Joan as Police Woman

Introduction:

Joan Wasser (born July 26, 1970), known professionally as Joan as Police Woman, is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Renowned for her genre-defying sound that blends rock, soul, and experimental elements, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her emotionally charged performances and thought-provoking songwriting. In addition to her solo work, Wasser has collaborated with legendary artists such as Lou Reed, Rufus Wainwright, Antony and the Johnsons, and Sheryl Crow, solidifying her reputation as one of the most versatile musicians of her generation.

Early Life and Background:

Joan Wasser was born in Biddeford, Maine, and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut. From an early age, she demonstrated a strong affinity for music, taking piano and violin lessons as a child. Wasser attended Boston University, where she studied with esteemed violinist Yuri Mazurkevich and honed her craft. While in Boston, she became immersed in the local music scene, performing with various bands, including Mary Timony, the Lotus Eaters, and the Dambuilders.

Music Career:

Wasser’s professional career began to flourish in the 1990s. After the tragic death of her boyfriend, Jeff Buckley, in 1997, she channelled her grief into creative projects, collaborating with Those Bastard Souls and forming Black Beetle with members of Buckley’s band. Although Black Beetle recorded an album, it was never commercially released.

In 1999, Wasser joined Antony and the Johnsons, contributing to their critically acclaimed album I Am a Bird Now, which won the Mercury Prize in 2005. This collaboration further elevated her profile, paving the way for her solo project, Joan as Police Woman.

Joan as Police Woman debuted with a self-titled EP in 2004, followed by the 2006 release of her first full-length album, Real Life. The album received widespread acclaim for its raw emotion and innovative sound. Subsequent albums, including To Survive (2008) and Cover(2009), solidified her reputation as a bold and versatile artist.

In 2011, she released The Deep Field, an album celebrated for its soulful and expansive soundscapes. Over the next decade, Joan as Police Woman continued to produce critically acclaimed work, including The Classic (2014), Let It Be You (2016, a collaboration with Benjamin Lazar Davis), and Damned Devotion (2018), which was hailed for its introspective lyricism and intricate arrangements.

Wasser’s collaborative spirit has been a defining feature of her career. She has worked with an array of influential artists, including Lou Reed, David Sylvian, Meshell Ndegeocello, and the Scissor Sisters. Her ability to adapt to diverse musical styles has made her a sought-after collaborator in the industry.

Personal Life:

Wasser has been candid about the impact of personal loss and life experiences on her artistry. The untimely death of Jeff Buckley was a pivotal moment that shaped her musical journey, inspiring her to embrace vulnerability and emotional honesty in her work. Wasser has also spoken openly about the challenges of navigating the music industry as an independent artist, often drawing from these experiences in her songwriting.

Legacy and Influence:

Joan Wasser’s work as Joan as Police Woman has been celebrated for its innovation, emotional depth, and fearless exploration of genre boundaries. Her contributions to both her solo projects and collaborations have left an indelible mark on contemporary music. Critics have praised her for redefining the singer-songwriter archetype, blending elements of soul, rock, and experimental music into a style uniquely her own.

Her influence extends beyond her music; as an advocate for creative independence and authenticity, Wasser has inspired countless emerging artists to pursue their artistic vision.

Recent Activities:

In recent years, Joan as Police Woman has remained highly active, releasing Joanthology in 2019, a career-spanning compilation that highlighted her most beloved tracks alongside new material. That same year, she collaborated with Tony Allen and Dave Okumu on the album The Solution Is Restless, an experimental project that showcased her continued commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

In 2023, she embarked on an international tour, captivating audiences with her powerful live performances. Wasser continues to release new music, including singles and collaborations, further cementing her status as a dynamic and evolving artist.