Hacking The System / Jovynn

In conversation with the up and coming DJ from Malaysia.

Jo Vynn made a name for herself with high-energy mashups that took over TikTok, but her sound goes far beyond viral trends. She’s built a reputation for blending sharp, club-ready edits with the raw energy, creating sets that feel as unpredictable as they are explosive. Inspired by the ever-shifting landscape of electronic music, she moves between genres without hesitation, keeping her sound fresh and unpredictable. Now she’s more focused than ever on refining her own style, one that thrives on contrast, intensity and the kind of tracks that hit hardest on a packed dancefloor.

Describe the environment you’re in and the mindset you’re currently experiencing.

I’m in a really relaxed state right now. Every day, I wake up with the motivation to be inspired by more things—whether it’s people, music, or art—each experience shapes my music in a unique way. I’m surrounded by a lot of people in the creative field.

What first pulled you into music? Was there a specific moment that made you realise this was your path?

I’ve always been into music, and it has always been a huge part of my life. When people say they don’t have a playlist or just listen to the radio without any favorite tunes, I go speechless. How can you not have an anthem of your own or admire any artists when there’s so much talent out there?! I picked up the piano when I was a child (not by choice) because, in an Asian household, 99% of children will be forced into piano classes. But I’m super grateful that my mom made me learn it because it’s such useful knowledge to have today. I also looked up to a lot of bands as a child and was constantly streaming their music. I knew one day I wanted to be in the music field, whether as a frontman or working in the backend. I loved every genre and have been in every phase of music—alternative, electronic—you name it.

From TikTok to the underground—how do you navigate the line between mass appeal and artistic integrity?

It can be quite challenging sometimes because I have people coming to my shows expecting the TikTok and commercial songs. When I was transitioning, I’d always find a way to mix them both together so it appeals to both crowds. My focus this year is to play music that I truly like, even if it isn’t for the masses but for the community. Being able to play music that the masses like is nice, but having your own sound and being known for your own tunes feels more rewarding when it’s genuinely your own work.

Your mashups have become anthems of digital culture. Do you ever feel constrained by virality, or does it fuel your evolution as an artist?

Not really. I started doing all of that when I was stuck in the pandemic, and it really worked out for me. I think every individual goes through different phases of music they like, and that was only the beginning of my music journey. It trained me in my skills because commercial music is way harder to mix. It helped me a lot, and it has shaped my music differently as I was exposed to more electronic music and raves after the pandemic, and I got inspired by other artists. Back in the day, I felt pressure that everything I put out had to go viral. Nowadays, I just post whatever I like without stressing about how many views I get because I know that the music I make now isn’t for everyone—but it makes me happy, and I get to be more unique.

You’ve transformed commercial sounds into high-energy, pulse-driving remixes. What’s the secret to reinventing a track without losing its essence?

By keeping some of the flavors of the previous track and adding your own twist so you have both flavors in the mixture. When I make remixes, I try not to take out too much of the producer’s samples because people recognize the songs by their original sounds.

Techno is often rooted in rebellion and subculture. How do you keep that rawness alive in an era where algorithms dictate what trends?

By creating and playing what you truly enjoy, regardless of the trends on social media. I’m not gonna lie—the algorithm influences us in a way, but it’s really important to still play what you enjoy listening to. If not, you’ll just end up as a jukebox. It’s important to educate the crowd on different types of sounds in techno and not just play a whole set of remixes.

What role does curiosity play in your creative process? Do you have a particular method for exploring new sounds or concepts, or do you prefer to let your intuition lead the way?

Both. I love exploring different subgenres, both as a DJ, as I mentioned, but also in my productions, which involves trying and testing new sounds and listening to music from different artists with different characteristics. I like to explore everything, but in the end I only move forward if my intuition agrees. My criteria is to go ahead if I really really like it, not going against my style obviously, and if it makes me dance.

Psytrance and hard techno have started seeping into mainstream sets. What drew you to these sounds, and where do you see them evolving?

It was the energy that I felt when I was at my first techno rave in DC-10 Ibiza. It wasn’t just the music but the people there—it felt like a safe space for me, and I liked that this music had such a loving community. It’s definitely getting into mainstream sets, but I think that the culture will never die. Psytrance and hard techno will definitely live on long term because of their history.

With your collaboration on GEWOONRAVES and Sandro Cardio, you replaced intense hard kicks with a more bouncy, trancey groove. What excites you about playing with contrasts in sound?

It’s the groove! It’s like a little breather in between sets. I wanted to create something I’d listen to at any time of the day. This gives me a little serotonin by listening. I’ve always loved bounce, and when I first heard this track, I knew it had the potential to fit.

Some DJs are purists, others thrive on fusion. Do you see genre as a boundary or an open playing field?

I think music will always evolve into different labels. Hard techno has a fusion of hardstyle and hardcore beats but with more raw synths. A music producer will always thrive when they listen to everything and not just a single genre. It’s nice to have different genres mixed in a song—it sparks creativity as well.

When you step onto a stage, are you in control of the crowd, or are they in control of you?

I’m definitely in control of the crowd. I’ve learned to play only at specific places now instead of taking up every gig. Sometimes you just know the venues you belong at, and if some venues aren’t fitting, don’t take them.

If you could destroy one cliché about the DJ scene, what would it be?

That DJs live an unhealthy lifestyle! Hahaha. It doesn’t mean that when you’re in this industry, you have to ruin your life by drinking or doing drugs every weekend. If you’re truly passionate about music and spreading happiness, you’ll know how to balance your work and play time. If all DJs were to party every weekend—they wouldn’t survive for long!

Tell us a secret you never shared in an interview before.

I used to get mini anxiety attacks before my shows when I was booked for my first few gigs. Sometimes my hand would go numb, and I’d panic more because I couldn’t DJ with numb hands! I don’t usually have that much anxiety before a show anymore, but it’s funny to look back at how nervous I was when I didn’t need to be!

Hacking The System / Jovynn

Credits:

Artist: Jovynn / @itsjovynn
Interview: Irina Klisarova / @its.irka.bitch

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