For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and a little bit about the music that you make?

My name is Joanie. I’m from Johannesburg. I’m the daughter of a spy and the granddaughter of a nun and so I come from a long line of rebellious women.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had creative projects on the go (from dancing to cowboy boot making to fashion design/ styling) and attended Saint Martins. I found music to be the most satisfying and authentic outlet for me

I find the most freedom in writing electronic music. I’m inspired by Giorgio Moroder, Donna Summer, John Maus, Throbbing Gristle,The Fall, Madonna, Cher and contemporary artists such as Eartheater, FKA Twigs, Sega Bodega

What do you love about being a solo artist?

Total creative freedom is really important to me. But equally, the opportunity to collaborate has really expanded my ability as a songwriter.

Can you tell us more about how you produce your music?

I’m a very visual person and I love stories and drama. Sometimes I’ll watch a movie that I find aesthetically stimulating on silent and just write free flow and often a song comes out: I’ll just immerse myself in that world and imagine what it sounds and feels like —it’s escapism.

I create everything on Logic. Much of this is self taught.

Jessica Winter produced my debut EP and I also loved working with such a talented woman!

Your new single ‘Kerosene’ holds themes of obsession and escapism. What inspires your lyrics?

I wrote the lyrics to this song when I was getting sober. I was reflecting on my un-sober experiences. It was a really transformative period of my life. I was working through a lot of neurosis, hence the EP title Neurotica.

We love the video for ‘Kerosene’. How involved in the concept for the video were you?

A brilliant director called Ash K Halliburton sent me the concept for the video after having heard the song and I felt a real synergy between our visual language. I was inspired by a 70’s arthouse homoerotic movie called Pink Narcissus. We wanted to incorporate the campiness/ fantasy elements encapsulated in this movie.

This single is taken from your forthcoming debut EP, “Neurotica”. How are you feeling about releasing it in to the world?

I feel really excited about it. Channelling those heavy emotions through up beat disco sounds was a way of reclaiming the power of those feelings, whilst forcing me not to take myself too seriously.

What’s it like working with the label Permanent Creeps?

I’m really pleased to be approached by them and about their enthusiasm for my project.

Permanent Creeps are a label who are known for helping new artists debut their work. I think labels like these are really important for musicians making a start in their careers. They have released music from some really interesting artists like Heartworms, Peeping Drexels, Blue Bendy, and GayGirl( Now Mynk)

You’ve supported a range of incredible bands: Insecure Men, Black Lips, Sorry, PVA, The Moonlandingz and Fat White Family. Do you have any interesting untold stories from touring?

What goes on tour stays on tour! My lips are sealed!

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s important to you?

I was a die hard Nirvana fan. The first CD I brought when I was about ten years old was In Utero. This kind of music made me feel ok about being a little bit of an outcast. Which I now think is cool! Heart Shaped Box still has a place in my heart (shaped box).

Is there any new music from 2022 you have been enjoying?

In love with Jockstrap’s new album. I find their melodies and instrumental compositions quite magic. There’s also Sorry and Kendrick!

What advice would you give for anyone trying to achieve a similar sound to your music?

Don't let perceived limitations such as finances or lack of musical training stop you from pursuing a creative outlet that excites you. You don’t have to fit into one genre. The intersection is where you create original sound.

What do you love right now?

Drag Queens —I spent a time working as a dancer in a place where there were many drag queens and I was touched by their audacious and seductive ways. For me it’s all about camp glamour and aggressive self acceptance!

What do you hate right now?

I have an intense fear of confined spaces and crustaceans.

Is there a particular place in the world you would love to play a gig one day?

Vegas, baby!

Is there anything you would like to share with our readers?

Neurotica.