound and becomes an experience, a feeling.
Another great passion of mine is creating an educational program and valuable projects for the students of my WokArtysta Studio. It is a space for vocalists, supported by a wonderful team of vocal coaches. I design the program in a way that nurtures the outer voice – technical aspects – develops the inner voice – meaning building courage, giving students wings so they can see their strengths and believe in their power and agency – and provides them with stage practice.
What is a word of wisdom that you can share with us that we can use in our own lives?
“Be true to yourself” is my mentoring motto, and “Every little change starts in our heart” is a line from my song - together they express what I truly believe in.
Sometimes we want to change the world, to save the world. We accuse others: “it’s her fault, it’s them, it’s because of her.” Meanwhile, it is worth taking a deep breath, going for a walk, having a coffee, looking at the sun. And then, from a different energy, we can talk to each other, smile at one another, listen to the truth of another person, and share our own.
Then we can dance together, hold hands, and create our world together anew, from a new perspective. Every change starts with us, is born in our heart – both in our everyday microcosm of daily life and on a global scale.
If we dream of a better world, if we say STOP to violence, conflicts, wars, if we want to add our small brick of goodness, it is worth saying STOP to old thought patterns, rigid loops of assumptions, and cold, frozen emotions that may once have helped us survive, but are no longer useful today.
Let us turn our attention inward – to ourselves, to the heart – and from that perspective look at the world. Let us create in silence, awareness, feeling, and movement. Let our soul guide us, and let us always listen to ourselves, because every change begins in our heart, in our soul.
I believe that the greatest wisdom is to recognize within ourselves the essence of our own soul.
Be true to yourself and remember that every little change starts in our heart.
After all, life is a journey of discovering the soul.
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