Discovering Strength Through Sound: JotheBadd’s Path to Healing and Empowerment
In the dynamic world of underground music, JotheBadd stands out for her raw, unfiltered exploration of mental health through her art. Growing up in Coatesville, PA, Jo discovered the power of music as a teenager grappling with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Now, she is dedicated to creating a sound that promotes emotional release, humility, and the therapeutic power of art. In an exclusive interview with XXL MAG, Jo opens up about her journey, inspirations, and the impact she hopes to make through her music.
XXL MAG: Your music is deeply rooted in your personal experiences with borderline personality disorder (BPD). How has this journey shaped your sound and lyrical content?
JotheBadd: In my music, my mental health is personified as a being I cannot control. The inspiration for my personal sound is to convey emotions such as hopelessness, manic, pain, but also to show joy, peace, and care for the people who love me and for myself to try to love me as well. As for the lyrical content, I also have an eating disorder, and in my music, I am usually sending a message towards someone or telling a story through metaphors. That “person” I’m referring to is my eating disorder and BPD personified. A lot of my lyrics describe the battles I fought with both and how they affected me.
XXL MAG: Growing up in Coatesville, PA, how did your environment influence your musical journey and your approach to mental health advocacy?
JotheBadd: Coatesville is known for its athletes, but it is also full of all different kinds of artists and cultures, which introduced me to a variety of music. However, it was actually my family that inspired me to incorporate my own struggles with my music, most of them struggle with mental health as well.
XXL MAG: Your lyrics in “We Gonna Be Alright” emphasize the importance of not wasting time. How do you maintain this mindset in your daily life and creative process?
JotheBadd: In my mind, time is a concept, but that does not mean I should waste it. Throughout my whole life, I had always felt I was falling behind and not doing enough for my future, so when I started making more music it improved my motivation and energy. So I keep that mindset that if I spend more time being productive and building my craft, I can eventually make a real career out of this.
XXL MAG: Your new single “Gorgeous” has just been released. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this track and what message you hope it conveys to your listeners?
JotheBadd: I am never confident with myself. There are only a few times in my life where I actually felt “gorgeous.” However, my self-esteem is not very great, so I thought it would be ironic if I tell myself I’m gorgeous. My fiancé, James Saturn, tells me I am gorgeous all the time and I wanted to make a song to remind me of that. So everyone out there listening, when you hear the track remind yourself you are beautiful and unique in your own way; nobody can tell you otherwise.
XXL MAG: You have two upcoming albums in the works. What themes and messages can fans expect from these new projects?
JotheBadd: Before discovering I had BPD, I have been fighting a battle with both anorexia and bulimia. I was hospitalized for a couple of months and spent an entire year in treatment. So the first album will be about my journey of the highs and lows I experienced during treatment. The second album will focus on the aftermath of choosing recovery and the emotional rollercoaster I have gone through. I hope anyone else recovering can relate to my story and have an outlet for themselves too; there isn’t much music focused on recovery and I want to highlight it.
XXL MAG: Music was a significant outlet for you as a teenager dealing with BPD. Can you share a pivotal moment when you realized music’s therapeutic power in your life?
JotheBadd: I have always loved music and have been singing for as long as I can remember. For me, I have noticed every time I go through manic episodes or panic attacks, music helped me feel somewhat okay and helped me clear my head. The reason I am still alive is because of music.
XXL MAG: Artists like Billie Eilish and Juice WRLD have also used their music to address mental health struggles. How do you see your work contributing to this important conversation?
JotheBadd: I believe that with my lyrics, I can highlight the issues that people don’t usually talk about. As I previously stated, there is not enough music that promotes recovery and shares their story, and I want to be that person for my fanbase. During my teenage years, it was something I needed, so I am sure there are more people out there who need the motivation as well. Everyone talks about being sad, nobody talks about the other side. In reality, it’s about the good and the bad side of mental health, and how balancing the two can seem impossible sometimes. I want to show everyone that sometimes it’s okay to not be okay and to always focus on yourself first if you are struggling.
XXL MAG: Your music blends alternative rock, hip-hop, and pop. How do you navigate and integrate these diverse genres to create your unique sound?
JotheBadd: I’ve always loved the sounds of rock and pop since I grew up mostly on radio music. I first discovered hip-hop and rap when I was in high school. I liked the beats, but I did not like how I sounded when I tried to rap. So at first, I started singing on rap beats, and from there I started experimenting with dark pop sounds and alternative beats as well. I kind of get a feel of how the music is for me, and try to convey that in my lyrics and melodies. I want to create my own sound; there are too many copycat artists. I want to be different by being my authentic self and creating new sounds.
XXL MAG: As a member of the Starlit Purgatory collective, how has this artistic community influenced your growth and creativity?
JotheBadd: Starlit Purgatory is my second family. We are a collective of several musicians, songwriters, producers, and cover artists. Our goal is to have an all-inclusive community of people with similar goals to make new connections and collaborations. We also support each other all the time, which motivates me constantly to keep going because even if I don’t have many fans, I at least have close friends and artists who will support me. You can find us on any platform @starlitpurgatory.
XXL MAG: You draw inspiration from bands like AWOLNATION and twenty one pilots. How have these influences shaped your approach to music and performance?
JotheBadd: One of my dreams as a child was to be a lead singer in a rock band, which is where the inspiration for my track “Little Rockstar” came from. My older brother introduced me to AWOLNATION’s music while I was in middle school, and from then on I have been listening to their music ever since. I would sing along to every song, which greatly improved my vocal range. Their creative approach to soft rock and techno sounds intrigued me and it helped shape my songwriting as well since they use a lot of metaphors. Same with twenty one pilots; they use metaphors for almost every song and it taught me how to illustrate metaphors into my music as well. I also learned from their unique mix of rap and pop sounds that not all songs have to fit into one genre, and from there I started looking outside the box.
XXL MAG: Poetry was your initial creative outlet before transitioning to songwriting. How has your background in poetry influenced your songwriting style and lyrical depth?
JotheBadd: I first started writing poetry in sixth grade. I started going to a poetry club and learned about different styles of writing. Then in seventh grade, I decided to turn a poem into a song, and ever since then I discovered that was how I was going to write my music. It also helped improve my vocabulary as well as I continued to practice writing. Every song I write is a poem, and a few are connected with each other.
XXL MAG: Your mission is to create a safe space for listeners to express their deepest emotions. How do you achieve this in your music and live performances?
JotheBadd: In my music, I want the listener to be able to dissociate into the song and find their own message in it. I have my own personal message for my lyrics, however, if someone finds a different message in it that’s okay too! During the few live performances I have done, I always try to interact with the audience as much as possible, and I use my facial expressions and stage presence to convey the emotions I feel throughout the songs. Recently I have been practicing dancing and I hope to be able to incorporate it in future performances to further express the art.
XXL MAG: What has been the most rewarding feedback you’ve received from fans who connect with your music on a personal level?
JotheBadd: Many people who give me feedback love how I put a lot of work into my videos and songwriting. I would say the best feedback was from a close friend who had been struggling with similar problems as me, and she said my music helped her know she was not alone.
XXL MAG: Mental health advocacy is at the core of your mission. What other initiatives or projects are you involved in to further this cause?
JotheBadd: I would like to start promoting local mental health organizations as I grow a following, and one day I want to make my own project
A Lasting Impact: JotheBadd’s Mission to Inspire and Advocate for Mental Health Awareness
In summary, JotheBadd’s journey as an artist is one marked by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. Her deeply personal experiences with borderline personality disorder and eating disorders have profoundly shaped her sound and lyrical content, transforming her music into a powerful medium for emotional expression and healing. Growing up in Coatesville, PA, amidst a rich tapestry of cultures and artistic influences, Jo found inspiration not only in her environment but also within her family, who have faced similar mental health struggles. This unique background has fueled her mission to create music that not only resonates with listeners but also provides solace and understanding for those facing their own battles.
Jo’s latest single, “Gorgeous,” is a testament to her ability to blend vulnerability with empowerment, drawing from personal insecurities and turning them into an anthem of self-acceptance and confidence. Her upcoming albums promise to delve even deeper into her journey, exploring themes of recovery and the ongoing fight for mental health stability. By sharing her story through her music, Jo aims to offer an outlet for those in similar situations, creating a safe space for listeners to find their own paths to healing.
Her influences, ranging from the raw introspection of Billie Eilish to the genre-blending sounds of twenty one pilots and AWOLNATION, have helped Jo carve out a unique niche in the music industry. Her background in poetry has further enriched her songwriting, allowing her to craft lyrics that are both poignant and relatable. As a member of the Starlit Purgatory collective, Jo benefits from a supportive artistic community that encourages collaboration and growth, bolstering her creative journey.
JotheBadd’s live performances and social media presence are extensions of her advocacy work, aiming to foster a sense of community and connection among her fans. She strives to balance addressing serious mental health themes with creating music that is enjoyable and accessible, ensuring that her message reaches a wide audience without losing its impact. Her dedication to promoting mental health awareness extends beyond her music, as she plans to support local organizations and eventually establish her own initiatives to provide safe, reliable resources for those in need.
As Jo continues to evolve as an artist, her ultimate goal remains clear: to inspire others through her music, advocating for mental health awareness and creating a supportive, understanding community. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the healing potential of music and the importance of addressing mental health openly and honestly. With her talent, vulnerability, and dedication, JotheBadd is poised to make a lasting impact on both the music industry and the broader conversation around mental health. As she carves out her path, Jo’s message to her listeners and the industry as a whole is one of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of authenticity. Stay Badd.
