Moosic Entertainment: Do you have a story behind your artist name?
Joanie Lynch: Yes. I saw a special on PBS about the highly endangered American Ocelot. It was very moving. One of my core values is nature and conservation and, of course, music is my passion, so it seemed like a good fit. Some of the proceeds from our EP sales will eventually be donated to the Cincinnati Zoo, who are partnering with scientists in Texas to help strengthen the gene pool. Between the private ranches and the border wall, this species has not been able to easily cross breed with their Mexican cousins. They believe less than 200 remain.
Also, everyone in our band owns one or more cats and we feel connected by the name. Picking a band name can be very challenging, but we feel like our name fits our personality as a group.
Tell us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
I learned to read music and text at the same time at age 4. My mother is a professionally trained musician who studied at a conservatory with a composer, so I was surrounded by music and different instruments at a young age. She could play almost any instrument. We had a piano, an accordion and a flute in the house, so I was curious. I started playing piano at 4, flute at 9, I had my first chorus solo at 12 and dabbled in guitar at 14.
I find that my music is a product of a great consumption of ‘70s and ‘80s music and I think it subconsciously is added in the final mix. In high school and college I was in a variety of musical groups: marching band (flute), orchestra, pops group, jazz band, chorus, madrigals-anything they offered. Being near NYC had a great influence on me also. In my 20s I think me and my roommates were listening to live music or checking out events and parties in the Village every weekend. We were also regulars at Maxwells in Hoboken which always had an eclectic mix moving through.
When I relocated to Boston, I started writing for a variety of local and regional music magazines as a writer, photographer or contributing editor so I had the opportunity to literally listen to hundreds of up and coming local and regional artists of all genres. This really got me more excited about music and I grew an appreciation for a wide range of genres. In 1998, I started putting together some bands. I think I’ve been composing since I was about ten and I have volumes of poems and stories that I continue to work on to breathe some music into them.
Art is really a continuous process and I truly believe that art in our time whether it is photography, visual, or musical is a sum and a reflection of our environment. Every person that you meet, every musician that you work with, every experience that you perceive shapes you as an artist.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
American Ocelot is an indie rock band chock-full of pop, hooks, and quirky lyrics that will have you singing along in no time.
What drew you to the genre/instruments that you’re playing now?
I don’t consider my music a genre per se. I considered each song to be a standalone work with its own theme, melodies and tapestry. I’m not so drawn to an instrument, but I try to figure out what each song requires as it starts to come together. I play rhythm guitar on a song if it needs some music behind a scorching solo. I write most of my songs on the piano, but sometimes I start with a bass riff or a guitar hook that I feel strongly about. Sometimes a song starts out acapella from a rhythmic, lyric poem. I try not to limit my songwriting to any kind of formula.
What inspires you to write music?
Music is part of me. I sing funny songs to my cat and husband literally every day. I think music just comes out of me, randomly sometimes, but I am often inspired by nature, items that I read (poetry, articles, novels, biographies), and other musicians. I really just love doing it.
Would you tell us about your current project, album/EP or song that you’re promoting?
Our self-titled EP which is being released on June 28 is a collection of original music – four songs written by me and one written by Kevin James. It’s my first release with this band on the recording, so, it’s an American Ocelot arrangement which is so thrilling for me. I am filled with so much gratitude toward my band family. I think people will enjoy listening to our original music.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music?
Well, the listening experience is different for individuals. I want people to listen to the songs and feel like they want to listen to it again. I hope that it can transport people to a place where they can enjoy the experience of escaping the hard things inside the sonic journey. I know that when I’m having a hard time, music can change my mood and fill me up. People can’t run on empty all of the time. If music is their way to recharge, I hope they can get enjoyment from what we have to offer.
Who are your top three artists right now?
It’s hard to narrow things down. I am always listening to different genres constantly: punk, garage, alternative, local, regional, indie, eclectic, etc. My top three alternative artists right now are Cage the Elephant (“Neon Pill” is so catchy), Paramore (boundless energy), St. Vincent (everything always sounds so fresh). I don’t prefer Spotify, but I have my lists of favorite Boston artists there.
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
We are on all of the socials:
Facebook – American Ocelot Music
Instagram – @americanocelotmusic
YouTube Channel – American Ocelot (live performances)
And we are on all of the streaming platforms: Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanocelotmusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088553567093
Bandcamp: https://americanocelot.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5PwsTyJeYYQJv6Sk3GyzhJ?si=jIvkgkgMT9GpEyg8hBsltQ
What’s next for you?
We are working on a new single that will be released in December of 2024. It may also have an accompanying music video.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
DIY is hard, but we do it because we love the songs. All of us have been in other bands throughout the years, but this band family is so special and we hope to put out many new releases in 2025.
Bio:
American Ocelot is a Boston-based band with the following members:
Joanie Lynch (Vox, keys, rhythm guitar), Sara Billingsley (Vox, percussion), Kevin James (lead guitar), Charlie Sullivan (bass guitar). If you like rock full of hooks then this is the music for you!
