Freddie Joachim. (Supplied)
Just over a year since the release of Freddie Joachim's Fiberglass Kisses, the DJ-producer is set to make his way to South Africa. Born in the Philippines but brought up in the US, Joachim's music is as diverse as his upbringing.
Drawing elements from hip hop, electro, jazz and soul, his sound is set in an era where the role of the producer has gained prominence alongside the lead singer or rapper. Similar to producers like Dr Dre, Madlib and J Dilla, Joachim's beats hold their own, without resting in the shadows of the front man. This is displayed when featuring artists such as singer Aloe Blacc, rappers Blu and Joey Bada$$, to name a few, on his sounds.
Fresh out of high school, Joachim began DJing in 2000 and has since released four full-length albums, and – with fellow DJ-producers Question and Yusai – runs a record label called Mellow Orange. The Mail & Guardian chatted to the producer before his trip to South Africa, where he will be performing in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The event is presented by Weheartbeat.
1. Hi Freddie, can you tell us a bit about your background?
I was born in the Philippines in the early 1980s but immigrated to the US with one of my older sisters when I was really young. I grew up in San Diego, California. I've been bouncing back and forth between San Diego and Los Angeles for past 14 years.
2. Who influenced you musically while growing up?
I've always gravitated toward jazz- and soul-sample driven artists, like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Common, Pete Rock, et cetera. Producer J Dilla was definitely a huge influence on me as a listener and an artist. [Jazz rap duo] the Sound Providers were a big influence to get me to start producing music.
3. There are elements of different genres in your music, but how would you describe your sound?
My early stuff was nothing but jazz samples. When I became more seasoned, I incorporated a lot of synths and instruments. My sound overall is jazzy and soulful, because that's what I ultimately enjoy creating. But I'm not shy to venture out of that vibe into more hard-hitting tracks, or more experimental electronic or house.
4. What's the best gateway album into the musical world of Freddie Joachim?
I would say my album Midway [2010]. I think it best represents me as a producer. I tried to visit both ends of the spectrum when I made that album.
5. You've worked on projects with notable musicians such as Aloe Blacc, Blu and Carlitta Durand, what's the process to your collaborations?
Because everyone's so spread out, it's easier to do everything through emails and phone conversations. For the most part, I'll create something in my studio, and send it out to the artist that I'm working with. The artist I usually approach for collaborations are the ones that I've been wanting to work with for a while.
6. Which artists are you dying to work with?
Of course all the artists I grew up listening to, specifically [rappers] Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Common, De La Soul. But I enjoy working with any artist that I can truly vibe with.
Freddie Joachim (supplied photograph).
7. What are your expecting musically from your trip to South Africa?
This will be my first time travelling to South Africa. I don't set any expectations when I venture to new places because I really like to be surprised, and I know I won't be disappointed. I'm just hoping to experience everything South Africa has to offer. And I might be coming home with a few kalimbas [or thumb pianos], and other instruments (laughs).
8. In your track Splendor from your free download Mellow Orange x Organology Present Getaway, you take a skit from the movie American Splendor in which the lead character speaks about being obsessed with collecting things. Are you an avid collector of anything?
I do collect vinyl. I'm not as active as a few colleagues, like my partner, Question. I mainly buy jazz records because those are the records I truly just enjoy listening to. I also enjoy collecting new hip hop and soul records too. I don't really dig [or collect] for making music samples. Other than records, I like collecting vinyl toys, and random books and art prints.
9. From your skits, you obviously enjoy movies. What are some of your favourites?
From blockbusters to indie flicks, I like watching a wide array of movies. I really like watching the earlier works of directors, writers and actors before they got big. And films that really make your mind work, to the point where you have to watch it over a couple times. I don't watch films for sampling. I just remember parts here and there, so maybe I'll use them in some of my music.
10. You’ve given listeners your own take on songs by remixing the works of producers such as Victor Duplaix and Toro Y Moi. How do you choose what to remix?
I really enjoy remixing tracks that are not the most popular songs on albums. Of course some songs' a capellas aren't available, so in those cases I just try to find songs that are not heavy on drums.
11. What are you listening to besides your own music?
I listen to a lot of new and old stuff. At this very moment, I'm digging the producers Moods, IAMNOBODI, Hir-O and Tall Black Guy. I'm also listening to miscellaneous Latin jazz, soul songs and albums.
12. And lastly, what can we expect to hear from you in the near future?
It's been a year since my last official release, Fiberglass Kisses. So right now, I'm just working on tracks here and there. I haven't decided when to release another full-length featured album, but I'll still continue to work on small little EPs and free remixes.
Freddie Joachim and Yusai will be performing in Cape Town on November 28 at 8pm at Truth Coffee Cult, 36 Buitenkant Street (R100).
And in Johannesburg on November 30 at 2pm at King Kong, 6 Verwey Street, Troyeville (R150).
For tickets, click here.