‘Infinity’ is the third EP in two years from Naarm/Melbourne artist Juno Mamba (real name Vinci Javier), following June’s ‘Freedom’ and 2020s critically acclaimed ‘Light Echoes’, which gained support from tastemaker DJs including TSHA, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and Bob Moses as well as Annie Mac and Sian Eleri at BBC Radio 1.
Out today, Juno Mamba debuts on the London-based electronic label Anjunadeep with ‘Blue Light’. The single is taken from his EP ‘Infinity’, out November 3rd, in partnership with Australian label Soothsayer.
‘Infinity’ is about the infinite gratitude Vinci has for love and for the women in his life that taught him the meaning of love. A love letter to those who made him the person he is today, with each chapter conveying a formative experience.
He details: “I hope this music will encourage people to show love for one another because life is a short journey, and the world can do with some right now. Like with all my music, it’s intended to be contemplative and reflective with the hope of unifying us to celebrate life. For me, the memories we create will live beyond our physical life.
What’s your story as an artist?
I was born in the Philippines and moved to Australia when I was 5 years old. I discovered music through my mother, who’s an incredible classical pianist. I used music as a way to feel accepted. Music protected me from the real world and made me feel safe. Throughout high school my main instrument was guitar and I played in punk bands. Eventually I found myself drawn to music recording and production, and would go on to record my friend’s bands in high school and university. Although I played guitar in bands, my passion for music production would eventually spill over to electronic music, once I discovered the club scene in Melbourne and started attending music festivals. Once those two things crossed over, I felt excited again about music.
What do you want your music to communicate?
My music is intended to be contemplative and reflective; to make people look internally and externally. I want people to feel love and hope.
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
I draw inspiration from my life experiences and the human emotional connection.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
Tadao Ando and Jean-Michel Basquiat
What’s the record or artist that made you realize you wanted to be an artist?
Daniel Johns
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
My latest single Blue Light is inspired by my first underage disco. Being surrounded by friends, strangers, lights, and loud music was pure joy. I wanted to capture that youthful energy in this song. Sonically I was guided by my beautiful memories of this time. The vocals were written by my high school friend who was with me that very night, about 17 years ago.
What inspires your sound?
I’m inspired by making electronic instruments and production sound as human as possible. Deliberately making things sound imperfect and constantly shifting and bending.
What’s your favorite tune of yours?
Flicker was the very first song I wrote and kickstarted this journey. It was inspired by a trip to Japan, so it will always be a significant composition and achievement for me.
Where are some things you really want to accomplish as an artist?
Creating my debut album, touring internationally and meeting new people along the way.
Favorite lyric you ever wrote?
I collaborated with an artist by the name of ANTONMOND on one of my tracks titled 1996. This is the first song I’d written that featured vocals. We worked closely together on the concept and emotions I wanted the lyrics to portray. I love this particular verse and the imagery it paints.
Pray for healing,
10 years old,
A childhood dreaming,
Leaves the cold,
Ignore the ceilings,
They’ll never hold,
So just look twice before you step out.
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?
I felt like giving up right before I wrote Flicker. If I hadn’t have finished that track, I might be doing something completely different right now.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Work on your craft every day.
Where do you think the next game-changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
Technology will be a big factor in the music industry, not only for artists but also consumers. It will influence the way we create, release, perform and consume music. It’s an exciting time to be alive and experience what’s ahead of us.