We Chat with Joyce Muniz, Brazilian DJ and Producer Extraordinaire

PUBLISHED September 20th, 2015 04:00 pm | UPDATED June 8th, 2020 06:36 pm

Unless you’ve been living under a rock of late, you would have definitely caught wind of the talented, sultry Joyce Muniz. The buzz around one of Vienna’s shiniest exports can be felt around the globe; we put it down to Joyce’s jack-of-all trades persona.

Brought up on the ‘Sound of Vienna’ and enjoying a hugely successful partnership with GStone, her work as vocalist on her own, plus an array of industry stalwarts’ productions – including featuring on Munk’s recent album, a single for Cusmos and more – has resulted in Joyce leading the way as one of the main players of the new generation of Vienna. Her work as producer has extended past her own projects to artists such as Louie Austen; whose album she worked on extensively and still considers to be a true test of her skills as a producer. As if that wasn’t enough, Joyce prides herself on being a great performer from the moment she steps on stage, exuding an infectious energy into her audience.

Ladies of the Dark at Kilo Lounge

Just last month, Joyce Muniz helmed the decks at Kilo Lounge alongside with Singapore-based DJs, CATS ON CRACK and Miss H for the second edition of Ladies of the Dark and we’re lucky we got to chat with her about her artistic career and how she started DJ-ing.

How did you start DJ-ing? What or who were your early music influences? 

I started DJ-ing when I was 16, and it was my best friend and neighbour, Andy, who first bought his first record and turntables in our crew. When the techno beats came on, I felt the vibe, and got my first turntable when I was working in a hospitality school in Austria during summer holidays.

At the beginning, I was just playing at home while hanging with my friends and buying records. A year after I started, I met a friend Gumix (who got me into the scene), who was running one of the best Monday clubs in Vienna, and quite possibly the best day club in Europe with acts like DJ Shadow, Basement Jaxx, Moby, and many more. By that time, I was playing drum and base, jungle and break beats. And that’s how I started, records only.

What are the defining moments in your artistic career?

The first was when I started my first official gig at 17 for Dub Club. I played an opening set for Daddy G of Massive Attack and because I was under 18 then, I was playing from 10pm till midnight when all the DJs and producers were hanging out. One day, Stereotype, a producer from Austria, asked if I could sing and make a track with him. We collaborated and had a successful project together for a few years and it was the beginning of my travels where I could showcase my music. Because of him, I got into producing and started making my own music, which led my second most defining moment.

I then started building Joyce Muniz as a producer (not just a DJ) and sent a track to Exploited where they signed me after. That began the next phase of my career and I’m really thankful that I get all these support from the house heads in such a short time.

What do you usually start with when preparing for a set?

For every set, I prepare at least 2 hours before the gig to make sure everything’s there. I  never play the same set and I always bring along the classic old tracks with me because good music is timeless. I do try to make a mix between tracks that I’ve already played for awhile, some of the promos because I love supporting new people, and some of my unreleased stuff.

Tell us your top three favourite tracks of all time.

Blaze – Lovelee Dae (2020 vision soundsystem remix)
Listen here

Layo & Bushwacka – Love Story
Listen here

Fauna Flash – Tel Aviv (Peter Kruder’s Bum Rush The Discotheque Remix)
Listen here

You started DJ-ing at a young age, any advice to budding talents who are pursuing a career is the music industry?

Well, the music industry changes a lot. It was different back in the days, people get bookings because they’re good but these days, you need to produce a track to show your mark.

But try to find your style because it’s the best way to show the people your personality. Always believe in yourself and be kind. Most importantly, have a plan and find a good crew. Speaking from experience, when I was young, I thought I could do everything by myself but I’m really happy to have a family now – the Exploited guys whom I can share the good moments with.

And for those who’s constantly asking for more of her music, Joyce Muniz has launched her podcast series. Time for some ear orgasm. Check out her Facebook Page here.