No longer all “pop,” The Joys deliver the rock

By: Allison Werbowetsky

Blasting the stage with explosive energy, local band The Joys pride themselves on their dramatic stage presence and original sound.

All members hail from London and naturally blended to form the band in 2001. The band, originally known as Popjoy, was comprised of Sarah Smith (vocals and guitar) and Mike McKyes (lead guitar). However, they eventually changed the name to the Joys. “[The name] just fit,” explains Smith. “We kept seeing that when people left our shows, they were always smiling.”

Two years later, Smith discovered Shawn Smith (no relation) while running karaoke at a bar in Woodstock. Upon discovering he played bass, Smith quickly recruited him to join the band.

Glen “Archie” Gamble was the last piece of the puzzle, and perhaps the most influential. Popjoy’s drummer had too much of a “poppy sound,” but Gamble’s style allowed the Joys to move toward the rock end of the spectrum.

The group dropped the “pop” from it’s name, because, as Smith explains, “We don’t want to be limited by the word ‘pop’ — we just want to do what comes from our hearts.”

Beginning as a cover band, their first album did not include any original material. Once the CD sold out, they refused to make more copies, insisting it was a step in their development, and the album belonged in the past. Their next albums, Anyone Who Cares (2003) and Demolition Sessions (2005), contained only original tracks.

The single “Do I” from Demolition Sessions will be featured in the upcoming film Cake, which stars Heather Graham and Taye Diggs. “Do I,” as well as several other songs, can be previewed on the band’s website. The band has also sold over 10,000 CDs in the past four years and were voted Pop/Rock Artist of the Year at the 2004 and 2005 London Music Awards.

Music has always been a huge part of Smith’s life, and she has allowed her talents to grow by learning to play various instruments, including the piano, drums, and guitar.

“Music chose us,” Smith explains, “we just got sucked in; it’s a talent so overwhelming that you have to listen to it.”

Smith loves the stage and describes the rush of expressing herself as an “extreme version of drugs. It’s letting go of your mind; it’s your soul, and it feels wonderful.”

Despite this wonderful feeling, Smith initially suffered a bad case of stage fright. However, she overcame this fear by sporting a pink mohawk. This way, while the audience was still looking at her, now they had a reason.

The Joys have played over 200 shows and over 30 universities and colleges across Canada, performing with big name acts Matthew Good, K-OS, and Finger Eleven.

After recently completing a tour of the Maritimes, the energetic Smith admitted that, despite a warm reception elsewhere, playing locally is still the best: “[London] supports the shit out of us... We’re honest, we’re not putting anything on. People see the hard work and dedication in our songs and performances, so they come out and support us.”

The Joys eventually want to take their sound across international borders, but have decided to wait until they can develop “international confidence” in their music. Smith insists, however, that they will soon show the U.S. how great Canada really is.

The Joys will be performing at the foam party tonight at 9:30 p.m.