In today’s interview, we asked Joybomb to take on the A-Z challenge so we can find out all about the band!
A song that made you want to make music?
“Hopeless Case of a Kid in Denial” by The Hellacopters
Best rider you’ve had?
Pizza and tequila.
Craziest moment you’ve had in the band?
We’re full of whimsical misadventures… Getting locked out of our supposed lodgings in New Orleans in the wee hours, pulling an all-nighter here and there, then riding back to Memphis to beat the onslaught of a snowstorm, that’s one.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
“The cult is in our pockets – a handbook, modern scripture. It’s oxymoronic, reflecting prescribed fixtures.” from “Cult in Your Pocket,” off the new EP.
Easiest song you wrote?
Joybomb songs are kinda hard tbh. Maybe a tune I wrote when I was fourteen called “European Girl“? It’s pretty much five power chords. Still rips I think.
Favourite song in your set?
At the moment, “Faith & Chemistry.”
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Maybe Tony Esposito from White Reaper – his vocals are sick. Or Matt Skiba cause duh.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Scheduling can be like herding cats.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
Our bassist Conner is more often than not rocking Crocs on and off stage. With the Jibbitz to boot.
Jokes you have in the band?
I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you.
Key to writing a song?
A healthy cocktail of curiosity and intentionality. Hopefully you have something to say. Ask: does this bop and are there moments of surprise?
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
This week, we’ll be driving back from Pensacola, FL to make load-in for a show in Memphis that same evening. That’ll suck.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
Culturally, probably Josh Homme. Personally, a fella named Todd Rowan.
New band you’d recommend?
Billy Tibbals, Spiritual Cramp.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Alkaline Trio, QOTSA… A fun sub-category of this question would be to pick an artist per decade/era. To open for Crue or The Replacements or The Buzzcocks in their day?! (We like this sub-question – Ed.)
Place you’d most like to tour?
UK or Sweden
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
The cup cannot pass beyond the great seal; that is the price of immortality.
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
The new EP is called Modern Scripture, taken from a line in the new song “Cult in Your Pocket.” We landed on this title as a nod to the 21st century human’s fixation on tailor-made information, served up by our algorithmic overlords on our preferred devices. For all intents and purposes, truth has been made subjective in real time (preferably 12 to 15 seconds) as long as it’s good for business; the sociopolitical consequences of which we can only ask Google to predict.
See us live at?
Our EP release show at B-Side in Memphis, Aug 23 or some midwest dates the week leading up to it.
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Generally, yes. But nostalgia is kind and you never really know how good you have it till it’s a throwback playlist or quasi-satirical page on Instagram.
Unusual merchandise?
Nothing extraordinary
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
Always down for a darkwave or industrial house remix
What do your fans mean to you?
They’re the lifeblood. If you get it and dig it and SHOW it? Couldn’t be more grateful. Otherwise we’re just screaming into the void.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
I broke my foot in the pit after opening for MSPAINT on their album release run in Oxford, MS. Ouchies.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Conner’s.
Zoo animal that next describes the personality of your band?
A raccoon that escaped its exhibit and is making his way downtown, walking fast – faces pass and he’s homebound.