Ones To Watch: Miranda Joan

Genre: R&B, Soul-Pop, Contemporary Jazz
For Fans Of: Lianne La Havas, Hiatus Kaiyote, Jorja Smith
Release: “Overstimulated” (Album), Out Now
Label: Independent
Hometown: Montréal, Canada

Miranda Joan, the Canadian singer-songwriter, is making waves in the music scene with her recently released new album, Overstimulated. Produced by the talented CARRTOONS, this album is a deep dive into the dissonant corners of her mind, exploring the fullest sense of the word “overstimulated.”

Born in Montréal and raised on the north shore of Vancouver, Joan’s formative years were filled with diaries brimming with emotions and experiences. These diaries served as a safe place for her heart and imagination, laying the foundation for her songwriting journey. Her musical influences are as diverse as her experiences, ranging from Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, and Carole King to Anderson .Paak., Little Dragon, and Robyn. Joan’s personal experiences and the artistic and spiritual energies of the places she’s called home flow through her intricate songwriting and playful production, resulting in a unique blend of soul-pop.

Joan’s artistic exploration led her to New York, where she studied jazz and opened herself up to a world of diverse artists and producers, all while absorbing the city’s grit and intensity. Establishing herself in Brooklyn’s vibrant soul/jazz community, Miranda co-hosts and co-founded Brooklyn’s Femme Jam, an all-female-led jam session emphasizing female musicians and inclusivity.

Joan’s musical journey has seen her perform on national tours, headline sold-out shows at prestigious New York venues, and provide backing vocals for renowned artists such as The Killers, Shawn Mendes, Lorde, Kylie Minogue, and Andy Grammar. She even joined Sly5thAve at the Montréal Jazz Festival with the Orchestre National de Jazz de Montréal in a tribute to Dr. Dre.

But Miranda Joan’s passion extends beyond the stage. For the past eight years, she has been a music mentor with SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young, working with youth aged 8-18 who stutter, using music as a means of empowerment.

Joan’s recent singles, “Overstimulated” and “I Love You, Dwayne,” have received critical acclaim from NPR, Consequence, EARMILK, Exclaim!, and have graced the airwaves of CBC and MountainFM in Canada, along with Tony Minvielle’s (Jazz FM) show in the UK.

Watch Miranda Joan “Overstimulated” music video below

Collaborating with Ben Carr, known as CARRTOONS, Joan embarked on her sophomore album journey with Overstimulated. This album, bookended by songs of affirmation and self-love, explores the messy, chaotic, and interconnected web of hopes, dreams, imagination, love, and heartache. As Joan muses, it’s a sonic journey that simultaneously leans into and lets go of the excessive and overstimulating. Overstimulated takes listeners into a space where contemporary jazz and soul meet electronic instrumental, offering a compelling blend of modern songwriting and developed storytelling.

For more information on Miranda Joan, order your copy of Overstimulated, or to check out her upcoming tour dates, visit her official website.