The Joys: not fluffy pop
By Lindsey Rivait
Arts Editor
August 6, 2008
 The Joys’ name may sound soft, but their music and attitude is anything but. “We enjoy it, which is why we picked it. It’s just about the joys of life, the joys of music, the joys of living. I don’t think that’s poppy,” explained Ken Ross, bassist of The Joys.
The newly signed band hailing from London, ON features former Popjoys members Sarah Smith on vocals and Mike McKyes on guitar. They were later joined by Glen “Archie” Gamble on drums, and Ken Ross on bass.
The band has had many successes over their short career, including numerous awards from the London Music Awards, the Toronto Independent Music Awards, and the COCA Entertainment Awards.
Their new 10-track album, Unfold, was released July 8. Emotional personal events in the bandmembers’ lives permeate the album, most notably the passing of McKyes’ mother. Smith immortalizes McKyes’ mother in the title track, singing of her wish to become a butterfly and transcend physical pain.
In 2005, the band recorded their first album, Demolition Sessions, which was released independently. Two years later, they released a self-titled three-song single, which was certified gold in Canada.
Demolition Sessions was recorded in only one day. Working on Unfold was much different for the band since they were able to dedicate more time and energy into crafting each song in addition to working with industry professionals like Tom Treumuth, the same producer who worked with Big Sugar. “A lot more time and energy went into it (Unfold) and I think that reflects in the sound,” said Ross.
The Joys’ writing process is always fresh and changing. “One of the cool things about being in the band is that it’s always something different. Mike will bring in a guitar riff, go over and start to get the music together with the band. Sarah will write the words. That’s one way of doing it, but it could be the opposite way. Sarah comes in and brings something, or she has an idea. There’s really no set way to do it, we just work together,” said Ross.
Ross attributes hard work and dedication to the success of The Joys. “In previous experiences, you put out an album and all this stuff and you expect things to happen, but with everyone in the band being experienced in the industry for ten years, we know you have to work hard and always work it and go out there and play as much as you can wherever you can,” he said.
The Joys are currently promoting their new album and playing shows just about every night—something Ross cites as the most exciting time in his musical career so far. “The release of this album is pretty exciting. It’s been a long time coming,” said Ross. The Joys play over 200 shows a year, making the band a fulltime job for its members.
Ross promises high-energy shows. “There’s a great positive vibe coming off of the stage we really feed off the crowd, so we’ll go out there and give it our all and the crowd gives it back to us and we give it back to them. It’s like a two-way street, we feed off each other,” Ross said.
Ross hopes the band can continue sharing their feelings and music with the world for a long time.
As for the future of The Joys, the plan is to stick with what they’re already doing. “Keep on truckin’, playing live shows, meeting as many new people as we can, and go in and record another album, and keep the circle continuing,” said Ross.
The Joys will be playing alongside April Wine and Honeymoon Suite at Lake Fest in Belle River on Aug. 8. For more information, visit The Joys online at http://www.thejoys.ca.
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