Enfnts Terribles

How would you introduce yourself to someone who isn’t familiar with what you’re doing?

Basically, I’m Joya Mooi, and I’m a musician. I love to write honest tales: that’s my thing.

Your music is often described as feel-good music. How do you feel when you make music?

It’s funny that a lot of people view it as feel-good music. I really enjoy making music, but it comes from a very personal place. Sometimes, it’s a little bit dark or a little more cynical. It could be joyful as well. Making music comes very naturally to me, so I just feel human and feel like I’m listening to myself. From the little stories trapped inside of me to the bigger perspectives, I take what goes around in my mind seriously.

Your debut EP Blossom Carefully came out in 2020. Would you say you blossomed carefully throughout the past years?

I do think that I blossomed carefully, but I also learned to take my time with my music. Nowadays, everybody is focussing on speed, traction, and making content, but it works better for me when I take time with my music because then I’ll enjoy it as much as I can. So I’m finally blossoming carefully, yeah.

Writing is a big part of your life, so is it something you prefer to do on your own, or do you like writing in a group?

No, I always write alone. I try to take my thoughts seriously, and I do it better when I’m alone by myself or sometimes when I’m working with one producer. I think I wouldn’t be able to work if there are too many people in the room.

Is it frightening for you to release songs since your music is something very personal?

When I started releasing music—or maybe still—I’m aware that I’m putting out music, but when I hear the music aloud or hear other people reference it, I sometimes forget that they can listen to my music. (Laughs) I’m still making my way feeling okay with me being so personal in my music. It’s hard for me to not make music, so I rather have all my thoughts out there than hide in a closet and not let anyone in.

It’s probably also a bit of a relief to release music?

Yeah, the biggest.

We got a couple of singles last year. Is there a common theme throughout these songs?

They are really in line with each other, and I’m also figuring out the upcoming project we’re doing. I’m not sure yet what the form will be, but it’s definitely part of a series or a project.

Having that in mind, what are your plans for 2022?

Last year, I created a lot of music that I really like, so I’m still figuring out what I’m going to do with that project-wise. I think soonish there will be reworks and remixes coming out from three different producers. That’s first on my list.

Talent: Joya Mooi
Photography by Ines Vansteenkiste-Muylle
Assisted by

Special thanks to Stijn Kierkels (MOTEL)