With her latest EP ‘Flashes On The Floor’ out on Pets Recordings, we caught up with Joyce Muniz to find out what makes her tick beyond the grooves, analog synths and bouncy beats.
Why music?
When I moved to Austria I couldn’t speak German. So I used to sit next to the sound system at parties and play music. It was my best friend and still is.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
A lawyer. So many things are wrong in the world, and I want to help others in such an unfair justice system.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Never lie always tell the through!”
What inspires you?
Nature and the people around me. They both inspire me in different ways. Creative people always inspire me, whether a musician, film-maker or painter.
What’s the next big thing?
My second album that I am about to finish!
Best club experience?
My first gig in Brazil in early 2000s at Fishbone Cafe.
It was an incredible experience coming back home after many years away. Playing music on the beach during sunset for 2000 people with everyone screaming my name. I cried!
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
I don’t have any job that I am not proud of doing. I did many different kinds of jobs in order to buy records when I was young. Babysitting, waitress, secretary. I respect every job and every experience I went through.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
If it works in the club or on the radio. I am very fussy, and I need time to finish my tunes.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
Haha, I worked in Café Leopold in 2007. I realised I could give up when my boss said I was better behind the booth than at the bar.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Avoid social media as much as you can.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
I couldn’t find one really, as I feel that each of my tracks came out at the right time. Of course, I can always be a better producer, but I still like all of them.
Recommend us a film.
‘Bacurau’: a Brazilian socially critical sci-fi movie!
Recommend us a book.
‘Silence: In The Age Of Noise’ by Erling Kagge
What or who is underrated?
Visuals artists. I wish you would have more live visuals in the clubs.
What or who is overrated?
Social Media.
What are you addicted to?
Coconut Juice.
What do you lust over?
I would love to learn how to fly a plane.
What is your greatest regret?
That, I didn’t go to law school.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Having more patience. I am always very excited about things. Sometimes a little bit too much!
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
Playing at an apré ski party in the mountains in Austria for really drunk people that asked me to play horrific music. Nightmare!
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Always a good experience. Every time I do a collaboration it’s always for a good reason because I’m musically connected to that person.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Take your time and try to record as you would play in the club. And have a glass of wine! I always have a glass of wine when I record my mixes at home!
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
How do you relax?
I go for a walk every day at Tempelhof, which I live close to. For me, this is the best way to relax and get my thoughts together in nature.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
Ableton is definitely the most important software I use. I work with a lot of hardware sequencers and analog synths. Ableton is the heart of everything for recording and jam sessions. Basically, I produce all my tracks on Ableton.
Art or money?
Both.
Ronaldo or Messi?
Messi.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
In my first bedroom studio during the mid-2000s. The sound was so bad. I still can’t believe I could write music there.
Must-visit record store?
I really like ‘Optimal’ in Munich. I always found cool stuff there when I used to play vinyl back in the day.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
My biggest frustration is that our careers are reduced to social media posts and activities. It’s about the music surely? Now it’s all about what photo you post, and how many likes it gets. That is very sad – what happened?
Fav label?
It’s funny most of my favourite labels are those that I work and release with. I guess that means I am a very lucky producer! Permanent Vacation, Exploited and Pets. But I also love Rekids, Moustache Records, Correspondant, Running Back, Gigolo, Turbo and Nein….too many..!
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Making music is not the problem. I think releasing music is more the issue. You have to wait so long, and you never know if people will like it or not. Every release is a big challenge to your anxiety levels.
What’s your motto?
Go with the flow. Keep doing.
Name something timeless
Pizza.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Most of the young producers get very frustrated when they can’t move forward with a track. In that situation, I always stop it and start something new. When things don’t sync it’s a sign to stop doing it.
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just a frustrated …
Studio nerd who hates having to use my social media!
Can music change the world?
Maybe not the world but I believe that in some situations music helps provide an alternative perspective.
What are you listening to right now?
Boy Harsher, I love them! I wish I could remix one of their songs….
What should you do before you die?
Adopt a child.
Joyce Muniz ‘Flashes On The Floor’ is out now on Pets Recordings. Listen on Beatport.
Find Joyce Muniz on Instagram (even if she hates social media!). Go show her some love o the gram!