VANCE JOY has just released his new single Missing Piece.
This is the first taste of new music from Vance Joy in three years, and follows on from his recent collaboration with fellow superstars Benny Blanco and Marshmello on You.
We caught up with Vance Joy to talk about this new work.
AC: Let’s talk about your new single Missing Piece. What does this track mean to you?
VANCE JOY – I wrote Missing Piece with songwriter and producer Joel Little over a Zoom call in May 2020. I was in Melbourne at the time and there was a lockdown due to COVID. Like a lot of people around the world, I was separated from loved ones due to travel restrictions and the lyrics that came up spoke about that experience. For me, the song says that when you have a strong connection with someone, the time and distance apart isn’t the end of the world. What you have is stronger than that stuff.
AC: In the studio, do you have a fear you’d like to conquer?
VANCE JOY – I like collaborating with people. And being open and vulnerable helps with the creative process I think. Not being afraid to share even the simplest or ’embarrassing in the moment’ lyric ideas.
AC: What about outside of the studio?
VANCE JOY – I feel like battling with fears is one of the natural things we do. Accepting that battle and handling the nerve-inducing or challenging moments is something I look forward to getting better at.
AC: Where does the creation of a song begin for you?
VANCE JOY – For me, it’s usually a chord progression or riff on guitar mixed with whatever words come out when I play the riff, or are written in my phone for possible use.
AC: What was it like working with director Annelise Hickey on the music video for Missing Piece?
VANCE JOY – She is so talented and a great director. I loved the simple and heartfelt yet funny storyline for the clip she proposed. She is calm and in charge and so helpful and supportive in all the tips and suggestions she offers during shooting. It was a great experience.
AC: Who do you feel inspired by in the music industry?
VANCE JOY – People who write great songs time and time again. People like Sting and Bruce Springsteen. Some Springsteen song say so much, contain a whole word, in the space of a couple verses, and they touch you down to your soul.
AC: As a music artist, what are you still trying to learn?
VANCE JOY – How to be more free and to believe in my own ideas too and also to know when to let some of my ideas go. It’s a funny balance and a fine lone and an elusive art.
AC: How important is social media to you right now?
VANCE JOY – It’s important for sure. I get a little bummed out sometimes by social media. Compare and despair. But I appreciate its use in connecting me with my fans and the people who care about my music.
AC: Ahead of a gig, do you have any pre-show rituals?
VANCE JOY – Yes, I need to warm my voice up every time otherwise there is no rituals really. Sing some songs acoustically with the band as we’re hanging around before taking the stage.
AC: What’s the biggest realization you’ve had this past year?
VANCE JOY – Time is very precious and spend it wisely with the people you want to spend it with.
AC: What makes you feel nostalgic?
VANCE JOY – Smells and songs and old photographs.
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
