Joyous DJ: Rising Beijing DJ and Producer Joy Ginger Dishes On New EP

Joy Ginger is here to ease you through the longest, loneliest Beijing nights. That being said, the local producer and DJ doesn't shy away from such melancholy on his new EP, giving it a cynical title like Love Is An Illusion and filling it with moody songs with suitably downcast titles like "Sad Hotline", and "Fall Asleep Before Sunrise". And yet, the EP, which was recently released on the burgeoning local powerhouse Babel Records, never strays into mopey territory, instead retaining a slyly seductive undercurrent throughout. Its songs are also remarkably textured, a feature that rewards repeated listens as you notice the effectiveness of a subtle horn loop or a bubbling over synth line. Below, the rising producer tells us more about working on the EP. 

What aspects of this EP are you most proud of? Why?
I take a lot of pride in many aspects of this new EP. Everything from the design of its cover art, to the various tones and timbres I employed in the music. 

How is it different or an improvement on your previous work?
My prior music was not as comprehensive as this EP. Don't get me wrong, it's in the same line as my older music. But it's definitely more chill in some places and more psychedelic in others. I guess I have so much to think about now, compared to before, and that's reflected in my music.

What were your biggest muses for these songs?
The greatest inspiration would be loneliness. I want my music to amplify any loneliness that my listeners feel, and transform that into inspiration.

Did you face any challenges while working on this album, and how did you overcome them?
The settling on a tone and timbre for several of the songs was very challenging. At first, it always sounded very far from what I had pictured in my mind. Through numerous experiments and attempts, I finally reached what I wanted – that blue, melancholy tone that colors the all the songs.

Not all of it is dire and downcast though. For instance, you included adorable cat sounds on the song "Stay In My Arms". What gave you that idea?
When I began working on that song, and selecting its samples, I found myself drawn to sounds that were gentle and a bit naughty. And when I think of cats, they always strike me as being naughty and gentle animals. So this is my soundtrack for them.

Listen to Joy Ginger's latest EP, Love Is An Illusion at his Bandcamp here.

Photos: Babel Records