Junodream are comprised of Ed Vyvyan (vocals), Dougal Gray (guitar), Tom Rea (guitar), Will Ryder (bass) and Jake Gidley (drums). Isn’t It Lovely (To Be Alone) is the second EP from the band, and there is an underground buzz building with its release. We had the pleasure of chatting with the guys to discuss their beginning, touring plans, vinyl, and the future of the band.
First off, congrats on the new EP and the accolades that are starting to come in for it. As you know, Vinyl Chapters reviewed it, loved it, and gave it a 5/5. I read an article somewhere else that listed you between IDLES and The Who for new releases to check out. How do you feel about praise like that, and do you feel any pressure associated with it?
Thank you Vinyl Chapters, you are eternal friends of the band. We feel no pressure whatsoever, can’t speak for Idles or The Who though! Ha.
So, Junodream was started when you guys were pretty young. Tell us a little about how the band came to be, and what drove you guys to want to work together.
We have been playing music together since we were 14 and formed various bands, experimented with different genres, wrote a load of rubbish songs and played some humiliating gigs. We finally learnt how to dress and write music and decided to start fresh with a new project. Junodream was born, praise be.
What is your favourite track on Isn’t It Lovely (To Be Alone), and why?
That’s a hard question but I think it would have to be the title track of the EP – it combines all the elements we’re most proud of: a combination of sad and hopeful, with a big dash of sarcasm.
I immediately picked up a theme with this record of being young and trying to figure it all out and all of the anxieties and demands that come with it. Is that a fair assessment? What were you trying to project lyrically and/or musically on the EP?
That’s spot on, but it’s also tongue-and-cheek. They’re avoidable mini-moments of crisis where the character’s got himself into the situation and doesn’t exactly deal with it in the best way.
Is there a full-length record in the works from Junodream at this point?
We are writing a heap tonne of music and certainly album is on the cards. But we don’t know when just yet.
What are a few bands that you really love and draw influence from?
Spiritualized, Yo La Tengo, Brian Jones Town Massacre, Flaming Lips, and more recently Happyness, U.S Girls, to name a few.
Do any of you guys listen to and collect vinyl? Is there a vinyl release planned for the EP?
Yes, (when we have the money). No vinyl release this time round, we’d want more tracks before we commit to wax. But it’s definitely high on the bucket list.
What is your favourite thing about playing live shows? Any favourite venues?
The best is playing to a group of random people and trying to convert them to full-time Junodreamers. Either way, you can be a caricature of yourself and it’s great fun. We recently played Bermondsey Social Club which is excellent.
What are your touring plans for the new record? Are there plans to tour worldwide at this stage?
We are doing some dates in and around London, and maybe further. If someone signs us we will definitely tour around the world until we kick the bucket. Until then, Greater London and the Midlands is our territory.
Going Forwards, what can we expect from Junodream?
Bigger, better music and bigger, better trousers.
You can check out our review of Junodream EP Isn’t It Lovely (To Be Alone) here.
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