Name: Joey Anderson
Nationality: American
Occupation: Producer, DJ
Current release: Joey Anderson's Exotic Sequence is out via Deeptrax.
Recommendation: A book I recommend is, Finger Prints of the Gods by Graham Hancock; A piece of Art I recommend is Hollywood Africans by Jean-Michel Basquiat

If you enjoyed this Joey Anderson interview and would like to stay up to date with his music, visit him on Instagram, Facebook, and bandcamp.

When I listen to music, I see shapes, objects and colours. What happens in your body when you're listening? Do you listen with your eyes open or closed?

Coming from a back ground of a dancer, I immediately become drenched in how to approach the track. For me, it’s kind of a trip to match or express what I’m hearing by creating a story, relevant to sound and life.

I listen to music both with my eyes open and closed, but listening with my eyes open manifests the concept between sound and reality.

What were your very first steps in music like - and how do you rate gains made through experience versus the naiveté of those first steps?

I would have to say my first steps in music were full of energy and excitement. I didn’t know much on the technical side of production.

Through the years I learned some things, but I wouldn’t change my evolution. It’s my story, my way, no one’s perfect on their journey to craft their style or voice.

According to scientific studies, we make our deepest and most incisive musical experiences between the ages of 13-16. What did music meant to you at that age and what’s changed since then?

That study might be true. During those years were some of the most impressionable years musically in my life.

That was the mid to late 80 ‘s for me. Some of the best music ever made was made then, in my opinion. A lot of melodic synth driven stuff in every genre.

Over the course of your development, what have been your most important instruments and tools and how have they shaped your perspective on music?

My most important tool is my experience as a dancer in the underground clubs of New York and New Jersey. Frequenting clubs since a teenager, gave me a lot experiences listening to many great DJs and a lot of great music.

Somehow I try to channel that background as I continue to develop in my sound.

What, would you say, are the key ideas behind your approach to music and what motivates you to create?

Basically to take the basics of electronic music and put a slight twist of my idea to it.

Also I get inspired by everything before and try to attempt to go forward and always apply a honest vibe.

Paul Simon said “the way that I listen to my own records is not for the chords or the lyrics - my first impression is of the overall sound.” What's your own take on that and how would you define your personal sound?

When I listen to my stuff, I’m checking to see if some sort of language is present. Im listening for some sort of statement stands out, all within the realm I’m dealing with.

I think my sound if anything comes off in the melancholy family. But that doesn’t mean I’m sad ☺️

Sound, song, and rhythm are all around us, from animal noises to the waves of the ocean. What, if any, are some of the most moving experiences you've had with these non-human-made sounds? In how far would you describe them as “musical”?

I really enjoy the early morning sound of birds. It seems they are communicating in some unknown language. Though, that sounds keep me founded in some sort of way. Morning birds talking gives me a moment of clarity and focus.

Music by definition is sound. All sound could be used in a musical way.

From very deep/high/loud/quiet sounds to very long/short/simple/complex compositions - are there extremes in music you feel drawn to and what response do they elicit?

No matter what style or feel of music is at hand, I usually end up on the deep side.

The deep stuff evokes different emotions we all experience through our lives. I feel that’s where the music’s magic reveals itself.

From symphonies and traditional verse/chorus-songs to linear techno tracks and free jazz, there are myriads ways to structure a piece of music. Which approaches work best for you – and why?

Usually, I’ll fiddle around with melodies for a while. Melody is actually my favorite part to dance to. Sometime I’ll mess about with some pads, to see if they conjure up some atmosphere to run with.

Then there are times everything is about how I’m feeling at the moment.

Could you describe your creative process on the basis of one of your pieces, live performances or albums that's particularly dear to you, please?

I like to start many of my sessions with a pace that’s inviting. A little drums usually set what style I’ll aim for. Depending on the vibe I’ll try fit some synths and effects that will fit.

Many times I’ll record live and see what happens. I try to keep it fun and challenging at the same time.

Sometimes, science and art converge in unexpected ways. Do you conduct “experiments” or make use of scientific insights when you're making music?

Astronomy and Art are always a source of inspiration. Actually my record label Inimeg, is Gemini spelled backward.

When releasing music on my label I find searching for the artwork is the most fun part sometimes. Matching artwork to fit the music for your release is very important.The artwork and music packaged together make the concept you’re trying to bring across to people.

How does the way you make music reflect the way you live your life? Can we learn lessons about life by understanding music on a deeper level?

I feel, living life with an open mind and with a mentality as a student, parallels an open style of music. Music is is an international language that we all love and share.

I try to keep an openness to my music, whereas the listener can imagine and take something out of it .

Do you feel as though writing or performing a piece of music is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn't or wouldn't in more 'mundane' tasks?

I think it’s similar, because with both your trying to ad or remove things that give you the best result. In my music I’m expressing some of my deepest thoughts and feelings, the ones I may not express verbally.

Also, sharing one’s art takes guts.

Every time I listen to "Albedo 0.39" by Vangelis, I choke up. But the lyrics are made up of nothing but numbers and values. Do you, too, have a song or piece of music that affects you in a way that you can't explain?

That’s an amazing piece! Vangelis is a legendary artist. I can’t compare to such an artist, but pieces like that (spoken word ) sort of, are challenging our psyche.

Some tunes can take you to a place outside this plane.

If you could make a wish for the future – what are developments in music you would like to see and hear?

I would wish for the continued development of the music and continued explorations of sound.