With the release of another fantastic single next week, The Joy Formidable continue to grow musically; packing more and more punchy hooks into each new release. Even without a formal debut album (which is coming soon), the band’s fanbase continues to expand as each live performance wins new followers. With tour dates in North America later in 2010, the band will be making significant noise on this side of the pond soon. I caught up with singer/guitarist Ritzy Bryan recently before the band headed out across England on the NME Tour with Hurt and Everything Everything.
You recently played some shows in the US. Are there differences in how audiences engage live music here compared to Europe?
RB: There’s no absolute to how every gig or audience is in the US or Europe. We haven’t noticed any marked differences, generally our fanbase are into live music, they’re vocal and we encourage that connection when we’re onstage. We’re very passionate about our live shows, so we appreciate a gregarious audience — even some good old fashioned heckling as long as it’s witty. Note to punters: “Get your tits out, Rhydian” doesn’t quite cut it.
The live show has created a buzz across the Internet and on the video clips fans post, it is clear that the band loves to play live. Is plugging into an amp and getting onstage the most rewarding part of being The Joy Formidable?
RB: It’s a lot of fun, it can be emotional too, but you certainly feel very alive when you’re onstage. I love the recording process, too. I need a mix of both worlds for variety.
Who would you consider some of the key influences on the band, not necessarily just musically, but as artists exploring their craft on their terms?
RB: I look to Springsteen, Elvis Costello, The Flaming Lips, and Wilco as some of my favorite live acts growing up. On record, I’m a huge fan of The Smiths, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake. Yes, tons of stuff and I think that’s the key, enjoy everything that’s good in every genre and you won’t get stuck in one musical style.
From videos to album artwork to the music itself, there appears to be an artistic vision for the band that extends beyond the stage. No matter what you present to audiences, I always get a sense that the band’s sense of humor and playfulness keeps everything balanced. The three of you appear to be having a lot of fun as The Joy Formidable. Does that help when the rigors of touring and the business side of the industry begin to take their toll?
RB: We do, there’s a lot to enjoy and we’re great friends, all three of us are exceptionally close. We believe in what we’re making and we’re enjoying the ride. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to constantly evolve and we’re madly passionate about this band, it’s never just a job, it’s all-consuming. Having that focus, enough headspace, and keeping it all fun is a balancing act. No way is every day totally rosy, but there’s a way of doing it right and you have to surround yourself with good people.
Was there a band or concert that you saw growing up that made you want to be a musician?
RB: Oh yeah. Two main ones, Elvis Costello at the age of 7 and Bjork in my early teens. Both phenomenal.
Interview conducted by Jason Lent