Contributing Writer
Now out via The Martinez Brothers’ Cuttin’ Headz label, ‘Strange Dream’ sees UK producer Joey London Style step up with his most significant release to date. The two-tracker marks his debut on the Bronx-based imprint, introducing a fresh voice to the label’s growing roster of international club talent.
The EP features two standout cuts built for late-night moments; the title track, ‘Strange Dream’, is a hypnotic ride of low-slung grooves, warped synths, and sultry vocals, while ‘Soul Sucker’ ups the intensity with rugged basslines and tripped-out loops. With early support from the label heads themselves and a growing reputation through releases on Deeperfect and Take Notes, the release feels like a landmark moment in Joey’s fast-rising career.
With ‘Strange Dream’ now released, we caught up with Joey to hear how the record came together, what inspired its shape, and how the UK’s club culture continues to influence his sound…
Your new EP, ‘Strange Dream’, marks your debut on Cuttin’ Headz. How did the release with The Martinez Brothers’ label come about, and what does this mean for you personally and professionally?
I sent a bunch of tracks out to The Martinez Brothers the night before Miami Music Week. They downloaded them the same day and tested one out first at the DJMag party. A few hours later I got the go-ahead from their team saying they wanted it for the label, and it’s pretty much been in every set they’ve played since.
I’ve been so excited about this release and being on the label—very proud to be associated with the brand. It’s definitely THE label I’ve looked up to since starting, so it’s a big personal goal achieved.
Can you talk us through your creative process for the tracks, and how you approached capturing the EP’s late-night energy?
Both tracks I made were with the intention of being played at peak time. I try to always work around the basslines, adding elements to work around and complement it.
I also wanted to create something special with the breakdowns—almost take the track in a different direction, and then return to the groove and almost shock you. I always want to create music and sounds that surprise the crowd (in a good way, ha).
You’ve previously released music on respected imprints like Deeperfect and Take Notes. How would you say your sound has evolved leading up to the release of ‘Strange Dream’, and what influences are currently shaping your music?
I haven’t really swayed too far from what I was first making, which I’m quite proud of. I keep the same kind of structure and vibe to my music, but I’ve definitely evolved technically, which has helped me bring my ideas to life a lot easier and more efficiently.
I take a lot of influences from my early days being in the crowd, back in 2016/17. The music that was coming out back then was just the best—that was the music that made me fall in love with the scene, so I try to always refer back through my music.
Being based in Manchester but raised in North London, how have the UK’s various scenes influenced your approach to production and DJing?
Well a big one for me is going to Warehouse Project—it’s like my yearly hit of motivation and inspiration. Every time I go, I know I’m seeing the best of M Bros, Carola, Capriati & JJ. They really put on a show, and hearing music and sounds I’ve not heard before is the magic of it. It’s what makes me want to jump on my computer and make a track the second I get back from a night out.
Capriati did one of the most insane intros to his set at WHP, and I genuinely couldn’t work out what he was doing, but it was crazy good. The sounds and the crowd’s reaction inspired me so much—the next day, I made a track taking all of those onboard and created a breakdown that would blow the socks off the crowd. And I think it worked, haha.
Joey London Style ‘Strange Dream’ EP is out now on Cuttin’ Headz – buy HERE.
Follow Joey London Style on:
Instagram – Soundcloud
