On the day of Joe Syntax’s literally leg-shaking (see below), experimental music exploding onto the mainstream channels with his first debut single Signal Drop / Sightlines releasing on the very same day as the Hospitality Festival Drum & Bass album, we caught up with this Med School shooting star to chat festivals.
So Joe Syntax, what festivals are you looking forward to playing at and attending this year?
I’m really looking forward to playing Global Gathering – it’s gonna be a mad experience playing in a tent with 6,000 capacity. I’m first to play on the Saturday, and have one and a half hours to get the Hospitality tent going – cant wait! Another festival I’m doing is in Poland near Gdansk in August, along with 2 other dates in the North. I played Springfest in Graz, Austria earlier this year which was really good. My memory of the journey to Vienna airport with John B in a crazy storm is a very beautiful one.
What kind of festival memories/activities should listening to the album bring about?
This album should bring about memories of past raves (albeit vague memories from drinking too much alcohol) and bring about activities such as drinking and dancing at new raves or simply a barbecue, or even just getting on the bus with some earphones, having a head nod on your way to the doctor’s or going for a jog with the dog. You could even take a CD player up your local mound, make a bonfire and have a mini festival with some mates. Endless possibilities!
What’s your favourite act that you’ve seen at a festival?
I think my favourite act was the Chemical Brothers at Glastonbury in 2000. I was quite young then and just got into their album “Surrender” so it had a huge effect on me – it was a really amazing show and that got me into the whole electronic thing. David Bowie played the next day but unfortunately I was too short to see anything…sounded good though.
You’ve got Signal Drop / Sightlines out on our store today as well as Signal Drop on the Hospitality Festival Drum & Bass album, you happy that your experimental edge is getting some large exposure now?
I’m really happy my music is getting some exposure. It’s awesome to be on such a big release such “Hospitality Festival Drum + Bass” and alongside some huge names. It makes all the time and effort you put into the music more than worthwhile.
Exactly how amazing does it feel to release your debut solo single?
It feels really great! Being on Med School gives me a strong platform to get my music out there. These are two tunes which I’m really happy with because I’m exploring new territory. “Signal Drop” is the first half time tune I’ve released and “Sightlines” is my first vocal tune with Jono McCleery from Ninja Tune lending his soulful voice to the mix.
What are the nicest things that randomers coming up to you say about your music?
I think the nicest thing anyone ever said to me was in Lithuania when a girl said my track “Expectra” out now on Med School made her legs shake. I’m not sure why or how it made her legs shake but it was nice to hear that!