Maths Time Joy + Rich - Change (EP) + 10 Questions
For two artists that have only met once in person, the musical chemistry is undeniable. ‘Sometimes you have to find the point where you connect musically and other times it just instantly makes sense, and it was that way with Rich’ MTJ shared.
It was during that first and only meeting in which the demo of ‘Move’, a favourite off the EP was born. Due to the pandemic, the rest of the EP has been made remotely. Rich Explained: ‘When you're working remotely with someone it’s always harder to give that immediate feedback, but with Tim, I always trust that he's going to take it in a dope direction, so the back and forth feedback process isn’t quite as necessary for the music we make together’. Exchanging song ideas and beats via email formed more fully fledged stand out releases than they had planned, which naturally took form in this new EP ‘Change’.
Focus single ‘Call My Name’ revealed with the EP is a harmonious final piece of the puzzle. Sharing more, MTJ shared: “Call my name felt like the perfect way to finish off the project, I've always wanted to make a song like this and as soon as I heard Rich's vocals and all the harmonies I knew exactly where I wanted to take the production.”
Maths Time Joy & Rich sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
T: For me it was growing up listening to bands, The Clash, The Strokes, and then moving into production when I discovered Hip Hop.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
T: Frank Ocean or Bon Iver would be my dream collabs and both influence me a lot, musically and sonically. I love how they both are unique in what they do but they are both also always exploring new sounds.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?
T: Luckily for me and Rich we worked remotely anyway so it didn’t change too much, but on a personal level I think being stuck inside became restrictive creatively. It did allow me to make a bunch of beats though which I hadn't been able to do in a while so I’m grateful for that.
4. How would you describe your sound?
T: I think i’d describe it as a mix between soul/gospel and more modern experimental RnB production. I always grew up listening to post rock as well so i try to include the way those songs build, in our work together.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
T: I don’t know if there’s one single proudest moment, I know the grammy nomination felt like that, but really the smaller moments where people tell me that I inspired them to create music or to try a certain production sound, those moments mean more to me personally.
R: Performing Governor’s Ball in NYC with Chance the Rapper a couple years back was definitely a highlight.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
T: I think I would say , teach yourself as many skills as possible. So much of what I've experienced is just being ready for those moments that come along, and being ready to capitalise on them. Also I think having a good team around you is important, making sure you have people in your corner who have your best interests at heart, and who are driven too.
R: Sometimes I find it hard to give advice because every musician’s path is so vastly different but a random bit that comes to mind is to play long term games with long term people.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
T: I've been listening to a lot of Dijon, he has an album coming out soon, his music is always inspiring.
R: I really like an artist from Canada named Emanuel - the album he dropped this year has no skips.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
T: I’ve actually been going back and listening to a lot of bands i grew up with recently, System of a Down and Rage Against the Machine, and then also older bands like Pixies, Doolittle is one of my favourite albums.
R: Not sure exactly why but it’s all about “Boo Boo” by Toro y Moi and “Kid A” by Radiohead for me right now
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
T: I’m into films and cinema a lot, i've been trying to catch up on a lot of releases I didn't get to see last year.
R: Thrifting in Brooklyn is fun. Hiking in upstate New York in the fall is also fun.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
T: A guitar, headphones and Good food
R: Grether’s Pastilles, A warm jacket and my Nintendo Switch.