Juno Mamba (AKA Vinci Javier) is an absolutely incredible Naarm-based Filipino-Australian musician, producer and DJ that creates euphoric electronic music that is simply breathtaking. His expertise and technical aptitude for creating rapturous beats that are tinged with nostalgia is both staggering and uplifting. His exquisitely crafted music is considered and meaningful, as universally poignant on the inner city dance floors as it is on the grassy fields of a regional music festival. Juno Mamba’s music is transcendent; the tracks hit deep and linger with you long after the final synth chord sounds. Wrapping up his residency as Triple J’s Mix Up DJ, Juno Mamba has just released his fourth EP ‘Cold Rush’ and is currently touring nationally, both as support for Northeast Party House and with his own solo tour, which wraps up in Melbourne at The Gaso in Collingwood this Friday. We caught up to chat all things music – from formative musical identities and the shared consciousness of a live set, to epic film clips and how music can help us travel back in time.

How does it feel to release your fourth EP ‘Cold Rush’ and what has the reception been like from fans at your live shows whilst touring nationally?

There’s always an anxious feeling releasing a new body of work, but I’m really proud of how Cold Rush has turned out. I’ve had great feedback both on socials and at live shows. It’s been special to see people reacting to the new songs at shows.

You are currently touring the country, both supporting Northeast Party House and gigging solo. How did that support gig come about and has it been an epic adventure so far?

I’ve known the guys from Northeast Party House for a long time and when I found out they were releasing a new album, I put my hand up to support. I’m lucky they were open to the idea and offered me a few of the shows.

Your home base of Naarm is last on the touring list – playing at The Gaso in Collingwood. What are you most looking forward to experiencing at that gig?

I’m very much looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and sharing/performing the new music live.

You shot a live version of ‘Cold Rush’ at Abbotsford Convent with producer and musical director Michael Belsar. It showcased your absolute technical artistry and very impressive gear set-up. What do you think is so magical about playing your music live in this way and demonstrating the pure skill set you have obtained over your time as a producer and artist?

There’s something special about performing songs live. It often introduces a new energy and recontextualizes the music. Being able to play Cold Rush in its entirety with a long time friend from Ballarat was one of my favourite moments.

What do you love about the energy of a live DJ set and the shared consciousness of those in attendance?

For me, performing live is one of the greatest experiences as a musician. Being able to share the moment collectively is truly unique and seeing how the music affects each person is special. It’s definitely a unifying experience.  

You’ve mentioned in a previous interview that your ‘production ability caught up with your imagination’. So I am wondering then, where exactly does the inspiration for your euphoric sounds originate from? Is it purely an internal conjuring or do other factors like nature, human interaction or nostalgia also play a part?

All of the above! My music comes from personal experiences and I naturally gravitate towards melancholy and nostalgic sounds. I’ve always been exposed to emotional music growing up, so it’s what I feel most comfortable with when creating.

Your expertise as a producer is clear and the technical aspect of your creativity is mind blowing. When did you move from guitar to synth and how did it come about? 

Music production was part of my journey in music. Even when I was predominately playing guitar, I was always into music production, recording my demos as well as friend’s bands all through high school. It was a natural progression and curiosity into the world of synths; both hardware and software. When I discovered electronic music, I merged my love for music technology and music production.

Does Naarm hold a special place for you? And how does that compare to your first Australian home of Ballarat in regional Victoria?

Naarm is where I discovered electronic music and club culture for the first time, so it will always be part of my journey.

In what way has growing up in Ballarat formed a significant part of your musical identity?

Growing up in a rural town as an immigrant was challenging at times but I wouldn’t change it. If it wasn’t for the situation I was in, I wouldn’t have connected to music on a deep level like this. Without those experiences growing up, I most likely wouldn’t be making the music I’m making today.

Your music clip for Blossom directed by Sanjay De Silva was epic – how did the idea for that come about and what was the craziest part of shooting it?

Sanjay and I went to the same high school together in Ballarat, which is where the connection is from. Whenever I have an opportunity to collaborate on a project with people I grew up with, I grab it with both hands. He sent through an idea that I absolutely loved and I wanted to be part of that. Having my Mum in the video clip was also an unforgettable moment.

You have just finished up an iconic Triple J DJ residency. What were some of your highlights and who have been your top rated artists/producers that you loved playing or sampling?

Seeing the email and being asked to be triple j’s Mix Up Resident was a “pinch me” moment. Being able to select some of my favourite songs and producers was an enjoyable process. I can never go past my all time favourites like Floating Points, Jamie xx and Caribou.

The euphoric electronica you create takes listeners on a journey – the music travels through the mind and soul. It is so well crafted, with patient climaxes, considered but never drawn out, building consistently to take you to a state of enlightenment before bringing you back down to be grounded until the next instalment… What does emotive electronic music do to you and what do you love most about it?

Emotive electronic music transports me to another place and all of my worries seems to disappear. It often brings on past memories, which is something I always cherish.

What’s next for Juno Mamba?

Loads more music and touring!

QUICK RANDOM ONES:

– Favourite track of yours to play live?

Right now, undrcut.

-Craziest set you’ve ever played?

Pitch in 2024.

-If you could collab with anyone, who would it be?

Daniel Johns.

-Favourite music film clip of all-time?

Hmmm, I don’t have one but I do remember staying up all night trying to catch Box Car Racer’s “I Feel So” clip so I could record it on VHS.

-What event or festival would you love to headline?

Probably Meredith, being so close to home. Or Spilt Milk (Ballarat).

-Favourite place for a drink in Melbourne?

BYO at a park or beach.

-Most underrated thing about Melbourne?

Filipino food.

-Best place to travel for a holiday escape?

Philippines.

-Super human talent you wish you possessed?

Be able to travel back in time.

You can listen/watch Juno Mamba’s tracks here and buy tickets to his gig at The Gaso here.