Filled with infectious grooves, energetic pulses and an adrenaline reserved for club dancefloors, “Joyous People (South East Corner)” by JOY (Anonymous) is a celebration of tech house community. The British electronic duo released the dynamic EP via Astralwerks on September 20, 2024.
“Joyous People (South East Corner)” is unique because it is a reflection of the valuable relationships JOY (Anonymous) has cultivated over their careers. Aside from the 38-second “Nowhere at 8:32 PM” track, each song on the EP is a collaboration with someone the duo has formed a friendship with. Added clips of mic recordings taken straight from their live shows make the listening experience more intimate. From garage producer Todd Edwards to Bengali DJ Surya Sen, the EP is, at its core, a multidimensional work of art.
JOY (Sun On My Skin) – JOY (Anonymous), Todd Edwards, Reggie Watts
“JOY (Sun On My Skin)” combines JOY (Anonymous)’s layered techno melodies with Todd Edwards‘ garage producing skills and Reggie Watts‘ impromptu spoken-word talents. The opener for this EP is upbeat and optimistic, with lyrics such as “We’re gonna be here for a long time for a good time” and “Sunlight on your face.” Capping at three minutes and 41 seconds, this track is an energetic introduction to the strong sense of community “Joyous People (South Easy Corner)” embodies.
JOY (No Slip In My Faith) – JOY (Anonymous), Messie
“JOY (No Slip In My Faith)” welcomes Messie to the forefront of the stage. Quite literally, as JOY (Anonymous) collaborated with the New Zealand DJ during their Shangri-La Nowhere Takeover at Glastonbury in June. Featuring unique synth rhythms and soulful “no slip in my faith” vocals, the track is intricately woven with a funky, intimate pulse.
JOY (Without Your Touch) – JOY (Anonymous), Surya Sen
Surya Sen, a British/Bengali DJ and producer, continues the house-esque flow of vocal loops in “JOY (Without Your Touch).” The third track features a bit of rap from Sen himself, followed by a section that removes the driving bassline and highlights sporadic synth patterns. Seamlessly blending these layered instrumentals, JOY (Anonymous)’s collaboration with Sen creates an electric song and iconic friendship.
JOY (If You Want) – JOY (Anonymous), Champion
Beginning with a funky, repetitive vocal loop, “JOY (If You Want)” cements the growing feeling of inclusivity with an intro clip that includes the lines, “This one goes out to every single person out there. I don’t care what color, what race, what nationality. We’re one family.” Champion is a beatsmith from East London who adds their own UK flair to the piece. The three minute and 55 second-long track emphasizes vocals while slowing down the underlying pulse.
Nowhere at 8:32 PM – JOY (Anonymous)
While just 38-seconds long, “Nowhere at 8:32 PM” captures the audience’s live reaction when told they’d be hearing an exclusive JOY (Anonymous) track for the first time. Listeners catch reverberated snippets of the following track, before seemingly seguing into the final track of “Joyous People (South East Corner).”
JOY (By My Side) – JOY (Anonymous), Sammy Virji
Rich with soulful vocals and an intensity that drives the EP to its closing, “JOY (By My Side)” is a spirited track that captures dance floor adrenaline and immersive key changes. In collaboration with DJ and producer Sammy Virji, the track was initially released as a single on September 17, 2024 and is infused with Virji’s fast-paced spin.
About the Artist
JOY (Anonymous) performed at Glastonbury’s Shangri-La for the third time ever this past June. Curating their own stage, the duo had the opportunity to go B2B with their favorite DJs and friends, some of which were featured in “Joyous People (South East Corner).” These friendships and the resulting EP are a tribute to JOY (Anonymous)’s personal belief that music is influential in transforming and uplifting communities. Their role in today’s DJ culture is evident in the incredibly creative music they produce. Listeners across the world will no doubt lose themselves in the captivating, propulsive rhythms of “Joyous People (South East Corner).”
Listen to “Joyous People (South East Corner)” here. Stay up to date on JOY (Anonymous) by checking out their website, YouTube, Instagram, X and TikTok.