Indonesian musician Joey Alexander is synonymous with jazz.

Born in Bali, Joey began playing the piano at the tender of age 6. His father, Denny Sila, introduced him to the instrument and helped him to hone his swing and improvisation skills by introducing him to classic jazz recordings and taking him to jam sessions in Bali and Jakarta.

Joey received international recognition after performing at the 2014 Jazz at Lincoln Center’s gala, a show that New York Times described as an “overnight sensation”.  

Since then, Joey has become unstoppable. In 2016, he made history to be the first Indonesian nominated for a Grammy Award for his debut album My Favorite Things, as well as the youngest-ever Grammy nominee in the jazz category at the age of 12. Currently, Joey has received a total of three Grammy nominations.

Joey, who recently turned 15, launched his third studio album Eclipse in May. The jazz pianist talked with The Jakarta Post via email about his new album and life as a jazz musician. 

Tell us more about your new album Eclipse. How does it feel to work with renowned musicians Reuben Rogers, Eric Harland and Joshua Redman? What are the things you learned from them?

The album was named after a piece called “Eclipse” we recorded on the day of the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. It was a spontaneous thing we did for more than 10 minutes, composing and improvising at the same time.

[Rogers, Harland and Redman] are great musicians and you get what you expected from great musicians. I have toured with Rogers and Harland before recording, so we knew each other.

When you play with people in order to work, there has to be learning from each other and mutual respect. They had to learn about what I wanted to accomplish with my compositions and arrangements, we learned from each other as we play. Listening is the key.

Regarding your new music video “Bali”, how long did you take to compose the song? Is “Bali” more personal to you when compared with other songs on Eclipse?

Probably, around a month. The more I played it, the better I knew the song and the more I wanted to share it with the listeners.

I am grateful for the videographer, who did a great job capturing what I saw and experienced every day growing up in Bali.

Read also: Joey Alexander’s new music video showcases the beauty of Bali

Born in Bali, what are the things you love or miss most about the island?

I was born at a clinic in Renon, Denpasar. The things I love and miss are all in the video. Plus, of course, [I miss] actually being there.

Speaking about your other song "Faithful", you mentioned that the track reflects your family’s journey, the moving parts and all the uncertainties. How did you adapt to the new environment when you first moved to New York City? Is it easier for you now?

I'm thankful to God for the journey we had from Bali to Jakarta and the United States. It always motivates me. It was an easy transition and I'm enjoying being here and everywhere I go.

How the city has been helping you to grow as a musician? How New York influenced you in making the new album?

A lot of things inspired me, New York is one. New York is a city that continuously gives me the push to create and get better.

You are currently the youngest Grammy nominee. How do you deal with public attention after the nominations?

It is a blessing to have the music recognized by the industry. It encouraged me to make more music and be ever more grateful for the music.

Do you listen to pop music? If yes, who's your favorite musician?

Yes and other genres too. Michael Jackson, Christopher Cross, Toto, Kenny Loggins, the Beatles and many more.

Have you ever tried to compose music to attract people your age?

Music is for all ages. I just have to be myself when I play. I think people of all ages can appreciate that.

What's next for Joey Alexander?

Playing, composing, arranging, touring and enjoying what God has given me to share with people.

Eclipse is currently available for streaming and download via this link. (kes)