Deezer users might be familiar with Joff Cruz; you see a tiny icon of his face every time one of his recommendations flashes on your screen.
Joff’s lifelong love affair with music has prepared him to become one of 50 Deezer editors around the world. A musician who used to be front man of The Dorques and also a concert promoter who started Kind Assault and has brought in musical acts like Stars and Toro Y Moi to Manila, Joff has been Deezer’s only Filipino music editor for over two years now, curating his best OPM and international picks to be enjoyed by Deezer users around the world.
Super sat down with Joff to talk about his awesome job, his favorite tracks and his favorite Deezer apps.
What exactly does a Deezer editor do?
I recommend the music that gets featured every week. Maybe you’ve seen some of my recommendations there—with a focus on OPM but also international. It’s tailored to each user. It’s based on what I’m listening to, what you’re listening to. I make playlists as well. I come up with a weekly playlist—the Deezer 10. I change that every week. The feed is based on algorithms and what you’re listening to. I recommend certain albums and songs that will have a chance to be on the feed.
What criteria do you consider when choosing songs to recommend?
Popularity is one. I choose the catchiest ones, the least annoying ones maybe. I’m not opposed to baduy songs.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Listening to music, discovering new music. I have to keep track of what’s happening every week.
Does that mean you’re constantly listening to music?
I’m not listening to music six hours a day. There’s also a lot of research. I go to websites to see what’s new.
What’s the most challenging thing about it?
Seeing what would fit the Philippine market. Sometimes I think, “What if people won’t like what I recommend?”
What kind of music are you really into?
Indie rock music… But a little bit of everything.
What are the Top 5 tracks Deezer users should listen to?
“One Day” by Paolo Nutini, “Birth in Reverse” by St. Vincent, “Crush” by Tahiti 80, “I’m His Girl” by Friends, “Hunger of the Pine” by Alt-J.
What are your favorite Deezer apps?
For sure it’s Tune Wiki. Me and my girlfriend would sing along late at night. I use that and Deezer Sessions the most.