INTERVIEW: Joy Doc

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 showcases Joy Doc’s exceptional talent as both a producer and vocalist. Drawing on her passion for drum and bass, Joy Doc masterfully combines intricate rhythms with melodic elements, creating a sonic landscape that pulsates with infectious energy. Her heartfelt vocals soar over the dynamic beats, injecting the track with a real sense of emotion and positivity.

We’re super-excited to be speaking today with acclaimed Drum and Bass artist – and a heck of a brilliant writer, producer and singer, to boot! – Joy Doc; greetings and salutations, Joy! Before we dive into the proverbial Q&A mosh-pit, how has your 2023 been treating you?

Aww thank you! 2023 has been good thanks. I’ve actually been releasing music, which is a new thing for me. It’s very liberating!

Major congratulations on your freshly-minted new single Been Here Before! What was the genesis of this gem of a tune? How did it come into being?

Thanks so much! I often start with my synth sounds and after a while my lyrics come. But this time round the lyrics came first. At the time I was hurt and frustrated from someone who had let me down countless times. I just couldn’t take it anymore, so I put my thoughts into a song! Once I had some ideas for my vocal, I produced the rest of my tune in my bedroom!

How is Been Here Before similar to your most recent single release, Home? How is it different?

Where Been Here Before is about the frustrations of a relationship, Home is about the sense of safety and security a relationship can create. So it’s pretty different in that sense. Both are musical though, in the sense that they both have chord sequences and song structures. That’s something that ties most of my music together. It might seem a simple requirement to have those elements in a song, but that’s often not the case in drum and bass music.

 In your humble opinion, what differentiates Been Here Before from other tracks on the 2023 music landscape?

The song creates a sense of tension and atmosphere. The strings are an important part in creating this emotion, allowing the mind to go on a mystical journey.

On the heels of the release of the new single, can fans look forward to an EP or LP release from you before the end of 2023?

I don’t know if an EP is on the cards just yet, but you can expect plenty more from me on the release side of things in 2023!

What does your touring and performing dance card look like in the coming weeks and months?

My artist project Joy Doc was only launched in 2023, so I’m still developing a live set up with the aim of performing in 2023. Expect some live elements in my performances such as keyboard solos!

Who inspires you musically?

That’s a tough one. Growing up and playing the piano some of my inspirations included Elton John, The Police and Jamie Cullum. These days I’m influenced by drum and bass artists like Fred V, Wilkinson and Goddard. What inspires me the most is that they keep that musical element to their songs. Fred V is such a talented musician and I love watching his videos of where he shows off his awesome guitar skills.

Your music almost feels like counter-programming in this era of Gloom and Doom; it’s uplifting and happy! Is this intentional on your part, or does this ultimately just reflect your own nature?

Lyrically, like I said, this song is about the frustrations in a relationship. So in that sense, it’s not so uplifting. But musically, yeah I feel like it’s uplifting, which balances it out a bit. I just like hooky synth lines and a driving rhythm, so that ends up manifesting itself into my music!

At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a spin to Been Here Before?

That maybe, it’s not the best idea to go back to someone who keeps letting you down and hurting you. You deserve better than that!

Final – SILLY! – Question: Favorite movie about the music scene – This Is Spinal Tap, Almost Famous, That Thing You Do, or The Buddy Holly Story?

My friends often mock me for the fact that I have hardly watched any films. I’m sad to report that I haven’t seen any of those films! Although I’ve watched more than half of the films that Ben Stiller is in!

About rj frometa

Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.

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