Welsh rock band The Joy Formidable returns to DC after four years away, performing at the Miracle Theatre on May 16th.
Their 11-city North American tour will showcase stories, and intimate and stripped down versions of their songs. This should be a great way to experience their music, as a new fan or a long-time devotee. They have not announced a new album as of yet (in support of this tour), but they have already released five albums, including the most recent, 2021’s Into the Blue. They also have a few EPs to their credit, and most recently released new singles in 2023.
The band is currently Rhiannon “Ritzy” Bryan (lead vocals, guitar) and Rhydian Dafydd Davies (bass, vocals). They started as a band in 2007 in Wales (now based in London), and released their first EP titled A Balloon Called Moaning in 2008.
I’ve enjoyed seeing their live performances six times so far, including their last show in DC at Union Stage in 2022. My attention originally gravitated to their songs “Austere” and “Whirring” in 2008 (both from A Balloon Called Moaning), and I’ve been a fan ever since. They even re-released a 10th Anniversary Edition of the EP, each song re-recorded in their native Welsh as toned down versions. Mae’n wrando gwych!
Should be another great show, get your tickets here.
Tickets are $40 (w/fees). Doors open at Miracle Theatre at 8pm; show at 8:30pm.
If that is not enough, Rhydian Dafydd Davies graciously answered a few questions via email.
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A DC Journey: As someone who grew up with miniature dachshunds, I always loved that the awesome Tony (the miniature dachshund) got to travel everywhere with the band. I used to do the same with mine (putting him under the seat in front of me on planes or he would climb on my shoulders and act like a pillow while I tried to drive on road trips). Very sorry to hear about Tony’s passing. Not a question, just wanted to say I understand completely what that feels like to lose such a good friend and you have my deepest condolences.
Rhydian Dafydd Davies: Thank you very much Jeremy. That’s kind of you to say. I will relay that to Ritzy. Tony was one in a million and a real adventure (and tour!) dog. We all loved him very much and Ritz misses him like crazy and is so grateful for it all.
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ADCJ: When I need a boost, I often gravitate to the music video for “This Ladder Is Ours”. I love the energy and its message. Are there any of your songs that you like to listen to when you’re going about your day? Or, any that you most enjoy performing live?
Rhydian: Oo that is a toughie. Songs are moments captured, like branches on the tree of experience, and I love that the tree is always growing. Some are quick bursts and others convey big ponderings. Once recorded and finished I don’t listen back too much, I’m excited about what’s next, but I’ll say “The Greatest Light is The Greatest Shade” today. We’ve always played that song and love it just like it was yesterday. I guess partly because it talks about timeless qualities and it fucking stirs us still when we play live – that’s hugely important to us as a band.
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ADCJ: You’ve been coming to Washington, DC on tours for a long time (I first saw you perform at the Black Cat in 2011), do you have any local DC bands or artists that you’ve been excited about?
Rhydian: Absolutely! Fugazi, Bad Brains, Jawbox, Priests, The Messthetics – “Gestations”! (What a track!), Terrain, Turnstile, and The Evens. And I’m still learning of more….Any recent that you also recommend seeing?
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ADCJ: Unfortunately you missed the cherry blossom season for this tour, but is there anything you enjoy most about visiting DC?
Rhydian: Ah that is beautiful isn’t it. Getting out in nature, connecting before connecting in gigs…we love to do that. Roaming the mountains in Wales and Utah and Ireland (all at the same time!) bring me so much joy and peace. Well we have real fond memories of the Ethiopian food there (is it in Adams Morgan?). Salivating as I write that he he! That jump each time into what’s on the ground culturally and catching up with friends and familiar faces at the shows bring a smile.
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ADCJ: What has been your favorite experience so far as a musician/band?
Rhydian: It’s simply creating with my band and sharing that live. Everlasting magic. So I’ll say ‘the next song’! ;) The next note! Waaaait…..the next….
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ADCJ: What was the last song (by any artist) you couldn’t stop playing on repeat?
Rhydian: “Terrain” by pg.lost and “T69 Collapse” by Aphex Twin. SaweeeeeeT! Thanks so much Jeremy. See you soon a diolch yn fawr.
Prynwch docyn, byddwch chi’n mwynhau!
A DC Journey 