Joia
Joia are a band who are well and truly on the up and they have just released their debut EP Match Light.
I caught up with the band to talk about the new record and what lies ahead for them this year.
- You are about to release your debut EP Match Light so what can we expect from the new collection of tracks?
There are four tracks on the EP and we recorded them in two sittings. The first two were recorded when we first started out and they were pretty much the first songs we ever wrote together.
The later two (Match Light & Let Down) are a lot more intricately written and you can tell by that point that we’ve started to find our sound. They are a lot darker.
- There is a bit of pop and rock in there so how would you describe the sound of the record for people who are coming to your music for the first time?
Pretty much what you said! I always find it really hard to define a sound, unless you compare it to other bands.
I don’t think we sound exactly like anyone else, but at the same time I’m not saying we’re ridiculously innovative. Just well written and interesting guitar riffs with easy to listen to vocals!
- How have you found the response to the new tracks so far?
So far, so good! A few people have picked up on the divide between the older two and the more recent two but if anything we welcome that - it shows that people are recognising the progression and thus will continue to appreciate it the more we write and grow.
- Is there a full LP on the horizon and if so can you hint as to what kind of direction you will take you music down with it?
No set plans, but we’ve written quite a few new songs since the EP so the plan is to demo them asap. The songs have a similar sound to ‘Let Down’ on the EP.
You have penned the tracks for the EP so how does the song writing process work within the band - is their one main writer or is it very much a collaborative process?
Martin starts off with the main idea/structure for the song and then we all come in and add our own parts to it. We all give our opinions throughout and just hope it doesn’t end in tears!
- So who or what are your major influences when it comes to penning a track?
Martin’s favourite band is Radiohead so there are definite hints of them in the guitars.
I hope Bill’s DnB love doesn’t reflect in the drum sound! I listen to a range of music so unless you can hear hints of hiphop, rap, or screamo, I don’t think I’m consciously influenced by any artist.
Saying that, I listen to a lot of pop music, so that’s probably where my persistent rhyming and (hopefully) catchy choruses come from.
- I talk to musicians all the time and some of them find the recording process difficult or just don’t like it. How do you find going into the studio?
It’s like a school trip for us - we get SO excited (and buy loads of unnecessary food supplies)! Aside from playing live, I think it’s the best part of being in a band.
I think because we’re all perfectionists, it’s such a satisfying feeling to work on a song and neaten it up and get a (hopefully) amazing result. It’s a real feeling of accomplishment.
- Who produced the EP? What were you looking for in your producer?
Jason at Stakeout Studios recorded it. My old band recorded there and we were just looking for comfort more than anything - I had been out of the studio for a while so it was reassuring working with someone I already knew and felt comfortable with.
- How did the band form?
The boys have been in and out of bands with each other for years. They were looking for a singer at the time when Martin and I met through mutual music friends and he asked me to come to Essex for a practice.
I did, and we pretty much instantly clicked and I joined. We needed another guitarist and I suggested to Callum, who I’ve been friends with for a long time now (and actually have written some songs with in the past) and the family was complete!
- You have got a couple of shows coming up this month. What can we expect from the set?
We won’t just be playing the EP - there are a lot of new songs that we’ll be playing for the first time. Both exciting and very nerve-racking!
- What sort of bands/musicians are you enjoying at the moment?
I am currently listening to Frank Ocean, Lianne La Havas and Drake on repeat. I also might be listening to Justin Bieber’s new album.
- You have an ever growing fan base so for any of those fans reading this interview do you have a message for them?
It’s mind blowing that some people have heard our music and care about it at such an early stage. Thank you for seeing potential in us, we won’t disappoint!
- Finally what’s coming up for you for the rest of the year?
Just taking each day as it comes - writing/recording new tracks and playing some more shows.
Joia's EP Match Light is out now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw