Check Out Joseph Lanyo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Lanyo.

Joseph, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
I started as a choir boy back in high school, which led me to pursue music in college. I have now been making my own music for a little over 2 years. It’s been an exciting, albeit challenging, adventure, and I still feel very much at the beginning of my career. There’s still so much to see, so many people to meet, so much to experience, and so many lives to be impacted. All of these pieces keep me going in the pursuit of something greater. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wish I could say it has been, but I would be lying. I’m an independent musician, so that means I don’t have anybody sending me an advance on any of my records or projects. I come up with the funding and the budget. This allows me to then find the people I believe will be pivotal to the success of each project. This step oftentimes requires compromise on cost without compromising quality; I fully believe their talent should also be recognized but fair compensation can be challenging when funds are limited. I am also tasked with the task of marketing the product – the greatest challenge in this industry, I would say. As you can see, all of these moving pieces can sometimes be very overwhelming for a team of just a couple people, ones who have other priorities beside running a music business. The love for creating music is sometimes overshadowed by the struggle for success, at times resulting in rollouts that aren’t what they were intended to be, from behind the scenes to what the audience receives. Releasing music is art and business, which both requires intentionality to ensure I am satisfied with the entire process and feel this product has been done justice through its marketing strategy where we have truly made sure to create as many opportunities for the audience to get the chance to interact with the tremendous piece or art that has been created. If I’m not creating a bulletproof process then I’m losing money, and at times it can feel as though what I’m creating is intro getting the reception it deserves due to my own shortcoming. As a young entrepreneur and artist, I can’t afford those kind of losses. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Afrobeat musician. What this means to me is getting to share music of African roots or origins with my listeners. This is music that speaks to me and connects me with the world around me. I do that in a myriad of ways, based on the emotional response or drive associated with the music. When I feel thankful, my music reflects my thanks. Likewise, when I feel sad or happy, my music reflects those emotions but in a style different than those artists around me. I do what I feel, and that’s what makes me the musician I am today. My first song was Afrogospel, but I didn’t feel as though my next song needed the same “feeling”. I had a different message to send, but the foundational genre could be felt. I’m proud of all of my work, and despite the adversity I’ve faced over the past few years, I’ve persevered. 

I think what I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come. You can say you don’t like my music, but you can’t deny I’m a musician anymore. I’m no longer just a guy who wants to make music; I’m the guy making the music that means something to me. All music is a vehicle, and what I make is mine. I don’t feel as though I have to make what is most popular; I just make what feels natural as an artist. I make my music for me just as much as I do for the people listening. What I feel and what I produce is a reflection of who I am as a musician, and I’m thankful I now get to share it with whoever will listen. 

Any big plans?
For the upcoming year, I plan on doing my first headlining show. This will be planned and brought to you by Joseph Lanyo LLC and sponsors. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Josephlanyo.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jo.lanyo?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejosephlanyo?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Twitter: https://x.com/lanyojoseph?s=21&t=WYanwg8PnnxOGdLObfN39A
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@josephlanyo?si=lozQKrj3aJrKSpK0

Image Credits
Sarah K
Sara Jay photography
CJ. B
Cody M
Cian R
Conrad B
Pierre Marie A