Tony Joy Interview

1. What is your name and your profession(s)?

My name is Tony Joy.  I am a Music Technologist who has worn a few different hats throughout my career. I have been fortunate enough to contribute towards a handful of Hollywood and Bollywood productions as a Music Engineer. I have also had the unique opportunity to help shape industry-defining tools like Pro Tools & Sound Particles. I currently work for Sound Particles, as the VP of Business Development & Creative Services.

2. What is your ethnic background and what is your citizenship?

My roots are from Kerala, India. I am a US citizen based in California.

3. Are either/both of your parents musicians or somehow involved in the music industry?

Music has always been in our family. My dad’s younger brother, V.X. David is a much celebrated Sitar player in South India. Though my parents were not professional musicians, they always had an open minded approach to non-traditional career paths. This meant my parents were always supportive of my creative (and technical) pursuits.

4. Please tell us a little bit about your experience, either growing up as an AAPI in America, or as a person of Asian descent who immigrated to America, whichever applies.

Immigrating to America was a unique experience for me, despite having lived in other countries. For perspective, I used to live in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates for many years. Culture shock was absolutely expected, but it came in ways I simply had not imagined. Health care being directly attached to full-time employment was one of those shocks, especially considering access to health care appeared almost non-existent otherwise. 

Another thing that I found uniquely challenging, especially here in LA, is how most studios and production houses did not have visible signs on buildings. Most buildings look like regular office buildings, and one could easily drive past two dozen major studios without realizing they were, in fact, studios. This made breaking into the industry near impossible. Big Hollywood studios like Sony, Warner Brothers, etc., were an exception when it came to visible signs. But the fact remained that one would not be allowed past the security gate. In contrast, most studios in London or Dubai would have visible signs that made it easy to talk to someone, even if it was just to seek advice. 

On the plus side, what I found absolutely inspiring and fascinating is that everyone gets things done through hard work and perseverance. I also very much appreciate National Parks way more than I can express with words. In fact, I draw majority of my technical and musical inspirations from our National Parks. Being a technologist, I am acutely aware of how very fortunate I am to be in the middle of it all, when it comes to innovation - music and technology. This is something I am very grateful for, something I will never take for granted. 

5. How connected do you feel to your heritage/culture(s)?

I feel very connected to my heritage & culture. I find Social Media has helped a lot in this regard - I am still in touch with my friends (and teachers!) from high school, just as I am in touch with my childhood friends from Kerala. Same applies to my friends and former colleagues in Dubai & the United Kingdom. Perhaps a controversial opinion, but I firmly believe the days of any culture being limited to geographical borders is behind us. I have not felt disconnected from my heritage and/ or culture. Not once. At least not yet.

We are so lucky to live in a world that allows us almost instant access to food, art, and other cultural experiences from anywhere in the world. 

As I was resigning my job in Dubai to pursue my academic aspirations in the United Kingdom, my then boss gave me one of the best advices I ever received. An American of Indian origin himself, he suggested I should make an active effort to explore the local culture. I took this advice to heart and I think it has really helped me grow, evolve as a person. This advice was further cemented by my parents. When they first visited America, knowing it was their first time visiting any place outside of India, I half expected them to stick to Indian cuisine and cultural norms. Except, I was surprised and further inspired to see them in a full on exploratory mode. They fell in love with cultural norms, and with the cuisine - especially salads, avocado, quinoa and more. So much, that at least one of their meals now includes quinoa!

I continue to explore, learn more about my own culture, just as I learn about other cultures. Especially the one of the land we live in - American Indian culture & heritage.

6. 6a.) How did you get into music? Did you major in music in college? Where did you attend college/university (and grad school(s), if applicable) and in what subjects did you get your degree(s)?

6b.) When and how did you decide you were going to pursue music professionally? What were your parents’ reactions to you deciding to pursue music? Do they support your music career now?

Growing up, music was a part of my daily life. Most of my childhood was spent being part of the local church choir, helping with sound reinforcement at the nearby churches or temples. Occasionally accompanying my uncle to his studio sessions & live concerts also shaped my passion for music.

In addition to the aforementioned social setting, my school and my parents played a key role in my career. The school I went to, Rajagiri High School is renowned for empowering each student to maximize their own potential - without using the same measuring scale for every student. The school has produced some of the best athletes, doctors, actors, engineers and much more. The bar was always high, but the bar was different for each of us. Thank heavens that none of us gold fishes were evaluated for our ability, or inability to fly. I was moderate in my academic performance. Once my teachers realized I was a semi-decent keyboard player, I was encouraged to focus on this skill, even though I was far from the best keyboard player in town. I was given slightly higher benchmarks to beat every quarter or so. Soon enough I was the lead keyboardist for the school’s award winning orchestra. We went on to win the prestigious Kerala Youth Festival. All of this certainly gave me a confidence boost. 

Now that I reflect on it, I think this is when I decided to pursue music professionally. At the same time, thanks to my teachers at Rajagiri, I had two different measurement scales for myself. The first scale was to measure my own improvement. In other words, a way to measure how I was performing against my previous self - from last month, or last year. The second scale, was to measure how I compared against real world settings. I must clarify this second scale is not a judgmental scale, but a way to realistically align myself within real world settings. Using the second scale I soon realized the industry was quite saturated with musicians of my calibre. 

While I was pursuing my bachelors degree in Physics, I kept exploring career options that would maximize my potential and one that also involves both my passions - technology and art. Soon I discovered the then new concept of “Sound Engineering”. I decided to drop out of college to pursue a Diploma in Sound Engineering at SAE (School of Audio Engineering). Despite the social pressure against such a non-traditional career path, my parents were, and remain fully supportive of my decision. 

In addition to my Diploma, later in my career I also pursued a Master’s degree in Post Production - Sound Design from Bournemouth University. I also hold a Validation in Artificial Intelligence for Business from Wharton University. 

7. What are a few of your (music) projects of which you are the proudest? What were your roles on those projects? Beyond those projects, please feel free to name some of your other credits as well as any brands/companies you officially endorse.

I have had the absolute honor of working as a Music Engineer for legendary composer A.R. Rahman. I am very proud of my contributions to Pelé, The Hundred Foot Journey, and The Million Dollar Arm. I am also very proud of my contributions to Pro Tools during my tenure at Avid. I am equally thrilled about everything we do here at Sound Particles; where we are creating easy to use, accessible tools to help musicians create and compose in Spatial.

8. What are some obstacles you have encountered (if any) being an AAPI in the music world? What are some obstacles you have encountered (if any) as an AAPI in general (non-music)? Conversely, has being an AAPI ever helped you in the music industry or in general?

One of the biggest obstacles I find is this - most people do not hear past my accent. I also had instances where even seasoned professionals seemed convinced I was a one trick pony, that I can only do Bollywood themed projects. I yet have to become aware of a time when being an AAPI has helped me.

9. 9a.) Who are some AAPI musicians/composers/producers who have previously inspired and currently inspire you (if any)? Why?

9b.) What are your hopes for the AAPI music community and your hopes for AAPIs in general?

VidyaVox, with whom I had the privilege of touring for some years, when I was doing Front of House for her concerts globally. Vidya is someone I admire for her perseverance and for the grace with which she blends cultures together. We need more young women like Vidya leading the way. She has, and she continues to inspire me on a regular basis.

As we continue to contribute, integrate and learn from the vibrant community around us, I hope the bigger community will continue to reciprocate.

10. Name one or two non-music-related things/subjects about which you are also passionate.

I am very passionate about chocolateering, baking and photography. I strongly believe we are multi-sensorial beings. While music and audio remain my domain expertise, I yet have to find a way to focus just on a single modal experience.

11. Any final thoughts? Alternatively, do you have any questions for me and/or the greater AAPI music community?

None

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Instagram - @music.tonyjoy

LinkedIn - Tony Joy

Official Website - http://www.tonyjoy.com

Image courtesy of Tony

Post sponsored by PickUp Music