Meet the MusicWorks Artist in Residence: Joe Silva

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Joe Silva (Photo: Ahr-Keyn / Courtesy of MEME)

Coming up on Saturday, November 26, producer, DJ, and composer, Joe Silva will be joining us as our Artist in Residence. Get to know him a little better through this brief Q+A…

Hailing from Winnipeg, Joe Silva began writing music as a teenager. Combined with his obsession for electronics, he eventually discovered the strange world of synthesizers and it was love at first sight. Releasing under the name They Never Sleep in 1987, his first EP was in the vein of 'new wave'. It wasn't until a stint of early '90s clubbing in Europe that he cemented his love for house music and he hasn't looked back since. His productions have found their way onto labels like Stickman, Viva!, Guesthouse, and Nordic Trax. He's also stepped into composing roles, scoring eleven feature films and dozens of shorts, documentaries, and commercials.

How did you get into this racket anyhow?

I quit my day job in August 2001 to pursue music full time and have made a living writing and playing music ever since.

What’s your favourite flavour of potato chips?

Sriracha and Sour Cream.

What’s the last album you listened to in its entirety?

Ali Khan – Devotion.

Robots or dinosaurs?

Robots.

What’s the most indispensable piece of gear you’ve got in your studio?

Grado SR325 headphones.

If you HAD to take a job outside of the music biz and you could do anything you want, what would it be?

Undertaker.

Super hero abilities – pick only one: flying, invisibility, super strength, telepathy

Invisibility.

What drives you to keep making music today?

To add to the beauty in the world.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY

Joe will work in 45-minute, one-on-one sessions with local artists to help shape or complete a song, or get general feedback and guidance on a composition. Potential applicants are encouraged to bring in a partially-completed piece as a starting point.

This opportunity is only open to members, cost is $10. If you wish to have a chance to work on a song with Joe, please email a link to your Manitoba Music profile (updated with current music, bio, etc.) to david@manitobamusic.com. Members will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

Register online, or to get more info, please contact:

David Landreth, Professional Development Coordinator
Manitoba Music
P: 204.975.5188
E: david@manitobamusic.com

MusicWorks is made possible by the generous support of the Province of Manitoba through Industry Services of Manitoba Jobs and the Economy; the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) through the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters; The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group; and The SOCAN Foundation.

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