The professional House Music paradigm, roughly designed and somewhat perfected, inadvertently launched during the genre's sophormoric era of the 1990's, has spawned with each passing year thirsty “hopefuls” who crave to eat of its tart and most times bitter fruit. There is so much joy in those green and starry-eyed hopefuls, some may fall by the wayside because they realize that it is work. Their agenda is not to contribute to the scene by telling their musical story but to wear their story. The “roll-up-your-sleeve-and-get-on-your-grind” ethic is too much of a reality for this breed who want what they want now! However, out of that host, there is a collective of young men and women of the second generation of House Music enthusiasts who have dared to reach beyond the confines of their selected House Music role. It is not enough for them to have baby powder saturated around their feet while performing and demonstrating their “footwork” or feats of acrobats within the dance floor circle ring. These precocious House Music aficionados of the late 80’s and early 90’s have come of age. They seek gratification else where, keeping their musical roots firmly intact never forgetting what has brought them to this point in their newly found, musical career.
These are the new, hip, hot, utterly refreshing new breed, painting a more distinctive face to the scene. They exhibit the youthful passion of the twenty-something House music sector, hoping to capture that generation and solidify their position by grabbing the torch away from those ancient artifacts and pioneer dinosaurs. Joey Anderson, dancer, choreographer, DJ, producer and now the label owner of Inimeg Records is one that stands among them. Under 40, this Hoboken, New Jersey native is the future of House Music, breaking the mold of what is and borrowing from what was and braiding it into a progressive musical esthetic for future generations to come. FIDA had the opportunity to chat with this intelligent rebel who shares with FIDA his most intimate and profound thoughts about his career as a House Music dancer/choreographer and his transition into DJing, music production and launching Imimeg Records.FIDA - When did you 1st begin to see yourself as person with an ear for music?
Joey Anderson - I think around the age of nine. Being an addict for wearing headphones all day at baseball practice, while doing homework, and then sleeping with them. Music always made things in real life make sense to me.
FIDA - Musically speaking, did you always think"out of the box"?
JA - Well, being a teenager in the 90's and listening to the hip hop and the House Music that was emerging influenced me...it sort of like...gave me a certain foundation that might be slightly different than a teenager in the 60's being influenced by what music was out during that time.
FIDA - Was anyone in your family into music?
JA - Many of my cousins were musicians and vocalists. But my family also extends to my neighborhood family. We either danced, played sports, tagged (grafitii),or spit lyrics.
FIDA - When did House Music become an interest for you?
JA - My sister was a dancer for her high school team. She was rehearsing her routine at home and was playing a tape with the music for their show. Some of the stuff was popular but then there was some other stuff that was nothing like I ever heard before. Later, I found out it was some early Chicago House stuff.
FIDA - When did you become recognized for club dancing?
JA - Sometime in the early to mid 90s. I was approached by some influential people who pioneered the style of house dancing. They started inviting me to gatherings, sessions, video tryouts and stuff. I figured if they are approaching me...I must be doing something right.
FIDA - What was it about dancing that drew you and made you want to excel at it?
JA - I think the athletics, esthetics, and the freedom of expression involved in House dancing drew me to it. I use to hunt for all the underground house parties, because I knew the best house dancers were there. I use to watch them all night and go home saying, "I want to be as good as they are." Then, I would practice everyday.
FIDA - When did dancing become a profession for you?
JA - I never planned to or set out for a profession to become a house dancer. It kinda just happened naturally. As I moved along in the underground house scene, kats started approaching me and asking me to teach them. I was confused at first because I never looked at myself as a teacher, nor did I go around saying I was a teacher. I thought they were joking, but quickly I realized they were not. So I tried it and it was a wrap.
FIDA - How did Japan come to fleece you off to teach their dancers?
JA - Many of my early students were Japanese. As they developed back in their country, they later started inviting me their to do guest performances and teach classes. They treated me great!
FIDA - What did you get out of your experience as a choreographer?
JA - I always felt creativity, command of the language of dance and storytelling was my strongest feature as a house dancer. As I worked more jobs, I later learned the beauty of choreography. My refusal to deal with choreography early on only delayed my path to get to a finished product with my dance skills.
FIDA - Do you still travel to Japan to teach?
JA - I haven't lately...but it's almost overdue.
FIDA - When did you start DJing?
JA - I started DJing some time around 1998-1999. Of course I was toying around at home at first. My friend Roc use to come by and spin records with me. Then Qu and David S. invited me to spin records with them. I really learned a lot from them...how to blend...pitch...build my style up. Big ups to the EXCHANGE PLACE crew.
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| Joey Anderson @ Flowerzindattic 2005 |
JA - My first inspiration when producing music or DJing is heavily influenced heavily by having the mind as a dancer and I'm not talking about two stepping. If I can flow off it, then I believe someone else can too some where haha! So far, Im really happy. Things look good. I've received great support in certain parts of the world and domestically also...Y'all know who u are...Jose Miguel (peace). I think a big support is also coming from London too.
FIDA - What is it about DJ you fear the most and how does being a dancer help you?
JA- I guess the most I fear is trying to please the dance floor. It's difficult to please everyone. I approach DJing in the way I want the music delivered to me when I'm dancing. The beginning style, the middle style, the ending, then the transition back to the beginning.
FIDA - Where have you spun so far?
JA - I was lucky to play at Club House with Anthony Parasole and Jus-ed, as you know Flowerz in the Attic, Stay, Sound Noir, and a few more. Also I played a few online shows. More will come thanx to all that have invited me...y'all know who u are!
FIDA - What made you want to start your record label, INIMEG Records?
JA - After working with DJ Qu, David S.,and Nicuri with the EXCHANGE PLACE releases, I really fell in love in the process of making tracks. I always enjoy tracks that bring an awesome visionary enigma with them. It's like you can see the music. Starting Inimeg gives me an outlet for being creative and staying true to my musical roots and also sharing my ideas.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of Joey Anderson and the Deep House Musings of Inimeg Records.
