Artist Spotlight: Joyhauser
When you revisit your older tracks today, how do you feel about the artists you were then?
Looking back at our older tracks feels a bit like opening an old photo album, you recognize yourselves, but you also see how much you’ve grown. Those tracks capture the hunger and raw energy we had in the early years. They remind us of a time when we were experimenting nonstop, learning who we were sonically, and figuring things out as we went. It was a long road for sure.
We’re proud of those records because they show the foundation of the Joyhauser sound. At the same time, when we listen now, we hear all the things we would approach differently today: the mix, the structure, the sound design. But that evolution is exactly what keeps this journey exciting. The past motivates us, but it doesn’t define us.
With everything you’re doing right now, what excites you the most when you walk into the studio?
What excites us most when we walk into the studio these days is the feeling that absolutely anything can happen. We’re at a point where ideas flow quickly and naturally, and our technical skills finally match the creativity in our heads. And of course, Stijn’s inner music nerd definitely plays a role. That same kid who once opened FL Studio on a dusty old Pentium computer and got obsessed with every button is still very much alive. The fascination for new gear, fresh tools, and exploring the limits of sound never went away, if anything, it’s stronger than ever. There’s always some new synth, plugin, or piece of hardware that sparks inspiration the moment we switch it on.
But beyond the gear, what really gives us a rush is knowing that something we create in that little room might end up echoing through a festival somewhere in the world. The connection between the studio and the stage has never felt tighter. Every session feels like uncovering the next piece of who we are as artists, and that’s what keeps us coming back with excitement every single time.
What can fans expect from you in the coming months? New releases, new sounds, or perhaps exciting live shows?
In the coming months, fans can expect us to keep pushing ourselves into new territory. We’ve been spending a lot of time in the studio exploring fresh ideas, challenging our habits, and trying to break out of our own patterns. After so many years of producing, it’s important for us to constantly rediscover what makes the Joyhauser sound unique, and lately we’ve been really focused on finding that next evolution.
We’re experimenting with different approaches, new techniques, and unexpected directions, and that process has been incredibly inspiring. It’s less about chasing trends and more about surprising ourselves again. And of course, there will be new music and plenty of shows — some big festivals, some intimate nights — but what excites us most is bringing this renewed creative energy to the stage. We want people to feel that we’re not standing still, that we’re growing and reinventing ourselves while staying true to who we are. 2025 is shaping up to be a year of exploration for us, and we can’t wait to share the results.