Embrace the unknown. We’ve had to do that a lot lately haven’t we? Every day since March 2020 has been an endless battle with the unknown. Now, as we continue to emerge vaccinated from our COVID cocoons, there are quite a bit of unknowns greeting us on the other side. Will we ever feel “normal” again? Why won’t people just get vaccinated? What in the hell is an NFT?
As runners, there are a lot of unknowns we must embrace on every run. Every step is different than the last. Every mile has a different feel. A simple change in pace or direction can dramatically change the outcome of a run. You might either feel mentally powerful or drained, depending on the day. The thing is, you won’t actually know until you find yourself in the middle of it. Getting out there is the biggest hurdle. By taking that first step towards the first mile, you’re already embracing the change and anything that comes with it.
It isn’t always easy, I know. I can write all this stuff and make it sound good, but adapting to change hasn’t always been my strong suit. We like our creature comforts, don’t we? I mean, I’ve been wearing the same type of running shoes for half a decade now. If it works, it works, right? The problem is, without change there is no progress, and without progress, there is no change. The only way we can grow as runners, as individuals, and as a society, we need to embrace change and all that comes with it. Maybe there’s a better shoe out there for me. Who knows! Sometimes there is nothing else left to do but embrace the unknown.
Welsh rockers The Joy Formidable have had a lot of unknowns to embrace over the years. Their loud and ambitious debut full length The Big Roar , which turned 10 this year, was a huge success across the globe, thanks in part to the mighty erupting single “Whirring,” one of the best alternative rock songs of the 21st century (it is also a perfect song to run to). Singer/guitarist Ritzy Bryan, bassist Rhydian Dafydd, and drummer Matt Thomas have since toured relentlessly, quickly gaining a reputation of one of modern rock’s great live acts. Then of course the pandemic hit, and like all of us, they had to put any future plans on hold. Ritzy and Rhydian ended up in Utah and Matt in the UK, which wasn’t exactly the plan.
While the band has kept themselves busy connecting with fans during the pandemic via their TJF Music Club, the real reason they found themselves in Utah in the first place was to write new music. After a year writing and recording, passing songs back and forth from Utah to Thomas to lay down his drums in the UK, the band has emerged on the other side with their first album in three years titled Into the Blue, out August 20.
Over the past few months, the band has released a steady stream of singles leading up to the album release, including “Into the Blue,” “Back to Nothing,” “Chimes,” and last week’s “Interval.” Each song sounds like a throwback to ten years ago. They’ve cut out the fat, and they’re sharp reminders of why fans like me connected with their music in the first place. The band sounds hungry again, ready to start a new decade fresh.
Back in May, I was fortunate enough to catch up with Rhydian via Zoom from his home in Utah to chat a little bit about the new album. While it would’ve been understandable, he did not talk like a man burdened by a shit situation brought on by the pandemic. Instead, he sounded invigorated and excited at the prospect of releasing new music. We also talked about the 10 year anniversary of The Big Roar, an album I listened to pretty much nonstop during the Summer of 2011. Of course, we also talked a little bit about running and how he kept himself sane during the pandemic by running among the vast red/orange canyons of the American West.
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Last time I spoke to the band in 2013, you had been recording Wolf’s Law in Maine. How the heck did you end up in Utah this time around?
Yeah, I’ve been year about a year longer than I expected [laughs]. Ritzy’s based here anyway. We came here to write just over a year ago, and kinda got stuck here with everything that’s happened. It worked out okay. We were writing the record anyway, and we’ve been doing these online shows and stuff. It’s been working out fine. We’ve been doing it in our studio here and Matty our drummer is still in the UK. It hasn’t been a massive mind-fuck for us.
Your new track, “Into the Blue,” feels like a throwback in a way to the first record. Can you tell me a little bit about that song and how it came about?
Yeah, I started writing that song a few years ago actually. In terms of the lyrics, that’s more Ritzy’s domain for that song. But I think it encapsulates the mindset that we’ve been in the past year. It’s weird because we feel like there’s been some personal things to overcome and parallel to that is obviously what’s gone on with the pandemic. It talks a bit about that, “Into the Blue,” about facing the unknown and about the mindset and the psychology of that really. We are often taught, aren’t we, to avoid the unknown and so forth, but where you end up is in more of a box. You wanna face it. That’s the only way through.
So, there was a lot of that going on at a personal level, you know. And obviously doing music, especially these days, it’s so changeable. You are dealing with unknowns a lot! And it wasn’t just the relationship with music. There was a lot of relationship stuff going on there but it’s funny how it happened with the pandemic. Because I think it wasn’t really about that, but there’s a bit of a parallel there. Not just about the pandemic, but it’s thrown off how a musician’s going to sustain themselves, obviously along with so many other people having lost work with the pandemic and restructuring, adapting, and so forth. But musicians and creative people were already in a tricky place with that. Touring was the only place to sustain yourself.
So, big shifts there. And obviously, secondly, we kinda need to be in a new place consciously and systemically as well. Like this age of misinformation. It’s been a crazy year never mind the pandemic, hasn’t it? Politically and everything else.
I can’t imagine being a creative person having to get in a creative mindset in times like these. I can barely write and do my day job! Was writing this song something you felt you had to do to keep yourself sane?
That’s the beauty of it. It’s a sanctuary. We don’t do it for anything other than that really. It’s always been there. There’s never been any shortage of ideas and stuff. In fact, we had a really fruitful period so it’s probably been fueled by the various difficulties going on. It’s definitely a wonderful thing that nobody can take away from you, whether you’re selling your music or not. In a creative sense, we’ve had a great year.
How’s the band doing these days? Where are you guys at mentally right now?
Well, we’re itching to get back out on the road that’s for sure. We’ve got the album Into the Blue coming out August 20. We’re gearing up for that. It would be great if we could get back out on the road with a proper tour at the end of the year but we’ll see because there’s a massive backlog. And to be honest, we’ve still been able to connect with people, we’ve been doing this music club. We’ve been excited by that and how we can extend on that. Of course, it doesn’t beat playing live in front of people. We want that to come back ASAP. But in the meantime, that has been there and we’re wondering how the two compliment each other moving forward in our career. We’ll see. If no touring at the end of this year, then definitely start of next year. That’s what we’re aiming towards. There are many things out of our control. If they change again we’ll just have to adapt again, you know?
I’m glad to hear it! It’s been a few years since the last one came out.
Yeah, and we did a rerelease, 10 year anniversary of A Balloon Called Moaning, which was more of a niche sing. We rerecorded those songs in Welsh as well.
That brings me to another thing I wanted to ask you about: The Big Roar. It turned 10 years old in March. How does that feel looking back at that record? What is your relationship with that record now?
Good question. It is weird to think that it’s 10 years old. We wanna do something special around that, and we will do through the music club also in terms of a release. It’s interesting because we feel like we’re in a different place. We’re very proud of the record. We’re proud of every record we put out, and with every record, we want it to encapsulate where we’re at the time and not just rehashing and putting out the same formula again. God, I haven’t actually listened to the record in quite a while. But it was an interesting combination of a lot of the live stuff that built up over the years leading up to that. We had some of those songs from early on, and then Matt joined us and we became much more of a live band. That record encapsulates that. There are longer jam-outs, where we enjoy playing together and interweaving. And that’s what we wanted, you know, that joy in playing and where it can take you. I’m really looking forward doing something around that record for the music club. Maybe some online shows where we play the record all the way through. Maybe a full-on tour around it. We’ll see. It’s interesting because we are in different places now. We were kind of holed away in our flat in London at the time, and it feels quite like a dark and claustrophobic record for us a little bit. It was a tough time. There was all the anger and frustration came out in the album.
Is it a hard record for you to turn back to because of that?
For me personally, no. I think Ritzy has mentioned a few times like demons a little bit at the time that came out cathartically in the music. Sometimes you do need distance from that. It’s not as if I’m like “No I can’t listen to it ever again!”
So much has changed since that time. What have you learned about yourselves since that record? What has changed, other than getting older?
Well, I think it’s quite a lot of things about the industry that has changed. Lots of things have changed. With time, I think you become also just more and more in the mindset of if you just keep it simple and you still love playing music and you write songs that you put your heart and soul into then everything else tends to fall into place. Don’t get me wrong, there’s always something. We’ve been through many managers and many labels and all that shit. That for us is pretty dull stuff. And so you learn many things as well about the “business” of putting out music and all this kind of stuff. And some of that has been disappointing. When you really put so much into it and yet it’s in the hands of people who frankly don’t do a good job or don’t give a shit. But you learn as you go along and all you can do is the best you can do with each chapter.
Yeah, again, I feel like in this day and age it’s so much easier to connect with people and get your music out there. Like okay there’s so much of it that people maybe feel like fatigued and saturated at times, but I feel like if you put great stuff out there, things tend to come back, you know? It’s a symbiotic relationship. We’ve learned a bit of that. Just fucking keep it simple. Make sure more than anything that you enjoy fucking writing. If you’re doing it for any other purpose: fame, being cool, whatever. It’s not sustainable. Same goes with playing live. We absolutely love the live side of things. That’s where you feel alive and you’re in the moment and you’re reacting to the moment as well. It’s spontaneous and you’re improvising. We get off on it and engaging with the audience. If that’s there, don’t change it.
Is that kind of the mindset where you are now, that simple approach and doing it for the love of it, with the new record?
Yeah. We’re really excited with the new record. It does have a bit of some of that reverb-soaked sexiness and darkness of The Big Roar. It’s different, and it has a new stride. It’s not tame. It has a lot of dynamics in it. You’ve got some really heavy moments in it, like some of the heaviest moments we’ve had, and you have some delicate moments. That’s what we enjoy. We don’t feel like to be a rock band you have to be just one thing. We enjoy the journey that an album can give you. I would say that it’s got a real rhythmical stride to it. We’re in a good place – not meaning settled, but sort of embracing the unknown.
I’m excited to hear it! So, pivoting a bit, I wanted to get your thoughts on running since that’s why we’re here. How long have you been running?
I wouldn’t really classify myself as someone who does a lot of long distance running, but I do all kinds of exercise and always have. I love going running the canyons out here particularly. My thing is more like, that balance of, what’s the term, “canyoneering” or something like that, where you have to be kinda careful because one wrong step and you might twist your ankle. But I like that kinda of like being in balance and climbing a few things. It’s great for that here in Utah.
I’ve always done a lot of exercise. I did a ton of gymnastics as a kid. Tennis, football, whatever really. I was very active as a kid. Then I got into music and I forgot about all of that. I was just in my room rehearsing all the time. So that took a back foot for quite a long time. But in my 30s onwards, it came back. Don’t get me wrong it didn’t go completely, but now there’s a psychological part to it all. I think running is very much that. I like doing all kinds of exercise and putting my body in different kinds of circumstances. You’re limber, you’re stretching, you feel balanced and all that kind of stuff. So, there’s the psychological side of that – getting outside of course, getting some vitamin D, some fresh air. Fantastic. It’s nice, especially when you’re recording a lot and listening to music. For us, you know, in the studio a lot, sat down a lot, listening to music all the time. It’s nice to actually get away. When I go running, I’m not listening to stuff. I need to step away from it.
Oh, so you don’t listen to anything when you run?
No. With running, when it comes to some long distance running, it’s almost like mediation. It’s the battle against yourself. I’ve gotten more and more into that sphere, although I don’t go too far with it. I do think there’s a certain line with listening to your body. Don’t get me wrong, you do wanna optimize, but sometimes I’m like eh I don’t wanna do 30 miles everyday. There’s something to be said for balance and what’s right for you. I like to try different things. I also like explosive things, like running up a canyon and down in say 5 miles and do that sort of if I have a choice, do 2 or 3 times a week.
Everything is a balance. You need to have to go without. So, when you create music and you’re listening to music all the time, I think it’s important to be able to step away and give your ears a rest as well and listen to some different sounds. You gotta be quite aware at times as well. In Utah, you can get lost quite easily. You gotta kinda have your wits about you. It’s just a different kind of focus.
Running through the canyons must be absolutely gorgeous.
It is very pretty. I do sometimes go in the morning, but oddly enough – and maybe it’s from doing music years and years – my body clock would need a big adjustment and sometimes I struggle a bit with not having enough energy in the morning. I tend to have more energy later on. So, I go for night jogs quite regularly. I enjoy being quite peaceful and going for a walk as well.
Do you get Ritzy to run with you too?
She’s been getting more into running recently actually. There’s a really nice reservoir nearby. It’s just… it’s good practice for anybody to do, isn’t it? It helps clear the mind. When you’re in the studio, it’s a lot of mental work all the time and it’s important to get out and have a release from that.
Do you run on tour, or will you once you get back out on the road?
Yeah, I do when we’re touring. I’d like to do more, actually. It’s something that I have appreciated this past year, without the touring, and doing more of it. I want to inject a little bit more into my routine, even when we’re on tour. It can be tricky when you’re touring, don’t get me wrong. You just gotta try to move. I’ve had back problems from doing gymnastics, and when you’re in a van for 10 hours at a time, it can take its toll. You just need to get into stretching and moving around you know? That in itself is needed, never mind the jog. You gotta keep on top of it. I’m not 18 anymore. I’ve had a few gigs where you’ve been sat down in one position for 10 hours in a van and you gotta stretch at the gig. There was one gig where I went straight for the mosh and I did my back in [laughs].
So, what advice do you have for new runners?
I think the key thing, again, is the psychological aspect of it. Don’t ever tell yourself “I’m not a runner, I can’t possible do that.” And you do hear sometimes people saying that. Maybe they have a certain body type or have been told that they’re big boned or something like that growing up. The key thing is to just try it out, see how it makes you feel, and work in increments with what works for you. Even if that means starting off doing a half fucking mile, you know? And then see how it works for you. Figure out the reasons for doing it, like getting into a habit and you feel clearer and feel more balanced. That’s the key thing right? So you can get into a habit of doing it regularly. Then it’s a sustainable thing. Then you’re actually enjoying this. You’re doing it because you’re enjoying it, not because of “ugh I need to lose weight” or something. You want to enjoy what you’re doing, right?
Into the Blue is out August 20 via Enci Records
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IT KEEPS YOU RUNNING: Music for Your Miles
Music and running go hand-in-hand. Here’s what you should be putting on your running playlist this week.
Colm O’Mahony & The Hot Touches
It’s funny, sometimes music can come to you from the most unexpected places. The other day, I received an email from an artist named Colm O’Mahony, who lives in the charming Irish town called Killarney (you know, the one from that Christmas song). He and his band The Hot Touches have put out their debut self-titled record, and while I know Ireland has a rich history of music (Lord knows I’ve written extensively about it already), I’m not sure I was expecting to hear something that sounded so… American. I realize it’s kinda lazy to compare music to Tom Petty or Bruce Springsteen, but I think it’s warranted here. O’Mahony, who happens to be an avid runner and 2-time marathoner himself, adheres to the Petty “don’t bore us, get to the chorus” philosophy. All 8 tracks on the album (a total Springsteen move in itself) harken to the days of alternative rock radio in the mid 90s when they still played Toad the Wet Sprocket regularly on the radio. Songs like “Pretty Girl in the Rain,” “Preacher’s Daughter,” and “Young Love” in particular are highlights for me and would sound great during a summer hangout or on an easy 2 miler run. Needless to say, I’m very glad O’Mahony sent me his email and his music. That’s part of the reason I started this newsletter in the first place. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I need to get my ass to Ireland.
The Customers
I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the Jersey Shore, where the water is always a crisp 78 degrees, and a dastardly seagull is never further than a stones throw away from stealing a hot dog straight from your greasy little fingers. I’m a sucker for the beach, in general, but I’m even MORE of a sucker for catchy garage rock. The Customers are a band that delivers on both. Hailing from Ocean City, New Jersey, their music sounds like it comes from an alternative universe in which The Strokes found fame within the Philly/Southern New Jersey DIY scene instead of Brooklyn, or say, if Real Estate decided to write songs that were faster than 100 bpm. While the band hasn’t released a full album yet, I’m really digging the singles they’ve put out so far like “Ways,” “Patterns,” “More Than One,” and “Go Home.” I imagine we’ll be seeing these and more on an album in the near future. Until then, get these songs on your running playlists now while the summer lasts.
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