Joya Mooi Peeks At 'What's Around The Corner' In Her New Album

What's around the corner (side A) is an enthralling body of work that seeks to escape from the chaotic exterior world to find the quiet needed to fully contemplate it. It gives the impression that the world is in constant motion and we often wonder what’s next, feeling equal measures of excitement and dread, Joya captures the heart-lurching feeling before we jump.

Joya in ‘What dreams I’ve had’, marvels at the dreams she’s dreamt and the ability that dreams have had to incite change whether that be political, social or personal. All three are recurring themes that she returns to in the project.

Joya, speaking about the inspiration behind the track says “ With this project, I'm hoping to set some things in motion. Side A leans into escapism & seeking clarity; I’m sensing many things are reoccurring, noticing fuck ups of myself and the world. And I feel the growing need to do something about it. With Side B I'm hoping to bring resolution to end certain cycles.”

Joya finds the perfect modern R&B soundscape in ‘So Stunning’ as she relates with her listeners, the familiar conflicting feeling of leaving home for the first time and the sense of loss but the thrill of gaining freedom.

Speaking about ‘So Stunning’, “I speak of this tender longing for 'home'. A place you know all too well. Full of memories, in every corner. It's at its best when you're visiting. If you stay longer, you know again that things never change. It still has beauty, but once you leave, there is freedom. So Stunning is the exact right amount of nostalgia you can have about a place you’re from. It’s still full of beauty because you know you can leave - and be free.”

Joya sings sweetly on ‘Left Outside’ blossoming as she serenades her love interest in a pure ‘R&B track. In ‘Rosette’ she affectionately arranges words in a way that they hang in the air cementing the feelings of home explored in ‘So Stunning’ as she looks towards the Roselle hibiscus flower. And like the flower, she has bloomed.

The Dutch songbird opens up herself with the trap-infused track ‘You Know Me Well Now’ in a bid to foster a meaningful connection in a generation that prefers isolation and indifferent detachment. The slow-paced and emotive ‘Little Lies’ acts as the perfect interlude with Joya’s soulful vocals sparking a stirring.

On the jazzy-influenced number ‘Most Fail’, the rhythmic swing and live recorded instruments give off an intimate feel to the track. Joya sings charmingly, inspired by her father’s activism and his involvement with South Africa’s liberation against the apartheid. The singer uses her music to tell the stories of the people whose voices we can no longer hear.

Exploring the various influences in What’s Around the Corner ‘Sun Waves’ is a pop song that still retains Joya’s siren-like quality in her voice, whilst ‘Did Enough’ featuring Elijah Waters is a collection of dissonant sounds, experimentation and moody R&B that is spine spinetingling.

With Side B, set to be released in 2023, we cannot wait to hear the rest of the story.