Jan 20, 2021
1001Tracklists Spotlight: Mr Joe
Today, Mr Joe steps into the 1001Tracklists Spotlight. One of the rising stars in the Afro house scene, the South African talent brings us an enticing mix of deep, progressive, and melodic house to celebrate! Our interview highlights his career arc, milestone moments like releasing on Watergate Records, and the vibrant scene in South Africa. Enjoy!
Joe, thanks so much for joining us today! We’re so excited to share your Spotlight Mix and take a closer look at your bright future! Could you start out by telling us a bit more about your background in DJing and music production?
My story of DJing and production is really born through watching people that inspire me and from then I took the necessary steps. People used to DJ by my place and I would go watch and I would always be amazed when they mixed songs together. From there I started playing around with Virtual DJ at home because I couldn’t afford real CDJ equipment. I would record these mixes at home on the computer, burn them on a CD and play them on the bus on our way to school. I would see people loving the song selection and that’s where it all started! I’ve never looked backed.
With production, instruments always captured my ears’ attention as I listened to a lot of genres growing up which made me want to learn how to make my own songs. From there I had a friend that gave me Fruity Loops and I started learning the basics. The rest is history – life was never the same.
Continuing to reflect on your career, what have been a few of the defining moments in your artist career as Mr Joe?
One of my defining moments definitely has to be when I released on Watergate Records with my tracks “Vector Groove” & “Dharma,” which got amazing support from DJs.
Also releasing the Lost EP on De Song Music and releasing my Heavens Walk EP on King Street Sounds New York.
Traveling to Lagos & Abuja in Nigeria to play was just a crazy adventure that I will forever cherish. I also have to mention Wolfkop Festival in Cape Town where I played one of the best sets of my life. The love was overwhelming, what a festival, what a crowd!
What are the sounds that Mr Joe stands for today as both a producer and DJ?
I love all sounds! For me it’s more about good music than only a certain sound. It can be progressive, it can be deep, minimal, melodic, you name it. As a producer I put no limits on discovering unique elements and using that as a producer, I feel futuristic, timeless, and classical all in one.
Take us inside your head for your Spotlight Mix. How has the vibe recording sets at home compared to gigs for you? Do you feel that your track selection has been affected?
The vibe recording this mix was chilled out but also energetic. I recorded it during a sunny day. My track selection was definitely affected, yes, because if I am in the club I go according to the energy... I feed off the people.
Looking closer at your Spotlight Mix, what were three stand out tracks included in the set and why?
My three stand out tracks: Vanco ft. Brenden Praise - “Circles,” Cee ElAssaad & Thandi Draai - “Lomhlabal,” and Monkey Safari - “Artifact.” Beautiful tracks with just amazing arrangements!
Talk to us some more about the electronic music scene in South Africa. Where is it currently and where would you like to see it head?
The electronic music scene is at a beautiful place. There are constantly new artists that are given chances and with that happening it makes it a beautiful field to also thrive in. I’d love to see more festivals similarly giving more talent chances to perform at these shows and also more artists creating their own concepts and being accepted in the community.
How have you been using your extra time at home over the past nine months? Do you have any insights to help maintain creativity and inspiration as an artist?
I’ve been using this time to continue working on myself as an artist and as human being too, becoming better at things whether it’s business skills, working skills, DJing skills, reading, fitness, creative work, expanding my network. It all helps keep me going. I’m constantly working to find ways to innovate and improve myself in all areas of my life. I maintain my inspiration through vibing to different artists from all over the world. I listen to a lot of different genres and this always fuels me up to do better as an artist.
And as we look ahead, what are two things that you hope to have accomplished by the end of the year?
Releasing my album and kick starting my LYTUP Live stream sessions.
Connect with Mr Joe: SoundCloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
short link 1001.tl/gpdyy2
