Ambient electronic artist J. Juva – aka Joel Neale – prepares to release his innovative debut EP, Protozoa, on 24th July 2020.

Combining off-kilter drums with woozy synths and radiant melodies, Joel creates a sound that feels both eclectic and enigmatic. Reminiscent of the likes of Four Tet and Flying Lotus, Joel interweaves analogue instruments with dreamy electronics, producing something undeniably transcendent in the process. Talking about the EP, Joel explains, “this music is inspired mainly by the book I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong. It’s an amazing insight into the incredibly significant impact the microscopic world of bacteria have on us and everything else in the world. The music was made whilst reading the book, taking inspiration from the stories he tells, the behaviours he describes and the multitudes of living things we can’t see.”

In this interview spotlight, I chat with J. Juva about the upcoming release, technology, challenges and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

I’ve always been fan of music from artists like Aphex Twin and Radiohead since I was kid, but never really delved beyond that ‘fringe’ of electronic music until about 5 years ago. I started listening to Benji B on Radio 1 and he really opened up some new avenues of music that i’d never properly explored before. Artists like Burial and Four Tet suddenly we’re the music I was listening to the most, and picking apart tracks and analysing how they all came together became an obsession.

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?

I’ve been sharing music since I was 14 years old. I got a copy of fruity loops from someone at school and started making Grime beats for all the local artists back in 2004.

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?

Listening to music is my main infuence. That and reading. When I’m not making music I’m usually doing one of these things. Learning something new from a book can inspire a new way of thinking when approaching making music, this is what keeps me motivated. That plus new bits of kit to play with.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

I recently read a book called I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong. He vividly describes this invisible world of bacteria that fill the world we live in, and fill our bodies. They are often misunderstood as bad for us, but in actual fact we wouldnt survive a day without them. I guess this project is my soundtrack to that book – they way it made me feel, what I felt that world sounded like, and my response to learning something new.

What was the last song you listened to?

Jesus Children of America by Stevie Wonder

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I have a soft spot for CD’s as thats the era I grew up in. I miss reading the booklet back to front while listening to the album. I love streaming and this is the main way I listen to music but its the accompanying booklet that I really miss. I want to know who played sitar on track 6. I want to know where the music was recorded and see photos of that process. I hope the resurgance of vinyl will bring that appreciation back.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I use Spotify and Bandcamp, but also still listen to the radio. NTS, BBC and Rinse all have a ridiculous mix of shows. One of my favourites is Late Junction on BBC Radio 3. It plays some of the most obscure music I’ve ever heard but also some of the most accessible. 

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

Getting heard amogst the noise is hard enough, but then asking people to buy into that music and trust you keep them entertained is harder than ever. 

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?

I don’t currently play live but hopefully will make some plans for this into 2021.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

I’m on spotify and bandcamp but all other streaming platforms as well. The best place to connect with me directly is via instragram @j.juvamusic

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

Shout out to Joe La-Placa for doing all the artwork for this project. We grew up in the same town, and he’s an increible artist. I’m really happy with how its all come out. Follow him on insta over at @joesmindseye