With a new album fresh in the industry, Joywave has been touring non-stop! The band added a second leg on their tour where I had the chance to interview them and review their Thanks. Thanks For Coming Tour!
I was able to have a great conversation with Joywave's drummer, Paul Brenner about their new album and rising success! Their new album, Content was released on July 28, 2017! Brenner talked about how their new album allowed Joywave to tour with bands like Cold War Kids and Young The Giant. He added that both tours were a blast and it was awesome being around great people who produce great music! Joywave was able to play at many venues they had never been to during these tours including Red Rocks.
Content has not only brought the band more radio and touring success, but it allowed the band to complete one of their bucket list goals according to Brenner. Content's success not only caught the media and music lover's attention, but it caught Stephen Colbert's! The band was able to perform their song Doubt. Brenner seemed very excited when asked about the show and he talked about how surreal it was for him and the band to experience. He stated, "It was surreal! I just watch it again this morning when I woke up."
When asked more about the album process, Brenner stated that he believed the biggest difference in the process of the first and second album was mainly the location. Content was recorded in a barn outside of Rochester. One of the biggest differences for the band was their first album was mainly a collection of demos they had created. In some of these laptop demos, the drums were recorded in 2013 and patchworked into the album. Sometimes recording was tough as they had to record Content's drums at 4 or 5 in the morning because the mics could pick up traffic noise.
When asked who inspired the band, Brenner, and keyboardist, Benjamin Bailey responded, "Any artist that isn't afraid to just do what they want to do." Brenner added, "The Kanye West's of the word."
When asked about future albums Brenner stated that the doors are wide open for anyone wanting to work with them, but the singer, Daniel Armbruster would say Kendrick Lamar according to the drummer.
Finally, when asked how the band prepares for a tour and how their first half of the tour went, Brenner went on to say that the first tour went very well and the band is very humbled by the number of sold-out shows on both tours!
After the interview, I was able to get a great spot for the show! The band had two opening acts, KOPPS and Sasha Sloan. Joywave definitely stole the show with their unique decorations and electric stage performance. The venue was packed and definitely had a mixed age group which was awesome. The crowd jumped, danced, and sang along to every song.
Joywave played a mix of new and old songs and even let former bandmates come on stage who are now in KOPPS. Joywave came out playing Content, their self-titled track, immediately capturing the audience's attention. The drums on this track are violent, abrupt, and very cool! Doubt, Somebody New, and Destruction definitely all had the same vibe to them and the audience loved it!
Songs like Shutdown, Now, and Golden State were definitely another three of the best songs live. The audience seemed to love the energy the band had and Daniel Armbruster's vocals were impeccable! The band definitely supported the outstanding vocals as the drums, keyboards, guitar, and bass were great.
As I have seen the band twice, once in 2014, I will say they have definetley come so far as a band. The members are all very talented and both of their albums have done very well! I would definetley reccomened seeing the band as they are very humble and have an amazing stage presence.
