Features: This month we talk to Joey Slvr ! DJ, Producer and Inner Sense label boss

Features: This month we talk to Joey Slvr ! DJ, Producer and Inner Sense label boss

We caught up with London-based DJ, Producer and Inner Sense label boss, Joey SLVR, for a chat about all things house…

Looks like it’s been a busy year on the music front so far.

[Joey SLVR] Feels that way, no rest for the wicked. I can’t stand still for long and constantly have ideas for the next thing, so it’s been another hectic year of new productions, keeping busy with radio shows, great gigs out in Ibiza for the summer, at Ministry of Sound later this month and driving my label, Inner Sense Music.

Looking back where did this all start for you?

[Joey SLVR] I’ve been an avid electronic music fan since I can remember. 90’s rave and hardcore was the start for me, but I love all kinds of music and have produced for over 30 years.

Back in the day I was lucky to play Ibiza in the 90’s and at Ministry, so it’s great to still be doing it in 2023.

In more recent years, I’ve been fortunate to get to know and have support from some real heroes of mine; the godfather of house Victor Simonelli, the Cleveland City Records family with Simon Storer, Danny and Carl. Plus, the discerning ear of Johan at Subtractive, Kev and a Gary from the Hoxton Whores and now joining Joe Ventura’s Big Speaker Music. 

I think it’s over 20 labels supporting the music now.

And what do you prefer, producing, radio or playing in clubs?

[Joey SLVR] I’ve always loved radio for breaking new music and used to listen to pirates such as Unity, Force, Kool, Cyndicut, Weekend Rush. Too many to mention. For kids and teens in the 90’s they were the lifeblood of electronic music if you couldn’t get into clubs or find illegal raves. 

I’m enjoying my new weekly time slot on Select as a way of breaking new music to house and electronic music lovers, and now bringing some Balearic sounds to Ibiza’s Passion FM with a monthly show across the island.

Plus, I love listening to the likes of Fresh Soundz, Centreforce, Shine, Release Radio, Funky SX. For me it’s always been about creating connections and supporting people that are in it for the music.

Producing for me is cathartic, something I’ve done since I can remember, but I love it best when inspiration strikes, could be another track, a score in a film, spoken words or just a riff, rhythm, or a vocal that pops into your head. 

Nothing can beat playing the right music to a receptive crowd though. RUSH at the amazing Tantra Ibiza was off the scale and that night will stay with me for a long time. In a world often spent in front of screens, there’s no substitute for real-world experiences. 

Tell us a bit about the new label.

[Joey SLVR] Inner Sense is born out of passion and desire to support original house and electronic music from talented producers. Before I started it, I had plenty of advice about the reality of what it takes to grow a label, but in the words of Kev Mac (K69) it was ‘an itch I had to scratch’.

We’ll release about 24 tracks this year and I’m thrilled to have artists such as Col Lawton, Stardate, Piano & Specs and Andy Bach on board.

All artists I play in my sets, I wanted to build a credible label without a ghost producer in sight. We’re specialising in deep house and electronica, but if it’s quality electronic music that stirs the emotions and moves your feet, it has a place. We don’t worry about genres and have seen some huge support and top 100 positions on Beatport & Traxsource, but it’s just getting started.

What’s next for you and the label?

[Joey SLVR] Trying to make a dent in the history of house music is no mean feat, but I’ll keep pushing on. I take quite a cerebral approach to music and love the art of pairing the right music with the right visuals, moments and experiences. So exploring how we can do that more with Inner Sense ‘By Day’ and ‘By Night’ concepts. 

Lastly, what music are you feeling at the moment? 

[Joey SLVR] Ask me on any day and I’ll give you a different answer. Right now, I have Jimpster’s tunes on repeat during the day for perfect summer listening, Will Easton’s tracks create standout moments in any set and Simon Doty can do no wrong. I’m terms of DJ’s I admire, the likes of Richy Ahmed, Joris Voorn and Hot Since 82.

You can catch Joey SLVR at Ministry of Sound 18th August and stay up to date with Inner Sense’s tracks on the official Inner Sense Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ShWQn2pKWPHcdLLRD2k5I?si=HerVfzG2Qra1YscLo3iDDw