A Word With...

The Joy Formidable played a sell out gig at London’s Relentless Garage toabout 850 fans from all over the country. One devotee had even flowndown from the Highlands to attend this one off show. I had the privilege of being in attendance at the gig, which was recorded to be released inNovember. The show included a welcome rare sight of the drum kit being placed at the front of the stage which allowed them to really connect witheach other on stage as well as engaging the audience in some seriousmovement which had the venue literally jumping. The Greatest Light isThe Greatest Shade is their trade mark opening track which really sets themood of the rest of the show; Loud, full of energy and mesmerising. Withseconds left of the last song, an amp blows and they were forced to end slightly premature and without guitar.Following the show, the drinking started and after been ejected from theGarage a handful of people went to a nearby house and continued todrink. At about 3am we managed to complete this short interview, whichRitzy and Rhydian had kindly agreed to do with me. Unfortunately Matt couldn’t be present at the interview by choosing to go home with hisgirlfriend instead. However, it still turned out great and I hope you enjoy the wonderful answers to my questions...

Interview:How does that show compare to any of the others you haveplayed?

Ritzy

: I have to say it’s been an age long debate as to getting help onstage, like setting up the equipment and everything from a stagehand. I just think, ‘I don’t need an entourage’, I like us being self-sufficient butthen when your amp blows like it did tonight, it would be handy! Lovedthe show though, just need a new amp now...

Rhydian

: But tonight was just amazing.

I’ve been to a few of your shows where you’ve asked for notalking, to quote ‘It fucks you off’. Is this because you think it’s just rude or is it because you take a lot of pride in your work?

Rhydian

: ah, that’s a good question

Ritzy

: I’m not being stroppy when I mention it, I’m thinking of the entireaudience; if you talk over the quiet bits you’re not getting the full effect of what we’re playing. I remember seeing Micah P Hinson in Manchester lastyear, and people were chatting over these beautiful, heartfelt quietmoments, it was a shame how it spoilt it.

Rhydian

: You make a leap to be a fan and one thing I would say is that welike to challenge them in a playful way. We stay true to our principles anda little telling off is just a bit of fun.

Ritzy

: And we do take a lot of pride in our work, there is no bigger criticthan me

You’re also very generous to your fans. For example, you don’tmind giving up time after a show to speak to people, but whatmade you decide to put 5 tracks from ‘A Balloon Called Moaning’up for free download?

Ritzy

: Putting it up for download made it available to people. It’s as simpleas that and we want it to be listened to.

Rhydian

: Yeah, it’s no big deal. We’re very much about the fans. It’s whatwe do.

I’ve heard a few people say that you have been better than bandsyou have supported. Do you find hearing people praise yourperformances rewarding?

Ritzy

: People buy tickets to a show to enjoy the music and escape. I wantthem to come away with an experience.

Rhydian

: We don’t put pressure on ourselves. We do great shows inpeoples’ eyes but it’s important not to listen too much to what people say.As long as we’re clear with what we’re doing.

Ritzy

: People are quick to judge and it shouldn’t be a competition. Musicshouldn’t be competitive. We’ve had great bands open for us, we don’tplay to outdo anyone and I feel strongly about that.

Rhydian

: We’re confident enough not to care.

I was talking to a few guys who are travelling to Germany andFrance to see you play. When you first started playing, did youever expect to have such a devoted fan base?

Ritzy

: It’s very touching and we’re particularly close to our fanbase. It’sbeen a weird journey, very real. We’ve had no major hype and the growthof the band has been very gradual, so you don’t always notice the change.

Rhydian

: Obviously, it feels good, but it’s also hard to understand – in agood way. I look out to the audience and see them singing back the lyrics,connections are made and this can easily be dismissed but it is so special.[

Rhydian

leaves to lie down and his seat is replaced by

Stephen Kelly

from The Guardian and NME who asked for a mention]

One of the joys of seeing you live is watching you, for want of abetter phrase, ‘rocking out’ after songs like ‘Whirring’. How doesit feel to end the show on such a high?

Ritzy

: I can’t sum it up. It sounds cheesy but it feels right because we lovewhat we do. When we play or rehearse it’s very different to being onstage, all the passion and frustration is suddenly unleashed. I’m not evengoing to try and articulate it.

You’ve been up and down the country touring, supporting andplaying festivals, do you get time to see bands you listen to orare you content to see the bands you play with?

Ritzy

: We get sent a lot of messages everyday from bands asking what wethink and we listen to them all. I’m a stickler for supporting new bands,because it can be a difficult journey.

Finally, who’re the best live act you’ve ever seen play?

Ritzy

: Bjork. Incredible.

Thank you to Ritzy and Rhydian from Joy Formidable for the interview.I strongly recommend, even if you weren’t there, pre-ordering or purchasing‘

First You Have to Get Mad’

for just £6. It was an amazing show and definitelyworth listening to. You can do so at:http://www.thejoyformidable.bigcartel.com/