Album Notes

Boston based pop/soul singer Joya Abbott-Graves was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. After receiving an M.M. in voice performance at Umass Amherst, Joya moved to Boston to pursue a career as a singer, performer, songwriter and voice teacher. Between heart breaks, adventures, day jobs, and performances as a dancer, comedienne and singer, Joya began to write her own tunes and started playing out in local venues with her live band. She has a fantastic and beautifully diverse following who all come together to share in the joy of fun, soulful music, spreading love one song at a time.

Guided by her ear for melody and passion for hot bass lines and rhythms, Joya writes songs that deliver a story with unforgettable tunes and bumpin' beats. Soul Candy is an eclectic collection of sweet, jazzy, r&b, neo-soul pop songs that you will find yourself listening to over and over.

In the spirit of Jazz and Hip Hop, Joya’s band features many different players. Soul Candy contributors include: vocalist/rapper, CJ Azubuine; lyricist/rapper, Mystyque; vocal percussionist Simmy B; Hiroshi Sembon, drums; Aman Mahajan, keys; Louis Andre Ochoa, bass; Penny Larson, percussion; Henrik Lindqvist, guitar; Chris Takita guitar; Mike Null, guitar; Iyeoka Okoawo, spoken word; and Anna Fernandez-Buehrens, violin.

Joya has performed at Boston venues and special events such as: Felt, The Rack, Tribe, Coolidge Corner Theater, MIT Kresge Little Theater, All Asia, the LBGT Aging Project, Grrl Rush, Boston NOW fundraiser, Shine and Club Choices. Joya and her band were featured as Pick of the Week on Kiss 108's Matty in the Morning.