TAKING THE STAGE

You’ve been in the public eye since the day you were born. Looking back, what was it like growing up that way?
It’s funny because it’s all I’ve ever known. For me, it felt normal. I was fortunate because I grew up primarily on Long Island, which is such a grounding environment. People knew who my parents were, of course, but my childhood wasn’t about red carpets or Hollywood. It was about being on boats, spending time in nature, going to Shelter Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and East Hampton. When I was very young, the paparazzi could be intimidating. I didn’t understand why people were taking photos or shouting things at my parents. But my mother and father always worked hard to give me as normal a life as possible. Looking back, that grounding shaped who I am today.
Was that intentional on the part of your parents [Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel]?
Absolutely. My parents were incredibly down-to-earth, despite their fame. We weren’t living some glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. We were eating fish and chips, singing songs on the boat, and spending time outdoors. At one point my mother moved us briefly to Manhattan, and while I appreciated the experience, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the social pressures. After just a year, she moved us back Out East. Looking back, I’m grateful. Growing up in the Hamptons gave me a sense of normalcy and perspective that I don’t think I would have had otherwise.
Your parents’ friendship after their divorce remains remarkably strong. What has that meant to you?
It means everything. There’s still a tremendous amount of love and respect between them. They shared such an important chapter of life together, and they’ve always prioritized maintaining a friendship. One of my favorite memories was singing at Madison Square Garden and having both of them there. My mother did my hair and makeup that night, my father was performing, and afterward we took photos together backstage. Those moments are incredibly meaningful because, even as an adult, there’s something comforting about having your parents together. As a child of divorce, you never stop valuing those moments.
What did you learn about your father while watching the recent HBO documentary about his life?
So much. Even though I’m his daughter, there were aspects of his family history that I didn’t fully understand until watching it. Learning more about my grandfather’s experience, our family’s history in Europe, and the struggles that shaped my father gave me a much deeper appreciation for both the man and the music. It also helped me understand songs like “Vienna” in an entirely different way. The documentary added so much context and emotional depth that even I hadn’t fully appreciated before. I understood my dad differently afterward.
What’s the most important lesson your dad has taught you outside of music?
He always says, “Do what you love and you’ll love what you do.” But beyond that, he’s taught me that life requires courage. He often says life is a fight—you have to fight for yourself, your voice, and what you believe in. When I was younger, I was very much a people pleaser. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned the importance of standing firm in who I am and advocating for myself. That lesson absolutely came from my dad.

Is there a side of Billy Joel that the public rarely gets to see?
He’s a total homebody. He’s also a huge movie buff. Some of my favorite memories are sitting around watching films with him. He loves The Godfather, Scent of a Woman, A League of Their Own—he knows every great movie. He’s also incredibly thoughtful and reflective. He’s comfortable with silence in a way most people aren’t. And he’s wonderfully old-fashioned.
Is he a texter?
No, no, no. He’s very old school. Honestly, I kind of like that he doesn’t text. Right now my life is full of messages, social media, and constant communication. Dad prefers phone calls, e-mails, or seeing people in person. He’ll even ask me, “What’s Instagram?” And honestly, good for him.
You’ve talked about becoming more fearless as an artist. How has that evolution shown up in your music?
Completely. I’m less interested in perfection. When I was younger, I felt like I was constantly seeking validation. I knew I had something to say, but I wasn’t always confident enough to trust my instincts. Now, I’m much more comfortable leading the creative process. With this new EP, Phoenix, I was very specific about how I wanted the songs to sound. I wanted to hear imperfections in my voice. I wanted authenticity over perfection. I’ve learned that no one can protect your artistic vision except you. That’s a lesson that took time.
How do you define success today compared to when you first started?
When I was younger, I don’t think I really knew what success looked like for me. There were so many voices around me offering opinions. Now it’s much simpler. I want to create music that feels honest. I want to be known as a singer-songwriter in my own right. I want to stay true to my voice and continue growing as an artist. That’s success.
You sang alongside your father during the final year of his Madison Square Garden residency. Was there a moment that felt especially emotional?
Oh, my God. I didn’t realize the last was really the last. Dad had talked before about slowing down or stopping, but then he’d keep going. So I genuinely thought there would always be another show. Had I known those final performances were truly the end, I would’ve gone to every single one. I took it for granted. Being on that stage with him was surreal because I’ve always been more comfortable in intimate venues like Café Carlyle. Madison Square Garden is enormous, but Dad always made me feel safe. He’d look at me and say, “You got it, kid.” Or during a song he’d say, “Sing it, girl.” He trusts me more than I sometimes trust myself. That means more than anything.

You recently released the song and video for “Riverside Way,” which feels darker and edgier than some of your previous work. What inspired that shift?
I wanted to challenge myself. I’ve always loved ballads, but I wanted to start this EP with something bold and unexpected. “Riverside Way” came together organically. I heard the hook one night and immediately knew it needed a heavier, more rock-driven energy. I also wanted people to see another side of me. Women are multidimensional. We don’t have to fit neatly into one category. I can write emotional ballads, but I can also explore something darker, fierier, and more adventurous. That’s part of artistic growth.
What experience has shaped you more than any headline ever could?
Honestly, my parents’ divorce. It was difficult at the time, but it taught me resilience. It shaped my perspective, my music, and even my appreciation for nostalgia. A lot of the themes that appear in my work—longing, memory, reflection—probably stem from that experience more than I realized at the time. Our childhood experiences stay with us. They become part of our creative DNA.
You’re engaged. Is wedding planning underway?
ARJ: Slowly! I’ve been incredibly focused on music this year. Between the EP releases and upcoming performances, that’s where most of my energy has gone. Hopefully next year I’ll have more time to focus on wedding planning. For now, though, music is calling my name.
Maybe your wedding would get your dad back onstage!
Well, there’s that too. I’m sure he’s probably wondering when he’s going to walk me down the aisle.
Does he ask you about it?
He asks playfully. My dad is probably the least pushy person I’ve ever met. He’s incredibly laid-back. He always says, “Your time, your pace.” He’s never pressured me about anything. He’s just always trusted that I’ll know what’s right for me.
And your mother?
My mom is wonderful and so supportive. I think she’d probably love a grandchild someday, but that’s a whole other conversation. [Laughs] I’m focused on the EP, the performances, and following where that creative energy is taking me. Everything else will happen when the time is right.

The Hamptons has always been home for you. What does it represent in your life today?
Everything. The Hamptons isn’t just a summer destination to me—it’s home. It’s where I grew up, where my memories live, and where I feel most grounded. I love Sag Harbor. I love being near the water and watching the boats. I love places like the American Hotel, Nick & Toni’s, Sunset Beach, and simply walking around town. There’s something about the light out here; it’s unlike anywhere else. And beyond the beauty, there’s a real sense of community. That’s what keeps me connected to it.
What dream still feels important to accomplish?
Disney. I would absolutely love to voice a Disney princess. I grew up obsessed with those films—Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella. I know all the songs by heart. I’d also love to explore theater and Broadway someday. Performing has always been my first love, and those worlds feel incredibly exciting to me. I think the best part is that there are still dreams left to chase.