Joki Unplugged: Inside The Creative Process Of A Genre-Defying Producer

In the ever-evolving landscape of music production, artists like Joki stand out not only for their versatility across genres but also for their unique approach to creating music.

Joki, who has a background in both pop and rap, has recently delved into the world of hyper-techno, a genre he approached without preconceptions about its traditional boundaries.

Joki explains his transition to hyper-techno not as a shift but as an integration of his musical passions. “I still produce both pop and rap music,” he says. “Even when I do the techno stuff, I often attack it as rap records. I didn’t really think about genres or anything like that, I just made some stuff that sounded cool to me, and combined different music styles I love.”

This seamless blending of genres is evident in his production process, which remains constant regardless of the musical style he’s working with. “My creative process is always the same in the way that I just do what feels right and cool to me – whatever that is, and regardless of genre,” Joki reflects. His approach is fluid, focusing on what feels right rather than adhering to any specific musical rules or genres.

Collaboration has been a cornerstone of Joki’s career, significantly influencing his production style. Working with artists like Britney Spears and XXXTentacion, along with numerous writers and producers, has helped him evolve his approach. “We inspire each other, share techniques, tricks, tips, and also production philosophy,” he notes, highlighting the dynamic exchange of ideas that fuels his creativity.

Despite his foray into hyper-techno, Joki views the genre through a familiar lens, likening it to the German hard dance/trance genre handz up, which he first produced in Ableton. This perspective allows him to leverage his previous experiences while exploring new sonic territories. “Hyper techno reminds me in many ways of handz up,” he says, drawing parallels between the kick and bass combos and bpm of the two genres.

One of Joki’s recent projects, ‘Buy A Castle,’ exemplifies his innovative approach. The track began as a collaboration in a studio in LA with Brayton (44phantom), involving freestyle takes and a guitar loop Joki created at home. “This song particular started with a guitar loop I made earlier at home with my guitars, but the key of the track was in a different key,” he explains. The production process involved transforming a guitar trap beat into techno and altering the key of the guitar while keeping the vocals in their original key.

In terms of tools, Joki relies on a mix of software like Ableton 11, FabFilter Pro Q3, and unique plugins such as joki filtr, alongside hardware such as the Tube-Tech CL1B and Prophet-6. These tools are integral to his production process, enabling him to shape his distinctive sound.

Looking ahead, Joki is enthusiastic about his future projects and the continuous evolution of his sound. “I’m stoked about everything that is happening right now,” he states. His goal is not to conform to one particular style but to continue producing music that resonates with his creative identity.

For aspiring producers looking up to him, Joki advises a deep dive into sound design and the fundamentals of synths. He encourages learning from existing presets and continuously seeking new knowledge. “There’s so much good production stuff available on YouTube and TikTok, and there’s always something new to learn,” he suggests, underscoring the importance of curiosity and continuous learning in the music production industry.