‘7 Seconds’ is such a compelling track. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how Clive Wearing’s story shaped its themes?
Thank you for the kind words! A few months ago, AKINAT sent me the documentary about Clive Wearing’s heartbreaking story, and it had a profound impact on me. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Clive Wearing was a fascinating British classical musician who lost his memory and now experiences life in brief, seven-second intervals. His story made me think long and hard about the fragility of life. The fact that his wife, Deborah, remains a constant as his condition deteriorates only further proves that love truly transcends time. Drawing from both his story and our own life experiences, we wrote 7 Seconds.
How did the collaboration between the two of you come about, and what was the creative process like working together?
We’ve been collaborating for many years… honestly, the process is always seamless. AKINAT is an exceptionally talented producer, and I always love what we create together. Our history and deep understanding of each other really helps the process—plus, we know when to push one another creatively, which I personally sometimes need! When you’re creating music, it’s easy to get stuck on an idea, so sometimes you need to throw a musical spanner in the works or try something completely out of left field. That’s more often than not where the magic has been hiding.
You’ve mentioned that the track draws influence from Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams.’ How did that iconic sound inspire your approach to production and songwriting?
Yes!! Initially, we set out to write a song inspired by Dreams! It’s funny telling people that the Fleetwood Mac classic was an influence for us, as I feel that connection might be a bit difficult to make now. The track went through many iterations before reaching its final version, and I’m really curious to see if people can hear the little nods to that track throughout 7 Seconds.
Your music blends influences from artists like Jamie xx, Sabrina Claudio, and now Fleetwood Mac. How do you balance such diverse inspirations in your work?
Brilliant question! I love the depth and emotional range Sabrina Claudio consistently achieves through her music, the production and artistry of Jamie xx, and the unparalleled creative songwriting that forms the backbone of all Fleetwood Mac songs. I try to weave those influences together naturally—to be honest finding that balance feels almost effortless because I draw inspiration from each artist in very different ways!
AKINAT, your production style is influenced by electronic greats like Four Tet and Jon Hopkins. How do you incorporate those elements while maintaining Joey’s vocal-driven sound?
I’m in consistent awe of artists like these guys – they’re particularly their ability to create a rolling, driving texture, with each element findings its pocket. It’s in that sense that i was inspired – not through genre but an appreciation of each and every sound arriving in its own time.
Joey, living in Tokyo has clearly influenced your artistry. How has your time in Japan shaped your sound and opened up new creative opportunities?
For those who haven’t been: Japan, particularly Tokyo, is a living, breathing Blade Runner dreamscape—bustling streets, neon lights, and creativity everywhere you look! Living here and being consistently immersed in this culture has shaped me as an artist, giving me the freedom to explore and experiment, not just in music but beyond. I’ve always been passionate about fashion, and I love blending it with my artistry —the fashion scene in Tokyo is truly unparalleled!
What’s the music scene like in Tokyo compared to Sydney, and how does it influence the way you approach your work?
Live music is everywhere!! That has been the biggest difference I’ve observed between the two. Everyone loves live music here & makes sure there are ample opportunities to both perform and attend, across all genres. Musicians are championed for expressing themselves through their art, particularly Jazz musicians. If and when you visit Tokyo I highly recommend dipping into one of the moody Jazz bars like ‘Blue Note’ in Aoyama, having a cheeky cocktail & seeing where the night takes you! Living here has pushed me to search for live performance opportunities much more than I did previously, there is nothing quite as special as connecting with a person via music.
The themes in ‘7 Seconds’ touch on profound connections and love that transcends memory and time. How do you hope listeners interpret or connect with the story you’re telling?
Oh, I love this question! The beauty of music lies in how uniquely it can be interpreted by each listener. One of the most rewarding aspects of creating music is seeing how people connect with the tracks and relate them to their own life experiences. We also hoped that featuring samples of Clive Wearing himself might encourage listeners to explore his story, if they haven’t already. He captures the essence of life and love in the most profoundly beautiful way.
Since releasing your first single in 2021, your career has gained momentum. How do you feel you’ve evolved as an artist, and what’s next on the horizon for you?
I am feeling immensely grateful as we wrap up 2024. The New Year always feels incredibly cathartic—a chance to reflect and recognize how much I’ve grown over the past year. Heading into 2025, I already have four new songs ready to go. I’ve had the privilege of working with some sensational producers, and I can’t wait to share everything we’ve been creating!
Do you have plans to continue experimenting with different styles and textures in your music, and are there any collaborations or projects in the pipeline we can look forward to?
Absolutely! I will be hitting the ground running in 2025 with a few collaborations I secured at the end of this year. I couldn’t be more excited about the songs we’ve created—they definitely explore different textures/styles, and I’ve really pushed myself out of my comfort zone with songwriting! Keep your eyes peeled!
‘7 Seconds’ is out Now
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