We at Cloud Records create music because we are inspired, and we want to inspire you. Brace yourself for a captivating, mind altering conversation with some of the most talented artists, music producers, arrangers, and music critics alike.
Come along with me to a soulful, beautiful, and enjoyable music experience. You will not want to miss an episode. This is a new podcast for music lovers, and critics who believe that words matter, and that the lyrics of a song can uplift, inspire, and transform us, and the world around us. Cloud Records Music is about the music we love, and why we love them.
Maurine Celebrates Two Years of Cloud Records Music Podcast!
Maurine McFarlane marks two years and the close of Season Four of Cloud Record Music Podcast with a look back at the conversations, artists, and moments that made it all worthwhile.
To celebrate two years and the close of Season Four, host Maurine McFarlane revisits some of her favorite moments from past guests — composer Ava Covington on capturing melody ideas before they disappear, producer Austin Woodlin on gospel music’s evolution from choir to contemporary, anti-bullying advocate Neskens Dorcelus Jr. on why exposure is a bully’s worst enemy, Joy Jackson and Blake Melvin on how maturity transforms writing from catchy hooks to lasting stories, opera-trained vocalist Val Gay on the faith and timing that brought her collaboration with tenor Garrick together, and photographer and stage designer Devon Taylor on building a craft that makes artists look and feel their best. Maurine closes with heartfelt thanks and a call for listeners to keep supporting everything Cloud Record is building.
Connect with Maurine McFarlane & Cloud Music Records LLC
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurine-mcfarlane-2a5836161Cloud Records LLC Website: https://cloudrecordllc.com Cloud Records LLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudrecordsllc2020 Cloud Records LLC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cloudrecordllc Cloud Records LLC Fanbase: https://www.fanbase.app/@cloudrecordsllc1
Music Platforms to Cloud Records LLC Music:
I Am Strong (EP) by Capathia Jenkins – https://capathiajenkins.hearnow.com/i-am-strong-2
Jesus Christ is Lord by Carmella Green – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord
Jesus Christ is Lord (Instrumental) by Carmella Green – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord-instrumental
Jesus Christ is Lord (Radio Edit) by Carmella Green – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord-radio-edit
There is A Time (EP) by Garrick V. Morgan & Valerie V. Gay – https://garrickvmorgan.hearnow.com
LIFTED (EP) by Joy Jackson
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/blakemelvinandjoyjackson/the-calm-before-the-storm
The Calm Before the Storm by Blake Melvin & Joy Jackson
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/joyjackson/lifted
Fighting for My Destiny (Prayer Meditation Music) by Maurine McFarlane & Jennifer Thomas – https://maurinemcfarlane.hearnow.com/fighting-for-my-destiny-prayer-meditation-music-3
Luchando por Mi Destino Música para la Oración de Meditación ) by Maurine McFarlane & Maria Antonella Moreno Maldonado – https://maurinemcfarlane.hearnow.com/fighting-for-my-destiny-prayer-meditation-music
30 Dec 2025
S4EP9: Blake Melvin & Joy Jackson on Truth, Transformation, and "Calm Before the Storm"
Blake Melvin, songwriter and spoken word artist, and Joy Jackson, gospel vocalist and R&B performer, share how lived experiences, authentic emotion, and divine timing shaped their powerful collaboration "The Calm Before the Storm"—a song about finding love amid chaos.
In this episode of Cloud Record Music Podcast, Maurine McFarlane sits down with songwriter Blake Melvin and vocalist Joy Jackson to explore truth, growth, and the power of authentic storytelling in music. Blake shares his journey from technical rapper to storyteller, explaining how real relationships and core memories fuel his writing. Joy reveals how she channeled her wedding day emotions into "Calm Before the Storm" and discusses overcoming twenty years of fear to step into the spotlight. They dive into the difference between hits and classics, how theater training shapes their artistry, and why all music is a gift from God regardless of genre. Blake opens up about his intentional evolution toward heart-centered songwriting, while Joy discusses balancing her gospel roots with R&B expression and her upcoming gospel album. It's an inspiring conversation about artistic maturity, divine connections, and creating music that meets people exactly where they are.
In this episode, you will learn the following:
Blake's songwriting evolved from technical skill to emotional storytelling rooted in lived experience.
"Calm Before the Storm" captures finding your person amid life's chaos—creating paradise together.
The difference between hits and classics lies in emotional depth and authentic connection.
Joy overcame fear of judgment by drawing inspiration from Blake's vulnerability and openness.
Both artists believe music transcends genre when rooted in truth and genuine emotion.
Divine timing and intentional focus create powerful collaborations that reach the right audience.
Maturity in writing comes from lived experience—turning catchy hooks into resonant experiences.
Music Platforms to Blake Melvin & Joy Jackson
Instagram (Blake Melvin): https://www.instagram.com/reallyblakesshow/
EVEN: https://www.even.biz/artists/blake-melvin
YouTube (Black Melvin): https://www.youtube.com/@TheBlakeMelvinshow
YouTube (Joy Jackson): https://www.youtube.com/@JoyJackson1126
Calm Before the Storm by Joy Jackson & Blake Melvin:
Lifted by Joy Jackson: https://youtu.be/JGk1B6chwBE?si=mDtxIpyKxTH-YfqE
Drop Top (Hood Beyonce) https://youtu.be/gmVRN5lKRAI?si=QgG2P5nn5vEAHLo5
Forever - https://youtu.be/wqXZer3zQvA?si=8lmaMzxtBTLXIzNY
Westbound - https://youtu.be/aSDjatO8lOs?si=K6ofSL6IgK-pKddD
Master’s Dollhouse - https://youtu.be/qwZqk3V1QZQ?si=mMMT_rJLOcJwDGbn
APB (Freestyle) - https://youtu.be/5fscQFf--jo?si=gF6od2xWSK_jmPEW
Oak Hill Towers - https://youtu.be/rqzRiydLmS0?si=OURaviKOg-tLjPpH
Connect with Maurine McFarlane & Cloud Music Records LLC
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurine-mcfarlane-2a5836161Cloud Records LLC Website: https://cloudrecordllc.com Cloud Records LLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudrecordsllc2020 Cloud Records LLC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cloudrecordllc Cloud Records LLC Fanbase: https://www.fanbase.app/@cloudrecordsllc1
Music Platforms to Cloud Records LLC Music:
I Am Strong (EP) by Capathia Jenkins – https://capathiajenkins.hearnow.com/i-am-strong-2
Jesus Christ is Lord by Carmella Green – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord
Jesus Christ is Lord (Instrumental) by Carmella Green – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord-instrumental
Jesus Christ is Lord (Radio Edit) by Carmella Green – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord-radio-edit
There is A Time (EP) by Garrick V. Morgan & Valerie V. Gay – https://garrickvmorgan.hearnow.com
Fighting for My Destiny (Prayer Meditation Music) by Maurine McFarlane & Jennifer Thomas – https://maurinemcfarlane.hearnow.com/fighting-for-my-destiny-prayer-meditation-music-3
Luchando por M
16 Dec 2025
S4EP8: Ibere: Joan Eno Otitoyomi on Dancing Through Fear and Taking the First Step
Joan Eno Otitoyomi, Nigerian performing artist and creative educator, shares how her cultural heritage, passion for contemporary dance, and commitment to authentic storytelling fuel her transformative work including her productions Ibere and Kintsugi.
Show notes:
In this episode of Cloud Record Music Podcast, Maurine McFarlane sits down with Nigerian performing artist Joan Eno Otitoyomi to explore culture, storytelling, and transformation through dance and theater. Joan shares how her heritage fuels her creative work, from her production Ibere—meaning “the beginning,” encouraging people to take bold steps despite fear—to Kintsugi, a piece about repairing mindsets and challenging societal norms. They discuss her experience representing Nigeria at the Holland Festival in Amsterdam, her journey from self-doubt to creative confidence, and her role as a performing arts instructor empowering young people. Joan opens up about using art to address national issues and her vision for connecting with global audiences while staying rooted in authenticity. It’s an inspiring conversation about embracing new beginnings, staying real in your storytelling, and using the arts to spark dialogue and drive meaningful change.
In this episode, you will learn the following:
Joan’s work celebrates Nigerian culture while addressing real societal challenges through dance and theater.
Ibere means “the beginning”—a call to push past fear and take bold steps toward something new.
She blends African contemporary dance with storytelling to explore identity, healing, and resilience.
Authenticity is her foundation—real stories create deeper connections and inspire change.
Her vision is to use art to spark national dialogue and empower the next generation.
Music Platforms to Joan Eno
Instagram (@dancebug08): https://www.instagram.com/dancebug08
Instagram (@officialjecs): https://www.instagram.com/officialjecs
Connect with Maurine McFarlane & Cloud Music Records LLC
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurine-mcfarlane-2a5836161Cloud Records LLC Website: https://cloudrecordllc.com Cloud Records LLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudrecordsllc2020 Cloud Records LLC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cloudrecordllc Cloud Records LLC Fanbase: https://www.fanbase.app/@cloudrecordsllc1
Music Platforms to Cloud Records LLC Music:
I Am Strong (EP) by Capathia Jenkins – https://capathiajenkins.hearnow.com/i-am-strong-2
Jesus Christ is Lord by Carmella Green – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord
Jesus Christ is Lord (Instrumental) by Carmella Green – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord-instrumental
Jesus Christ is Lord (Radio Edit) by Carmella Green – https://carmellagreen.hearnow.com/jesus-christ-is-lord-radio-edit
There is A Time (EP) by Garrick V. Morgan & Valerie V. Gay – https://garrickvmorgan.hearnow.com
Fighting for My Destiny (Prayer Meditation Music) by Maurine McFarlane & Jennifer Thomas – https://maurinemcfarlane.hearnow.com/fighting-for-my-destiny-prayer-meditation-music-3
Luchando por Mi Destino Música para la Oración de Meditación ) by Maurine McFarlane & Maria Antonella Moreno Maldonado – https://maurinemcfarlane.hearnow.com/fighting-for-my-destiny-prayer-meditation-music
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