Singer and actor Joely Engelbert recently unveiled her emotionally haunting single/video, “Until She Smiles,” a song written by her sister Zoey. The song is from the feature film, What Tomorrow Brings, written and directed by her father, Matt Engelbert.
What Tomorrow Brings tells the story of Clara, played by Joely, who devotes her energy to protecting her sister and a devastating secret. Clara’s sister Ruby is portrayed in the film by Phoebe Engelbert, who is her real-life sister.
Initially, Joely released music under her nickname Jojo Engelbert, including “Sweet n Sour” and “Not a Real Blond. Taking on her real name reveals her evolution as a singer and actor. In February, Joely was awarded Best Actress Honors at the Santa Fe Film Festival.
Guitar Girl Magazine caught up with Joely Engelbert to talk about “Until She Smiles,” her influences, and her definition of success.
What three things can’t you live without?
Lana Del Rey, Sushi and Lana Del Rey.
What inspired your new single/music video, “Until She Smiles?”
It is actually the final scene of the movie, ‘What Tomorrow Brings.’ I play the role of a high school senior named Clara who is going through a very dark time. The song at the end of the movie is beautiful and cathartic. So, the inspiration for the song was to capture a moment of hope and reflection.
Who directed the video and where was it shot?
The movie was directed by my father, and I recorded the vocals at the same studio where the video was filmed. That studio is called Willis Sound in Michigan.
“Until She Smiles” was featured in the movie What Tomorrow Brings, in which you played the role of Clara. Do you prefer acting over singing, or do you feel they complement one another?
I love both. This role uniquely allowed me to tap into both of my passions. I think they do complement each other. Acting and singing require very similar approaches to finding the meaning and delivery.
Serious question: why do you make music?
It’s what makes me happy.
How did you get started in music?
My older siblings (Ariel, Zoey & Eli) had two nationally syndicated television shows that were music-centric. I have been around music my entire life. I started in theatre and found that not to be my passion.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
Different singers at different times. But for the past few years, there has been no greater influence than Lana.
What is your definition of tone? And is your tone evolving?
I don’t know if my definition is anything different than anyone else’s. As you grow from being a child to an adult, obviously, there are more things you can do with your voice. I love experimenting. ‘Until She Smiles’ is a beautiful song, but not particularly the genre that I want to record. By practicing and listening to many artists and genres, I think it inspires how you want to sound.
What can you share about your creative process?
Again, it is about being curious. Listening to a wide range of vocalists. It is about experimenting and being relentless.
Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?
Really good question because there are so many positives and negatives with each. Some days, the inspiration for writing might not be there. Some days you’re fighting a cold, and your voice and your performance aren’t at the level you want them to be. Of course, there are more days quite the opposite, and those are great days.
What is your definition of success?
Not giving up. Not paying attention to trolls. Following your passions. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to get positive reviews and feedback. But that is short-lived.
What’s next for Joely Engelbert?
Want to continue to find great people to collaborate with on music, and a new movie project is in pre-production. It is a role I am so excited about.
Follow Joely Engelbert Instagram | Spotify
