Joyride on Music, YouTube, Drugs and the News

Hailing from Sydney, synth psychedelic artist, Joyride took a moment to briskly and unapologetically answer some questions in advance of his upcoming gig at Amplifier Bar in February.

IN: Your groovy, west coast sound in ‘Aunty Tracey’s Cookies’ is very infectious. Do I hear a hint of G-Funk in there? What artists do you pull from?

JR: Yeah, maybe a hint. I love lots of diff’ types of music. The artists that fire me up are the ones that challenge the expectations of them.

IN: How would you describe your sound? Would you consider your music nostalgic?

JR: Someone once called my music ‘cheeky pop’ and I figured that might be the easiest way to describe it. Whether or not it's nostalgic is more up to how it makes the listener react, rather than my intention. So, maybe.

IN: When did you first start making music?

JR: I first started singing and playing keys when I was five. I have maintained that level of skill ever since.

IN: If you could choose three artists to have a beer with, who would they be and why?

JR: Trixie Mattel, Ai Wei Wei, Tiga. I think they would be good company.

IN: What role do drugs play in your music?

JR: I think the role drugs play in my music is secondary to the role drugs play in formulating my life experience, which then informs my music. Feels naughty singing about getting high, though.

IN: Despite only dropping two songs on YouTube, your impact on Australian indie pop seems very distinguishable. How does that make you feel?

JR: I think I have more than two songs on YouTube.

IN: Which TV show do you think everyone should watch, and why?

JR: The news. If you don't wanna kill a politician, you aren't paying attention.

IN: What is your favourite movie of all time?

JR: Major League.

IN: Do you think there is a wave of other artists you could fit in with your sound?

JR: Sometimes I feel like that whale that sings at the wrong frequency, destined to float alone. Other times I feel like I should just lean into doof culture a bit more.

IN: What was it like cooking with Indica on your music video for ‘Aunty Tracey’s Cookies’?

JR: I learnt a valuable lesson that day: Baking is a science, cooking is an art.

You can catch Joyride on Saturday 9th of February, rocking the night out in the Perth CBD at Amplifier Bar. He hopes to see you there. Click here for tickets.