Joeski’s trajectory can be traced back to 1991, when he burst onto the NYC house music scene as a founding member of The Chocolate Factory DJ collective. In the continually evolving dance music world where trends come and go, Joeski has stayed at the pinnacle of the industry, keeping true to the original values he learnt playing in front of crowds at Limelight, Tunnel, Paladium, Nasa and at his first residency, the “Together” parties at the legendary Roxy in New York. Since 2001 his Maya Recordings has gone from strength to strength and releases have been heard on dancefloors from New York to Ibiza and beyond.
In the continually evolving dance music world where trends come and go, Joeski has stayed at the pinnacle of the industry, keeping true to the original values he learnt playing in front of crowds at Limelight, Tunnel, Paladium, Nasa and at his first residency, the “Together” parties at the legendary Roxy in New York. Since 2001 his Maya Recordings has gone from strength to strength and releases have been heard on dancefloors from New York to Ibiza and beyond.
We had the chance to talk with Joeski about his debut album ‘2o Years of Maya’.
Electronic Groove: Hi Joeski, thanks for chatting with us and congratulations for your debut album ’20 Years of Maya’. What does this achievement mean to you?
Joeski: Hello EG people. I feel it’s a big accomplishment considering how long I’ve been working in this business. I’m very excited with the feedback and upcoming remix package that will come in 2020. Also looking forward to making more albums as you get to tell a full story.
EG: Can you tell us the story why you decided to produce this LP 20 years from the launch of your label Maya Recordings?
Joeski: Early in my career, I consistently released singles as I was making music for DJs – people that were buying my records were strictly DJs. Now it’s different where people listen across many platforms and are streaming music. I felt it was time to tip the hat to the label in a significant way and also create something that fits together longer than a single release.
EG: Over the 12 tracks you explore different sounds but mainly the tribal one that characterizes you. Do you think this album reflects your musical career?
Joeski: The album reflects where my head is – the approach was not to create a bunch of floor killing tracks and I wanted to make songs that were more melodic vs dancefloor driven. The album allowed me to express a different side that is more emotional than usual. Albums allow you to experiment and I really enjoyed this process.
EG: Where it was recorded and what kind of gear did you use to produce it?
Joeski: There were parts recorded in the Dominican Republic and Colombia, but it was produced in my home studio. Lots of analog alongside software including Roland 909, Roland JP 8000, and Arturia plug-ins.
“The album allowed me to express a different side that is more emotional than usual”
EG: What are your plans for the Winter season?
Joeski: Stay plugging away into the studio and beginning in January – the tour schedule is very solid with multiple gigs in Mexico, United States, South America, and then off to Europe and Australia. I always like to come home in between gigs if possible so I can make more music.
EG: Any confirmed gig that you are especially looking forward to?
Joeski: I’m excited about a private event I’m playing for New Year’s Eve in Tulum and about the upcoming tour dates in January that include Phoenix, San Francisco, Sacramento, Mexico City, Merida, Detroit, and St. Louis. Lots of new venues and a variety of vibes to look forward to.
EG: You are from New York, what are your thoughts about the current electronic music community in that city?
Joeski: New York is killing it right now. There are so many new venues in Brooklyn and it’s the best it’s been in a while. Parties are packed and great DJs are playing.
EG: What would be your advice for young artists that are starting their musical career?
Joeski: Experiment and think outside the box. There is so much competition now and you need to find what makes you unique. Learn the most you can about your craft. Learn the history of where the music came from.
“The tour schedule is very solid with multiple gigs in Mexico, United States, South America, and then off to Europe and Australia”
EG: What do you think makes a great DJ?
Joeski: Someone that is aware of what is happening around him. It’s important to educate but it’s important to be aware of the dance floor. You have to be able to respond to the room. It’s the job of the DJ to rock the dance floor.
EG: What was your favorite track of 2019?
Joeski: Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Watchtower’ (Joeski boot).
Joeski’s ’20 Years of Maya’ is now available. Grab your copy here.
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