Introducing #275 - Better Joy
Let us introduce you to Manchester based band Better Joy - who have just released their debut single ‘Hard To Love’. Fusing together the shoe gaze of the Cure and taking the delicate vocals of Phoebe Bridgers.
Better Joy are fronted and created by Bria Keely and completed by her band. Bria began writing songs at university and making and sending out demos led to a friend putting her in contact with producer Mike Peden. Introducing her to his sons, Joe and Chris Peden, the trio began writing together and Better Joy was formed.
Their alternative pop sound is a refreshing fusion of the classic and the contemporary and ‘Hard To Love’ is about the difficulties of accepting yourself for who you are, but musically packs a colourful and uplifting punch with jangly guitar riffs, tight drums and haunting vocals. It was recorded in Chapel Studios in Lincoln (where Arctic Monkeys recorded their debut) and produced by Happy Mondays and New Order producer Steve Osborn alongside producer Mike Peden.
They took a moment to talk to us about their music.
Hey there Better Joy - how are you? So your track ‘Hard To Love’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
I’m feeling good, thank you!! Hard to Love is basically what it says on the tin really - it’s a song about feeling hard to love. It kind of starts in a place of self-doubt, but at its core, it’s an appreciation song to the people who you can be your rawest self with and know they will still love you regardless.
Where are you from and what are your favourite things to do there?
I’m from Cheshire, just outside Manchester. It may not sound very exciting, but if I’m not working on my music, I’m usually chilling with my dogs or seeing my pals at the pub - those things float my boat!
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
A big blend of old and new music; from classic guitar bands such as the Cure and the Smiths to newer artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Fazerdaze.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
It’s moody but fun, quite energetic, bright but also dark at the same time. It blends jangly guitars with floaty vocals - it sounds like a lot’s going on but it’s actually quite simple.
Now the track is out there - what next for you?
Hopefully lots more gigs and more tunes! The next single's out in January and I cannot wait for this one!! And then yeh, I’m looking forward to seeing what the next year has in store for us, we’ve just booked our first festival spot for next summer at Wanderlust, which we’re buzzing about. And in the mean time, I’m writing music and forcing myself to do TikToks…!
