Track by Track: Joe Hertz talks about the How It Feels EP

"Swimming"

"Swimming", lyrically, is about love; the ups and downs, and the effects those ups and downs have over time. I really enjoyed making this with James Vickery. I like how it takes its time to move through its different sections, and I feel the dynamics between the verses and the choruses give it a nice energy.

It was a crazy process of piecing together three different vocal ideas onto a new instrumental to get the final result. The process sounds long, but it was similar to how I finished “Stay Lost” with Amber Simone. Sometimes this just works for me! We got the chance to perform it together at Bestival and it was sick to see such a good reaction from the crowd.

"Playing For You"

"Playing For You" is about not conforming to someone else’s ideals. On the surface, this could be relatable to just about any relationship, but the deeper meaning here was to reflect society at the time. It felt like post-Brexit left a nation feeling lost, and this song is all about someone finding their own voice.

It felt right to retain that carefree, chilled [feeling], but with a message in the back track.

"Do or Die"

As everyone knows, the music industry can be a bitch! The only way to make progress is to do or die. This was definitely the feeling of rapper Toby Sunmola when we were in the studio together. We are here for one reason and one reason only - to make music.

It was actually the first time I had worked with a rapper, which was really exciting for me.

"At Dawn"

I’d spent some time in Japan and was hit with major jet lag when I got back. I finished this one at about 7am, so I think that early morning feel is ingrained in it somehow.

It started with this guitar line I was working on with a friend, some keys I’d been messing about with for a while, and it came together as this vibe which just makes me feel happy, something I like to start my day with.

"Orbits"

I wanted to make something that felt like a crazy dream. Something off kilter and on the edge, but with this steady pulse and still smooth and positive. I have always loved making house - I grew up on dance music - so I wanted to get this side of me onto the EP.

In the future I’ll be doing some collaborations with house producers so keep an eye and ear.