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SXSW 2011: A Snapshot By The Joy Formidable

Posted by Mark in Featured, TJF Tour Diary | 0 comments

Sean: Our history with The Joy Formidable on BIYL is a long and wonderful one. A fact attested to by our archives, which indicate we have well over 45 posts devoted to the band, going back nearly 4 years! I’ve always felt one of the things that we try to do that might set us apart from other blogs out there is sticking with the bands we love, instead of deserting them after one album and moving on to the next big thing. The Joy Formidable have proved themselves a band worth sticking with, and we couldn’t have been more excited when we heard they were going to play SXSW this year. Well, until we found out they were also going to offer up another tour blog for us!

Mark: I was lucky enough to spend a rather riotous evening with The Joy Formidable after the Borderline album launch show. Many of you will remember Ritzy provided us with a great insight into life on the road when the band visited NYC early in 2010. After several large vodkas in the green room with Rhydian (who by the end of the night was rather green himself, though that’s another story best left in the memory vaults), I asked Ritzy if there was any chance of something similar this year. To be honest, I didn’t hold out much hope as I realize that as they grow time becomes more tight, with a constant round of promotional duties since the album release. I was delighted when she agreed without hesitation! As most sites will tell you, very often you get left behind and forgotten as band’s take off, and it’s an occupational hazard that you come to understand and accept. The Joy Formidable are an exception to the rule, and unquestionably one of the most fan-friendly bands out there.

Enough from me, suffice to say it’s a cracking read yet again..

SXSW 2011 A Snapshot by The Joy Formidable

It’s our first morning in Austin, Texas. It’s discernibly hotter than North Wales. We’re on the lookout for an introductory American breakfast, and it’s routine that Matt gorges himself on pancakes on the first day. Away from the hotel, under a spaghetti of freeways, we find a diner that doesn’t disappoint and three varieties of maple syrup.

Get word that we have a last minute show at Fader Fort this afternoon ; roll ourselves into town. It’s a dramatic start to SXSW. Rhydian’s bass amp sets alight, sending plumes of smoke into the faces of the first row. “hello, we’re The Joy Formidable”

Motto of the festival will soon become “I’ve found a replacement”

Decide to cool down with a few frozen Margharita’s.

When in Texas.

Any excuse to get in the pool. Early morning swim in water colder than the winter streams of Snowdonia. Coffee warms the bones and it’s on tap, everywhere.

Go shopping with Jonny our TM for tour provisions (including a new bass amp).

Buy a new kick drum for Rhydian’s anger management therapy. Name it Coleen, in homage to our British bass drum Colin. The joy’s of personification. Guy in the music shop gives me a free kazoo and a shaker in the shape of an apple. Now I can be extra annoying in the tour van.

Load in at the NPR party. Show is great, lovely crowd. Rush offstage for a live interview and forget the no swearing rule. Manage a shit and two fucks before arms start flaying.

Onto KEXP party at Mellow Johnny’s, which outside of SXSW is a bicycle shop.

And not a motorcycle shop either for rock and roll credential: a push bicycle shop. Love the show, a lot of fun, KEXP are a great station and Jim takes this picture :