We’ve got better joy heading our way at the end of March. As they’re bring their sunny indie anthems to us, we wanted to get a chance to meet ’em. So we caught up with Bria from the band…
Hey better joy! What a 2024 you had! You propelled yourself with a ton of releases, massive shows and plenty of festival appearances. I’m gonna have to ask you to pick a highlight though?
Ah thank you! Last year was really mega! That’s a tough question !!! It’s hard because I’m at my happiest when I’m writing and creating the songs, it’s where I feel the most creative and at peace. BUT saying this, the Hard-Fi tour at the end of the year was next level and it was mega to showcase the songs I love and am so proud of, so yeah, I would have to say those 9 dates with Hard-Fi. A first at Manchester Ritz and a sold out London Roundhouse in particular. Also just a great opportunity to grow, you learn so much from those experiences, like how you wanna be as a performer etc so it’s rewarding in many ways!
Last time you were at our place, you supported Crystal Tides to a mega crowd! This is your first time round as a headliner. How do you feel about that?
I know!!! That tour was an incredible tour for the band and I to get on. Their crowds were incredibly loyal and supportive so I’m excited to hopefully see some of them again at our own show! I feel excited but also nervous, I hope people come! Haha, either way we’ll bring it!! Got new songs to sing and just being able to have a longer set to showcase these is a massive privilege. The set will include songs that we’ve never performed live before, so there will be a special sort of buzz and energy around those dates… It’s always exciting trialling new material so hopefully they will like it!!
Set the scene. You’ve been asked to headline Wembley for three hot June evenings. You, and you alone, can pick a different dream support act for each of the nights. Who you picking and why?
Ooooooo I mean the supports I would choose are deffo miles and miles ahead of me so this is really dream land but I’d have to say Wunderhorse, just cause I’m obsessed; Teal might be one of my favourite songs ever written. Then I would choose The Cure, cos obviously Robert Smith would come back out to sing ‘Friday I’m In Love’ with me. Then Chappell Roan cos everyone loves Chappell, she’s such an entertainer and would get everyone absolutely raring to go.
You played an acoustic set at our sister venue, Rescue Rooms around this time last year. How does playing an acoustic set compare to taking the band out?
That acoustic show was great! But for me, it really doesn’t compare! These songs are built around a band sound, it doesn’t feel like better joy when they’re in their bare bones! Also having people up there to vibe with you is just so much fun!
So once you’ve finished your tour, what next? Are you treating fans to festival appearances over the summer? Any other plans you can tease for us?
Yes we’ve got some mega festivals lined up like Y Not, Truck Festival, Liverpool Sound City, Amsterdam’s London Calling, Focus Wales, Golden Touch and more!! Definitely some more songs will be coming out this year which are some sister songs to the recent releases. Aaaaand there will be lots of writing this year which I’m really excited about. I want to just keep developing and growing and writing whatever songs want to come out!!
From city to city, what will you be doing to entertain yourself? Got any games on your phone we should be getting in on?
I like to sleep so I prioritise that! Eye mask, Harry Potter audio book in my ears and I drown out the noise haha! But when I’m awake we play Tenable or the alphabet game, but I’m also shit at it so I tend to get bored and put some music on. I’m a joy on tour I promise!! 😉
better joy perform at The Bodega on 30th March. Tickets are available here.
