Joe Syntax is a drum and bass DJ and producer from Norwich, England, who is based in South London. He starts producing in 2007 and works in experimental drum and bass with a clear dancefloor focus, while also moving between half-time pieces and harder roller-style tracks.

Releases and labels

He releases music on Hospital, Med School, Allsorts, Blu Saphir and Grid Recordings. His material is associated with drum and bass, microfunk, dubstep and electronic music, and his sound also draws on influences from electronica, breakbeat, techno and downtempo.

DJ work and style

As a DJ, Joe Syntax mixes his own productions with tracks by newer producers. He builds sets around creative selection and mixing rather than a fixed formula, and he performs internationally.

Recognition and influences

He has support from figures including Fabio, Hype and London Elektricity. He also names Coldcut, Hexstatic, Luke Vibert, Leftfield and Carl Cox among the artists that influence him.

Name and background

The name Joe Syntax reflects the idea of his music as a personal language with its own arrangement and structure. He first experiments with mixing on Sherwood belt-drive turntables as a teenager, playing his father’s dub records alongside hip hop.

Media attention

He is included in K Mag’s list of producers to watch in 2011, and he plays a set at fabric in January 2011.