Meet Joyie Lai

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyie Lai.

Hi Joyie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started playing guitar when I was 13 years old. I grew up playing in church, and throughout my music journey, I always thought that playing guitar was all there was to me in music. After high school, I was very set on pursuing a music career, so I enrolled in a local college in Malaysia to study contemporary music. My guitar teacher in college was the one who introduced me to jazz music. I immediately fell in love with it, as jazz gives me the freedom to create my own melodies. This led me to perform at many jazz gigs and festivals around Malaysia. Since I was young, I’d always wanted to travel and experience the big world. That’s what made me decide to come to the US. Before coming to the US, I always thought that I wanted to be a music composer (which I still am!). During the pandemic, I was watching a lot of Jacob Collier’s production breakdown videos and thought to myself, “I want to know how to do that!” which then led me to pursue a Music Production and Engineering major.

I discovered this newfound passion for engineering and producing. Soon I realized that I really enjoyed being an engineer in the studio; it made me appreciate the technical side of how to actually make a record sound good. I think being a producer and engineer can be as creative as being a composer. Instead of melodies and harmonies, we are shaping sounds and timbres. It has also changed the way I listen to music. Transforming from a performing musician to a music engineer, I discovered that my passion is more than just playing music; my passion is making music!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is always full of ups and downs. That’s the fun part, isn’t it? Coming from a small country, Malaysia, I am considered very privileged to have the opportunity to study abroad here in the US. It’s not easy. My parents sacrificed a lot just so I could be here, and I will be forever grateful for that.

I believe the key to success is hard work. As long as you’re willing to do the work, you’ll be one step closer to where you want to be. It can be exhausting. But I’m glad to be surrounded by great friends and family that have been my comfort zone in times of stress. I think it’s really important to have people around you who are really supportive and understanding of your career. Especially since being in the music industry is a risky road. The level of competition is very high, as everyone always strives to be the best. You’ll always find someone who is better than you, sometimes leading to many insecurities and doubts. I’m still learning to not let it get in my head. I believe that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses in different areas. Some people may be better at certain things, but that doesn’t mean what you are capable of doesn’t hold any value. These challenges are what help me become a more secure and efficient musician every day.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently finishing up my degree in Music Production and Engineering at Berklee. Before coming to the US, I was working as a guitarist back home in Malaysia. My time at Berklee has allowed me to discover a new passion being an audio engineer and music producer. Currently, I am spending most of my time in the studio recording and mixing. I recently did an in-studio tracking concert where we had the jazz fusion band in the live room recording while there were audiences watching with headphones on. (A little like those Snarky Puppy sessions)

Aside from that, I always love to work with new artists because every person is a unique individual of their own and will have something different to bring to the table. Working with new artists challenges me to expand my creativity and artistry. If you show the same song to a hundred people, that’s one song being listened to from a hundred different perspectives!

Although being busy in the studio takes up a lot of my time, I still enjoy performing and try my best to make time for it. I still play some guitar gigs here and there, and I recently got to perform at the MGM Fenway Music Hall in Boston for the Alicia Keys showcase with Berklee. Playing the guitar has always been a huge part of my musical journey, so it’s hard for me to put it down.

Additionally, I am currently working on my very first EP! It consists of a bunch of music that I composed during the pandemic. I am self-producing and co-engineering this EP, which is why I am really excited to release it.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood moments was when, after school, I would go out cycling around the neighborhood area while listening to music on my headphones. I really cherish that memory, as I feel like that’s when my relationship with music began. It was like a safe space for my mind as I shut the world off and immersed myself in this whole different universe. Whenever I doubt myself about whether I made the right decision to pursue a music career, I reflect on this memory, which reassures me that yes, this is what I’ve been passionate about since day one. Music has played and continues to play an important role in my life. It might be important to someone else out there as well. This thought always encourages me to continue making music.

Even today, I still walk around listening to music. Back in Malaysia, I used to go on drives around the city, but now in Boston, where the weather is not that hot and humid, some days I like to take a breather and take a walk alone with my earphones by the Charles River. I’m looking forward to when I move to LA and drive again, maybe exploring some secret spots around. I believe everyone needs a pause button to unwind from this chaotic world we’re in, and walking around listening to music is my pause button.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyie.lai/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyiexinyuerlai
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3GAe8O7rjNgyVOfUY1o11g
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11345228/

Image Credits
Name: Amir Halevi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amirhalevi_photography/?hl=en Website: https://amirhalevi8.wixsite.com/mysite-1 Name: Kelly Davidson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdstudio/ Name: Krishna Dinata Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krishna_gkd/ Name: Rishabh Rajan Website: https://www.rishabhrajan.com/