Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1248303
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 MAY 2020 5 THIS WEEK MUSIC What does being signed on the Italians Do It Better label mean for you? How did you attract their attention, and how do you hope they will help shape your sound and outreach efforts? I genuinely didn't expect to become part of their family. The label roster in- cludes bands that I've been listening to for many years such as Chromatics, De- sire, Glass Candy, Julee Cruise, among others. My mind is blown. It all happened very, very quickly. I had sent them the track 'E.T.' with a lo-fi music video I made with my friend Michael Azzopardi and they simply loved it! They released it a week and half later. It definitely got more reach than I could ever get on my own. You are also the founder of the Malta Women in Sound Network. What are its main aims, and why did you feel it was necessary to create such an entity? The Malta Sound Women Network aims to bring like-minded women to- gether, to share knowledge and skills in music and sound technology, sonic arts, production, audio- electronics. There are various reasons [fellow mu- sician] Jess Rymer and I decided to start MSWN. We've both experienced being outnumbered by our male counterparts in music technology courses. This can become very exhausting over time. A women-only professional space can of- fer respite and even act as an antidote to the phenomenon. Also, access to professional bodies and forums can often be more difficult for women due to the often surprising levels of sexism and the general lack of awareness around inclusivity. Moreo- ver, most sound technology spaces are male dominated, making them intimi- dating to women entering those spaces for the first time. We want to create a safe, collaborative space where we can share our experiences, learn from each other and support one another. How would you describe the local music scene? What would you change about it, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its after-effects? I think the local music scene is pretty good for Malta's size! People are very nice, encouraging and we have plenty of talent. Perhaps what I would change is more openness to a more experimental sound and quirky bands? I love watch- ing weird free-spirited artists with their own unique identity. There aren't so many of these artists here nor as much support for them as I have come across abroad. In light of COVID-19, I love that artists are writing more, going on- line to perform. Friends who usually find it hard to make music because of their busy lifestyles are managing to do so now! I hope people find time for their passions even after this is all over, that we stay positive and come out of this as better people. What's next for you? I will direct another music video to come out with my album and plan a tour when this pandemic is over. For more information and updates about Joon, log on to: https://www.face- book.com/joon.songs/ Joon has been signed on to Italians Do It Better, a cult American indie la- bel representing fan-favourite artists such as the Chromatics and Desire. Photo by Stephanie Galea releasing a full-length album in June. Photo by Heba Shibani "Access to professional bodies and forums can often be more difficult for women due to the often surprising levels of sexism and the general lack of awareness around inclusivity" About the label – Italians Do It Better Italians Do It Better is an independent record label based in Portland and Los Angeles. The label was started by Johnny Jewel and Mike Simonetti in 2006 to focus on Jewel's projects Glass Candy and Chromatics and later Desire, Symmetry and Mirage, in addition to other artists from prior releases. Genres from the label have been described as contributing to the synth-pop, post-punk and Italo-disco revivals. They have released two label compilations, 'After Dark' (2007) and 'After Dark 2' (2013), both of which featured music from their roster. Ital- ians Do It Better is owned by Johnny Jewel, who produces, writes, and contributes to all of the acts on the label. Source: Wikipedia Joon's debut single 'E.T.' is now available on all major streaming platforms