Artist Spotlight: J0 🎤 🎹
Despite being native to Malaysia, Joanna Woon—known professionally as J0—has always found home to be wherever her heart led, and her heart has always been guided by music.
At just 6 years old, J0 unknowingly embarked on a lifelong journey with the piano, even though her feet could barely reach the pedals. She studied classical piano and music theory under the ABRSM syllabus from the Royal School of Music in London, eventually earning her diploma in music by the age of 17. Shortly after, she was awarded a scholarship to study music in Kansas, USA, marking the first of many cross-continental journeys that deepened her love for American culture. The warm and friendly nature of the Midwest resonated with J0, and she used music as a way to connect with people from all walks of life. Although her classical musician days came to an end after college, her musical exploration was just beginning.
With a bachelor’s degree in hand, J0 found a new home at sea as a traveling musician aboard Carnival Cruise Ships. She spent more than a decade performing with various rock bands as a keyboardist and background vocalist, collaborating with musicians from around the world. These experiences shaped her identity as an artist, and she eventually spent her final two years at sea as a piano bar entertainer. By the end of her career at sea, J0 had amassed a repertoire of over 1,500 songs.
When the world slowed down during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, J0 pivoted to becoming a looping musician, fostering a vibrant community of music lovers on the live streaming platform Twitch. Though she occasionally still streams live music, she now focuses on writing lofi music from home. Joanna has released two EPs, available on all major streaming platforms, and continues to work on new projects.
In 2024, J0 is sharing her talents with the Puerto Vallarta community, performing at various venues including Casita & Garden, Garbo’s Piano Bar, and Casa Karma.
