iSound

At first sight, people automatically think reggae music, but the fusion of classic funk and soulful folk unite to create the soothing sounds of Bella Sun. Since March of 2000, the husband-wife duo has been filling coffee shops and bars with thought provoking lyrics and funky acoustic guitar licks.

Mike and Val Joyner were both born and raised in Jackson, TN, but the musical influences that led them to their own musical paths were different. Singer-songwriter, Valerie Joyner’s earliest memory of singing was riding down the road in her father’s old dump truck, and bellowing along to “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. After she talked her grandfather out of his old acoustic guitar, she learned a few chords and started writing her own songs. Her voice has been compared to Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, and Mavis Staples. Her lyrics powerfully embrace spirituality and inspire social consciousness.

Guitarist, Michael Joyner has been playing guitar since his ea...