Exclusive Interview with Joe Syntax
Prodigious new talent and recent Med School signing, Joe Syntax is a London based Electronic music DJ and producer. Originally from Norwich and now residing in South London, Joe has carved out a niche for himself, focusing on D+B and electronica with a distinctive sound and discernible dancefloor edge. He started producing in 2007 and has since gone on to release on a number of labels including Hospital, Med School, Spearhead, Phunkfiction and Allsorts. As a DJ, Joe's sets have graced venues and events such as Brixton Academy, Global Gathering and Fabric and he now has a DJ schedule which is taking him around the world.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Joe Syntax, shortly before his performance at Grease on 7th June.
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music – and particularly Drum&Bass - in the first place?
My interest and fascination with dance music began quite early on through the influence of my Dads musical taste. He introduced me to acts like Leftfield, Propellerheads, Massive Attack and his friend introduced me to the Ninja Tune record label with a Cold Cut mix tape he gave me. I began to explore dance music on my own with acts like The Prodigy and Chemical Brothers becoming a favorite of mine when I was 12 years old.
Drum and bass came quite a bit later on, when I was 15 I bought Amon Tobin’s ‘Permutation’ album, which featured quite a bit of amen breaks. At this time I was mainly into DJing techno but I still likes the faster beats of jungle and drum and bass. Some friends of mine had a jungle mix tape with Shy Fx ‘Original Nutter’ on it and this developed into playing vinyl’s of Mampi Swift, Ed Rush & Optical and Bad Company, their album ‘Guns at Dawn’ was a big favorite when I was 16.
You learned how to mix in your bedroom. When did you start to DJ and what motivated you to start? What equipment did you use and how did you get it?
I started DJing aged 15. It was simply my passion for music that motivated me to get my first pair of decks. My first set up was a pair of belt driven bought for my 15th birthday. They were Shereward turntables and a really basic Numark mixer. Looking back it was actually really hard to mix properly on that set up but it was enough for me to know I enjoyed playing records. Soon after I upgraded to good pair Vestax PDX 2000’s and a Behringer Mixer, which I learned to mix and beatmatch properly on.
KMag voted you one of the “Top 10 D+B Producers To Watch 2011” and wrote “If you like audio experimentation, fresh ideas and the blending of drum & bass with techno, Joe Syntax could well be this year’s top pick”. How would you describe your music in just a few words?
I think my music while it varies in tempo, always contains some kind of influence from house, techno or more experimental electronica. I like to keep things changing and progressive throughout a track.
Your track "Expectra" enjoyed iTunes Dance Album Top 10 success. What other tracks would you recommend to those that are not yet familiar with your music?
I would recommend listening to my release on Allsorts which includes my tracks ‘Fire Engine’ & ‘Slingshot’. I would also recommend my 2 releases on Med School, the ‘Signal Drop’ EP and ‘ Modus Bass Fun’ EP from last year.
Your latest release is the track “Bassline Sinker” which was released in January. What are you currently working on? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
I’m currently working on my next single that will probably be released later in the year. There are no details yet but I’m busy on studio.
What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
Essential things are my phone, headphones, toothbrush and deodorant and things I miss are my bed and my studio!
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
My worst gig was probably in Birmingham, UK where the mixer and monitor didn’t work; when the equipment doesn’t work I can’t enjoy playing. The best was probably either Global Gathering festival in front of thousands of people or one of the Med School nights at Fabric in London, which always go off.
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Probably in Poland where someone in the crowed who was way too drunk was sick all over one of the CDJs. luckily they had a spare one so didn’t have to touch it!
On 7th June you will perform live here in Bangkok at Grease. Will it be your Bangkok debut or have you played in Bangkok before?
This will be my first time playing in Bangkok and I’m really excited!
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?
I love trying local foods and I especially love Thai food so am really looking forward to it. I don’t eat seafood but apart from that ill try most things.
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Grease on 7th June?
My sets are quite varied but enough to keep the crowed interested and dancing. I like playing a mixer of Half time at around 85 bpm and faster drum and bass. I’ll also be playing some of my new material.