Hailing from New Barnet, London, Joy Doc is an up and coming Drum and Bass artist with a penchant for writing, producing and singing infectious tunes with relatable narratives. Inspired by internationally acclaimed artists such as Wilkinson, Pola & Bryson and Koven, her debut single ‘Sunshine’ was released by Lady Of The House in early 2023 alongside a VIP mix.
Been Here Before is the second release from Joy Doc this summer, following on from Home which landed in June. Both tracks encapsulate the essence of Joy Doc’s artistic vision – to create music that resonates with people and uplifts their spirits. With heartfelt lyrics and a vibrant, melodic arrangement, this latest release serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration in challenging times, reminding us of the power of music to bring joy and to give us the strength to move forward.
Hi, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today! How has the year been treating you so far?
Heya. Good thanks! I’ve been busy creating lots of music and collaborating. The part where I’m stuck in the creation of a song is the fun part! So I’m enjoying doing what I love right now.
Where do you think the impulse to create music comes from for you?
It’s just part of me, it always has been. It’s part of expressing how I feel and it brings me happiness; that’s why I do it.
There aren’t many electronic producers, certainly in drum and bass, that are singers aswell as producers. Do you have any heroes in terms of how you approach your craft?
This is very true! So it’s quite cool to be part of that. In terms of producer/singer’s in drum and bass, I would say my two inspirations at the moment would have to be Metrik and Elipsa. I love the way Metrik processes his vocals and I also love how Elipsa always has so much to say in her songs!
Can you remember the state of mind you were in when you sat down to create Been Here Before?
I was really frustrated and felt let down by someone to be honest. I had enough and wanted top our my emotions into a song. I felt quite relieved once I had got it off my chest.
We read an interview where you were talking about the importance of the strings increating the emotional atmosphere of the record… do you find it easy to tap into yourown emotions when you sit down to write music?
I usually find it easier to tap into my emotions once I have some sort of musical idea going, such as chords or synth melody. Once I have some basic musical elements, the music speaks to me and it’s so easy to pour out my emotions after that. For example if I have a really big, distorted synth line, I’m going to make the lyrical content match that in some way.
Tell us about your current studio set up – any particular bits of go-to kit you find yourself returning to?
Most of my writing, recording and producing happens at home in my bedroom! Sometimes I go to Pirate studios and record there for a change of scene or if I’m collaborating with others. My go to microphone is the Aston Spirit condenser mic and my favourite synth that I use in LogicPro X is Serum!
Which artists are currently exciting or inspiring you?
It’s inspirational how quickly Georgie Riot has been rising to the top. Her story reminds me not to give up. Also, Bou’s work flow is insane. He’ll put on Instagram something like “Here’s 9 unreleased Bou songs. What’s your favourite?” And i’m thinking, NINE? It’s crazy how quickly he moves.
What should we expect from you for the rest of 2023?
More releases and collaborations for sure. I’m also working on a live set up so I can play my songs out live. I think a lot of people go from being a DJ to a producer but I’m approaching it the other way round, so I’m just getting stuck into learning how to DJ at the moment so I can both DJ and sing my songs live.
Joy Doc
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