Joeski: the love and passion for music keeps me inspired and moving forward

New York DJ, producer and Maya Records founder Joeski returns to Crosstown Rebels in December. Jah Unite pays tribute to Joeski's long-running appreciation for Reggae dub with two tracks of stripped-back house with a roots twist.
To mark the release of 'Jah Unite' we invited Joeski for a chat, enjoy!
— Hey Joeski, great to have you with us! How are you and whereabouts are you chatting to us from right now?
— Thank you for having me. I have been super busy traveling and a lot of studio work getting ready for December, it's been a really busy time.
— What have you been up to recently and what does a normal day look like for you at the moment?
— Well Monday through to Friday I wake up, eat something and walk across the street to my studio in the building across the street from my loft space here in Brooklyn NY. On the weekends I head off to JFK for some gigs.
— We're pleased to be speaking to you around the release of 'Jah Unite' on Crosstown Rebels this December. This one takes a similar dub inspiration as your previous release on the label, 'In Dub We Trust'. What's the story behind this latest release and how did it come to find its home on the label?
— I have been a huge fan of reggae dub for years. I've always liked to incorporate it in my production. So seeing as Crosstown Rebels is a pretty diverse label, I felt like it would be a good home to that specific sound that I love doing so much.
— Could you tell us a bit about the creative process on Jah Unite? How did you approach it and was there an element that took shape first?
— Growing up here in New York during the 90s Dancehall reggae was really big here so usually when I listen to a lot of those old records they remind me of those times. They really inspire me so I usually listen to a lot of that stuff to get ideas and so forth.
— Reggae dub has had a long running influence in your music and something that you frequently tip your hat to in your work. Where did this love first stem from and what is it that makes it special to you?
— I was a big fan of ska, Reggae Dub , dance hall and thought this was a really cool way incorporate that vibe in my productions.
— 2022 has been yet another strong year for you in terms of musical output, what helps you remain so prolific as an artist?
— I've been doing this for a long time and honestly I genuinely love this music. I live it, I breathe it! I would have to say the love and passion for it keeps me inspired and moving forward.
— What have the highlights been for you this year or perhaps your favourite places that you have visited?
— Moving my studio to a different space in Brooklyn, connecting with so many amazing talented musicians that I have been incorporating in a lot of my productions lately has been really inspiring and pushing forward.
— Is there anywhere that you're looking forward to visiting in the new year?
— Heading over to Qatar to watch a few games for the World Cup in December. Really looking forward to that since I've never been.
— Thank you for chatting today Joeski! Wishing all the best for the forthcoming release. To round things off, is there anything else upcoming that you'd like to share with us?
— It's been super cool chatting. I am focusing on pushing my Maya Recordings brand forward with a lot of really cool new and exciting releases, merchandise and events in the near future so look out for that. Thank you!