Moodswings (real name Joseph Bernard II)
Moodswings – Works Of Atreus
Released on Atreus (AR 511) in 1991
A1 The Jazz Man
A2 Time Warp
B1 Happy
B2 The 6 Train
I first heard this on the 808 State show on Sunset radio. Darren Partington (Spinmasters) said just before it was played “This is education on vinyl”. It has remained in my all time top 3 records and I think the whole EP is absolutely incredible.
I asked Joe some questions about this release and his background:
SH: What music did you listen to when you were growing up?
JB: Growing up in The Bronx New York, I listened to many genres of music. My Father was born in Puerto Rico and my Mother was born in Harlem, New York City. Since I was a baby, I had a radio in my crib. It was the 70s. My home was filled with Salsa, Disco, oldies but goodies, Jazz, R&B, and Soul. Hip Hop was just beginning, so was House music. As a teen I gravitated to alternative groups such as Depeche Mode, Camouflage, New Order, etc. I also listened to Hip Hop groups like Public Enemy, and artists like Rakim and KRS-1. In addition to that, I did listen to Classical music which probably explains my love for piano and strings which is evident in some of my productions.
SH: What were you doing before you got into music production?
JB: I was born into music. It surrounded every aspect of my life. I briefly went to Fiorello H Laguardia High School for Music and Art in New York City and was a vocal major. I sang a few freestyle songs and performed locally when I was around 17. The connections I made along the way opened the doors for me in television where I began my career in broadcasting at the early age of 18.
SH: What made you decide to make this EP?
JB: I had been producing some Freestyle, Hip Hop, and Dance Music tracks for other artists. I was offered several music contracts that I was uncertain about. I was young and ambitious so I decided to start my own record label. I wanted to release music that I felt good about without being tied to a specific style. Moodswings – Works of Atreus was born.
SH: Tell me about what inspired you to write the 4 tracks?
JB: Inspiration for me comes from various sources. New York City has an eclectic source of inspiration. From dark tracks like The 6 Train (which I used to take from The Bronx to Manhattan), to tracks like The Jazz Man, were inspired by New York City vibes.
SH: Can you recall what equipment you used on the EP and was it produced at home or in a studio?
JB: The EP was produced in The Bronx in my home studio mostly on a Korg T3. It was transferred to reel to reel, edited and ultimately pressed to wax.
SH: What was the reaction to the release like in the US – did it have a similar impact as it did here in the UK?
JB: New York City is tough. I was independent so my resources were limited. I did some footwork and did get some love from local DJs and others around the country. Hot 97 in New York City played some of the EP on a show called Planet Tracks, and some clubs in the city also showed some love. Nothing compares to the love I received in the United Kingdom, especially in Manchester. The Hippodrome was my first experience in Europe where I witnessed the response to The 6 Train when played by Jay Wearden back in the early 90’s. The crowd was insane. It was surreal. Recently in Manchester Cathedral I once again got to witness the response, but now with an orchestra playing my composition. It was emotional for me. Manchester is something else. I will be forever grateful.
SH: There was a gap of 3 years and then you did a second release in 1994:
Mood Swings II – (Works Of Atreus) Sounds From Another Land
Released on JB Entertainment (JB 2121) 1994
This was a 5 track EP with a change in direction of Deep House/Tribal House.
What were you doing between 1991 and 1994?
JB: During this time, I was focusing on my television career while helping and producing for other artists on the side.
SH: What was the story behind this EP and why the change of label names from Atreus to JB Entertainment?
JB: The EP was yet another collection of work that I felt good about. As far as the label name change, I felt more comfortable using my initials…perhaps a bit more mature and a bit more confident.
SH: Any plans to release any more music in the future?
JB: Most Definitely!!! As I said before Scott, YOU were the catalyst for me producing the several tracks that I have done in the not so distant past. My studio monitors are staring at me now…waiting…wondering when…soon I say, very soon.
Joe Bernard currently works as Associate Director for Telemundo NBC Universal at Rockefeller Center in New York.
I’m really looking forward to hearing his new productions as this kind of talent doesn’t ever leave and sometimes it just needs a gentle reawakening.
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