let the music speak
When I first heard Joseph Scioli, an electronic dance artist from the United States, I was hooked. Hailing from South Jersey, Joseph just released a new single, is already working on his next release, and took time to sit down with me to reflect on his journey.
Inspired by the likes of Kaskade, Joseph Ray, and Estiva, Scioli is no stranger to the four-to-the-floor energy, and is quickly making a name for himself with his melodic palette and progressive sound. We became quick friends and I was eager to learn more about him. Not sure if he plays chess, but a photo of him glaring across a chess board felt like the perfect image to pair with this conversation. Sit back, relax, turn on “Need You” and enjoy this conversation. Because it is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Joseph Scioli.
Man, I am pumped for this conversation. Let’s start with your new single. Tell me more about “Need You” and where folks at home can hear it.
Thank you for having me Ricky! Honestly, this record came along shortly after moving back to South Jersey, where I found that feeling of home again. It’s available everywhere!
I love the artwork. Where is that and who designed it for you?
The picture was taken by one of my photographers, who is actually my brother! I was looking for a still that really encompassed the idea of “home” for me, and the beaches of South Jersey really brought that vision to life. Shoutout to my brother Nick for that one.
What was your thought process writing this single? And how long does it take you to complete a track like this?
It really depends on the mindset I have going into a session. Some songs take days or even weeks to sculpt; while others essentially write themselves. The ideas that come quicker are more often some of my favorites.
You released “Need You” on Friday, September 1, 2023. Is that a special day for you or was it just when the song was ready to be unleashed?
My friends and I call this month “local summer”. It’s that time of year around here where the tourists head out and it’s just us again. The crowds are gone but the islands and beaches still have that Indian summer life to them. To me, this song really reminds me of that sort of atmosphere.
Do you know how to play chess, or did you just pose for that photo? The lighting is perfect!
I do! I started playing when I was in middle school but got really into it during the lockdown. I’d play with my roommates and friends from college while listening to the virtual festivals that went on, all day long. And got to thank my mom for that one, she helped set up the golden hour shot.
I am obsessed with Spotify and listening to podcasts on iTunes. What service do you use and do you have any plans for producing a podcast anytime soon? I’d subscribe!
I’m right there with you. I love Spotify and Apple Music, but got to shed some love for YouTube and SiriusXM Chill. Find some of my favorite tunes from there. And as for podcasts, I’d love to!
Who are some of your biggest influences and what are you listening to when not working on your next single?
I’ve always been a diehard Kaskade fan, from his oldest records (It’s You, It’s Me) to his newer v3/Kx5 sound – I genuinely love it all. The Anjuna cast is constantly in my headphones too, it’s a dream to find myself on their label one day.
I know you just released “Need You” but are you working on anything else right now? And are you planning to release another single or an EP?
Absolutely! Got a few things in my corner. Would love to spill, but where’s the fun in that?! Perhaps a remix may be finding its way out soon. (Hint, Hint)
You are based in South Jersey. Any good nightclubs in town?
There’s not too many down by me, but The Ave in Philly holds some amazing events. HQ2 Nightclub & Beach Club in Atlantic City and The RITZ Ybor in Tampa are also some favorites of mine.
After you released “Need You” I found your Summer ’21 mix on SoundCloud. That is an hour of sheer melodic bliss. Do you remember recording that set and how do you know when a set like that is ready to be released?
For sure. That was a period when I was really honing into my sound, finding out what worked and what didn’t. And there’s never really a time when you know something is finished or ready to be shared. For me, it’s more of an active decision I have to make, like telling myself, “Hey dude, this is great and more importantly, it’s you. Let’s move on!”
What is the meaning behind your logo? And who designed that for you? It looks great, man. Well done!
Thank you! I actually made that myself. At first I dabbled with graphic design for fun, but eventually gained enough experience to start curating it in tandem with my sound. It’s been a long process though; some of my closest fans may remember me performing under a different name, something about a tropical tree maybe?
What is the Rinse & Repeat guest mix all about? Did you produce that entire episode? And is that you on the cover?
That is me, I was brought out to perform a live set for Apple Podcasts. Had a great time and got to play out some of my favorite tunes! You can check that out here.
Digging your remix of “All On Me” featuring Zhu. What is your process for remixing a song? And why remix a song versus producing something original? That song is fire, by the way!
Thank you! It’s a different beast remixing a record. On one hand, you want to create something authentic, but also keep that magical feeling from the original. Balancing that is tough, but I feel like I was able to do it justice.
I know you are just getting started here, but any plans for a tour this fall? Eager to see you perform!
Nothing’s set in stone, but I’ll be traveling down to Tampa and Orlando later this fall. I’d love to get back on the road this year, so definitely reach out to your local venues and promoters!
We’ve talked about a lot today. What else can you tell me about “Need You” and Joseph Scioli? Is there anything we’ve missed?
We hit a lot! Well, I played baseball for a few years in college. Absolutely love the sport and still play it with my brothers from time to time. Huge Pokémon nerd as well. Can’t believe I forgot to tell you, but I have a co-producer! His name is Chase, he’s a 7-year old golden retriever rescue. He’s truly a good boy.
Thanks for doing this, man. That was fun! In all of the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Really appreciate the time Ricky! Hope to hang out again soon. And I need to thank all my fans for supporting this project, it means the world to me. Go check out my website if you want to hear more, and as always – let the music speak.
For more information about Joseph Scioli, go to:
Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Intstagram | Facebook | YouTube | SoundCloud
