I’m back…with The Joy Formidable.
In 2008 I had the pleasure of being introduced to Ritzy Bryan and Rhydian Daffyd, founding members of bloody marvellous alternative rock band The Joy Formidable.
I began listening to their music and became an immediate fan – I was soon attending their gigs and catching up with them backstage at each one; before long, I was invited, along with my friend and collaborator Neil James Drummond to direct a music video for their track ‘Austere‘ which would be the first single from their debut EP ‘A Balloon Called Moaning’. After enjoying seeing this video reach the number one spot on MTV2, I went on to be involved in their video for ‘Cradle‘ as producer and one of the camera operators, and as director and camera operator/dp on the video for ‘Whirring‘ – the shoot on which I first met their recently-appointed drummer, Matt Thomas.
Throughout the years since, we have maintained contact and I have enjoyed seeing the band’s success grow. When Ritzy recently invited me to head to Utah to film some video pieces in support of their upcoming album, Hitch, I answered with an enthusiastic “YES!”.
It was quite the reunion – I had five long but wonderful days of filming out in the landscape of Utah, whilst having a great catchup – and many laughs – with the band. It’s fantastic to see them so invigorated, and they have clearly had a great time with recording their new album. They are now gearing up for a tour in support of the album whilst I am cracking on with editing the footage that we shot.
So, Utah rocks! The Joy Formidable rocks! And you know what? SO DO I!!!!!
All images © 2016 Dain Bedford-Pugh. All rights reserved.
Dain Bedford-Pugh 