Alternative pop outfit Better Joy, led by Bria Keely, are a band of contrasts. Combining deep and reflective lyrics with addictively simple melodies, the band are able to remain poignant, confident, and above all, unique. Taking cues from contemporary artists like Phoebe Bridgers as well as the classic sounds of The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Cure show that their inspirations are equally as varied.
As they embark on a UK tour, including a sold-out show – presented by The Rodeo! – at the Lion’s Den in their hometown of Manchester, we chatted with Keely herself to about what she is looking forward to most about life on tour.
Angus Wright: How are you feeling for setting off on tour?
Bria Keely: Ready to get out there!! Couldn’t be more excited. We’re finding our feet more and more and just having fun playing to a crowd. It doesn’t really get any better than that.
AW: How exciting is it to be playing a gig in Manchester?
BK: SO incredibly exciting! It hits a little different when it’s your home city. We’re buzzing to be supporting a sold-out show and just getting our music out there and with it being a Mancunian audience, it makes it ever more special. To get Manchester behind us would be a dream!
AW: What can people expect from your live show?
BK: Lots of energy, fun, a bit of bad chat and dancing!
AW: Can you sum up your sound and what has influenced your music?
BK: Our sound is bouncy and fun. It’s a blend of jangly guitars and floaty vocals. We like to think there’s a real blend of light and dark coloured sounds which makes the music quite colourful in a way! We’ve been influenced by bands like The Cure, The Smiths and The Strokes.
AW: Having recently dropped a debut single and about to embark on tour, what else does 2024 hold for Better Joy?
BK: Hopefully more tours and more gigs, that would be sick! And a hell of a lot of more singles to come. Really ready to get new music out into the world and it’s coming very soon!!!
