We caught up with rising producer, Joe Turner, in the midst of his latest single ‘Retina/Stay’, to find out a little more about him via some quick-fire questions.
Born and raised in Croydon, Turner grew up in a house filled with Soul music and a smidgen of nineties electronica providing the youthful musician with a varied musical palette. His grandfather, a jazz pianist, was a major influence, from whom he’s undoubtedly inherited the musical talent that saw him writing his first song at just eleven years old.
Following his teenage years playing in various bands, it has only been in the past twelve months that Turner turned his attention to writing once again. Concentrating on his own material whilst similarly experimenting in production, collaborations ensued with South-London based artists such as Stella Talpo and SIAMAKI before he took the plunge and released his own compositions.
Last month, Joe release ‘Rentina/Stay‘ on Jamz Supernova’s imprint, Future Bounce. He said…
“Retina tells a story of a love that once was. From first feeling a lover’s eyes from across the room to the fierce, frantic downward spiral that pursues, ultimately having to draw a line under the past and move on to pastures new. It’s the common tale of a broken relationship, being messed around by an ex-lover and the lessons learnt from that experience.”
Its counterpart ‘Stay’ is a bouncier, blissed-out track that radiates an emphatic energy through its warm melodies and lush intricate production.
Turner explains “Stay is the epitome of a musical love letter. I wanted to write a track that focused more on the high times of the relationship and the almost dream-like infatuation we had with each other.”
We caught up with the producer to find out a little more about him via some quick-fire questions, from food, to jobs, to venues…
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Three words to describe my music
Ah man, that’s hard! If I have to narrow it down to three, then it would probably be – Ethereal atmospheric dance.
Last photo on your phone…
I take loads of screenshots…. But that’s not very interesting, so the last photo I took was at a Rival Consoles gig at Brixton Electric last week. The show was insane!
Favourite instagram account…
Its gotta be @natgeo hasn’t it? I swear every single photo they post is just incredible, especially the ones that include penguins! In all seriousness though, the photographers show the beauty and realness of the natural world with some amazing stories to accompany them.
The best venue I’ve played…
I haven’t gigged much for this project so far but including previous projects I’ve worked on, I’d have to say the main room at London Islington O2 Academy (downstairs). Playing on the stage there was such a good vibe, plus it’s in my hometown of London – I’d love to go back and headline there one day.
Earliest song you remember…
Probably 19-2000 by Gorillaz. I distinctly remember seeing the video on MTV when I was younger. I then went out and bought the single from Woolworths the following week – #RIPWoolworths
The worst job I’ve ever had…
I worked as a secretary for a construction firm for a week or so, definitely wasn’t for me…
Favourite food on tour…
Not sure if you can class this as food, but Berocca definitely wins it for me. It’s the perfect way to recover from the night before to get you pumped for the next show the following evening.
My Favourite word…
Weirdly, this has come up in conversation a few times with my mates, but I’d have to stick with Parallelogram… Oooosh.
Things that cheer me up…
Writing music and listening to good music are two of my favourites. Also, good food and being around my girlfriend or my mates – there’s nothing a few good laughs can’t cure in my eyes.
If I could play a gig anywhere it would be…
Without a doubt it would be Brixton Academy. I’ve been going to shows there since I was about 11, so to be on the other side of the stage would be extremely surreal and the ultimate buzz.
I think you should listen to…
If you haven’t heard her yet, check out TSHA. She’s got some great music out at the moment. Her tune ‘Sacred’ is an absolute banger – get involved!
If I could see anyone play live it would be…
I think it would have to be The Prodigy. I was lucky enough to see them once before the tragic news about Keith earlier this year. The energy and wall of sound they brought with them was something I don’t think I’ll ever hear again, and it’s awful that we won’t get to experience them at their fullest ever again. I can’t not mention the songs as well, their back catalogue is just ridiculously sick.
