Having already made his mark as one of the more inventive names doing the rounds in recent years, renowned artist Joey LaBeija now makes his eagerly-awaited return to deliver his stunning new single 'less than three'.
Marking his first piece of new material in three years, 'less than three' makes for a stellar return to form for him. Bringing back more of that broad and immersive aesthetic he is known for, he is certainly looking to return with an almighty bang here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
My mom got me a recorder when I was a kid. I was obsessed with playing the only 2 songs I knew 1000 times a day which were Frère Jaques and Hot Cross Buns.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
R&B, reggaeton, hip hop, 90’s Latin freestyle (if you know, you know). Teen years I got into emo and metal.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My personal first was Spice Girls but I remember way before that, stealing my sister's copy of Lil Kim’s first album, the explicit version, and memorising every word to every song.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Dancing on my own by Robyn
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Yes but it depends on what the mood of that moment is. If I'm wanting to write something more personal I do a lot of smoking weed in silence to go through my mental inventory and reflect. If I'm wanting to be cheeky I'm playing music and talking shit out loud thinking of ridiculous shit to say.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Mowalola, Deto Black, chi, CouCou Chloe are all great friends of mine and huge inspirations.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I've had the pleasure of DJing Robyn's MSG after party but I would love to open a show for her. She inspired so much of my earlier work and her songwriting inspires me to this day.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Putting something into the universe and it takes on a life of its own, usually beyond what you plan or anticipate. It's something close to magic honestly.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It's quite isolating. I learned early on you can have a social life or you can be in the studio. Also, being perceived and Imposter syndrome. We don't talk about that enough.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
No is a full sentence. - Nina Sky.
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Joey LaBeija's new single 'less than three' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.