Answered by: David Pope
What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.
Much maligned and deeply unfashionable as it is now, the whole Britpop thing was really influential to me in the mid to late ‘90s. Until that point, the only music I had ever purchased was a bootleg The Simpsons Sing The Blues cassette. Bands like Oasis, Blur and Pulp introduced me to a new world, and to some extent changed my whole sense of identity. Some of the music hasn’t aged that well and the lad culture that came to be associated with it makes me cringe now, but I still have a Britpop soft spot and a deep-rooted nostalgia for that time.
The Just Joans started off with just me and Chris (our long-suffering guitarist) playing a few songs in Glasgow cafes. Over the years the line-up has evolved, and we’ve grown to a six-piece with my wee sister Katie on vocals, Fraser on bass, Jason on drums, Arion on keyboards and Chris still suffering on guitar.
Provide us with some info about your latest release…
We’ve just released our new album The Private Memoirs and Confessions of The Just Joans on Fika Recordings. It’s a smorgasbord of misery, longing and everyday humdrum angst.
Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?
Musical influences: The Kinks, The Magnetic Fields, The Smiths, girl group pop of the ‘60s, The Hector Collectors.
Non-musical influences: kitchen sink movies, agony aunt columns and problem pages, Daniel Clowes, Peep Show, low-level bullying at school.
In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?
I’d like to think that we’ve developed quite an eclectic approach with our new album. There’s lots of different styles, sounds, themes and influences on display. From baroque swelling strings on “Dear Diary, I Died Again Today” to the 1980’s synthpop of “Like Yesterday Again” or the Ken Loach-ian guitar pop of “Wee Guys (Bobby’s Got A Punctured Lung)”. I’d hope that it’s not a boring listen and that there’s enough humour mixed in to prevent it becoming an utterly miserable experience.
Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…
Albums: 69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields, Demonstration Tapes by Dolly Mixture and All Summer Long by The Beach Boys.
Movies: Jaws, American Movie and Billy Liar.
Books: Blankets by Craig Thompson, O Caledonia by Elspeth Barker and Folklore, Myths and Legends of Britain by Russell Ash and Katherine Briggs.
Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?
Probably the studio, to be honest. Mainly because “the studio” for us usually involves sitting around in my house or someone else’s house, drinking tea and eating crisps. We occasionally strum something or press a button, but it’s predominantly tea and crisps.
Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?
We named ourselves after The Daily Record’s longstanding agony aunt (and national treasure) Joan Burnie. Back in 2008, the newspaper got wind of our existence and invited us along for a photoshoot with Joan. It was a lovely day out, but think they wanted a spicier angle to the story. I was cajoled into saying that I cut out articles and pictures from Joan’s columns to stick on my wall like some kind of perverted serial killer. They finished the article by suggesting that perhaps I ought to seek Joan’s professional advice for my sick, sick mind.
Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?
The track that tends to resonate most deeply with people is “What Do We Do Now?” It’s a song about moving away from home at 19 or 20 and the gradual deterioration of friendships. It simultaneously mourns the passing of time while celebrating the importance of these relationships. It also mentions Buckfast and steals a melody from (Britpop band) Sleeper.
Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?
We’ve recently played a gig at The Flying Duck in Glasgow past Saturday, February 1st as part of Independent Venue Week. We’re also hoping to play a few festivals over the summer months. Other than that, I’m expecting my first child next month so we’ll mostly be changing nappies and not sleeping.
Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…
Who is responsible for the wonderful artwork that adorn the band’s releases?
Good question, I’m glad you asked. Katie, who sings in the band, is also an award-winning painter. You can discover more of her work by checking out her website at http://katiepope.co.uk/
Photo credits: Allan Whyte
Curated by: Christos Doukakis
Recommended listening:
Connect with The Just Joans:
https://www.thejustjoans.co.uk/
https://thejustjoans.bandcamp.com/
https://twitter.com/TheJustJoans