BARRY From JOYCE MANOR Talks Australian Tour With THE WONDER YEARS And More

Interview by Angela Croudace
Barry Johnson, vocalist and guitarist from Joyce Manor, sat down
with HEAVY for a conversation about the band's upcoming Australian
tour with The Wonder Years, their creative process, and life on the
road. The Californian punk rockers are gearing up for a return to
Australia, a place they’ve always enjoyed performing and connecting
with passionate fans. With a long-standing relationship with the
country, Barry shared his excitement about the tour and reflected
on the band's journey.
When asked what he was most excited about for this round of shows,
Barry’s enthusiasm was evident. "I'm excited to be back in
Australia. It’s been a while, and I love it there. The crowds are
great, and the people are really easy to talk to," he said. He also
highlighted the similarities between California and Australia,
particularly the laid-back vibe that makes him feel at home. "Being
from California, I feel like Australia is a sweet spot. It's got
the surfer culture, but the humour aligns with English humour,
which is something I can really relate to."
Barry’s memories of past shows in Australia are fond ones, though
he admitted that some moments tend to blur together. However, one
standout memory remains a show at The Gasometer in Melbourne, which
he described as one of the best they’ve ever played. "That show was
definitely one of my favourites. It was such an amazing night, and
it’s always stuck with me," he shared. Even after all these years,
that performance holds a special place for Barry, ranking among the
top shows of his career.
The conversation then shifted to the creative side of Joyce Manor.
Barry reflected on the making of Last You Heard of Me, from their
2016 album Cody, a track that went through numerous revisions
before it came together. "It was one of those songs that we worked
on for so long, making small adjustments until it finally clicked,"
Barry explained. The process was challenging, but the outcome was
something the band is incredibly proud of. "It’s hard to imagine it
any other way now. All the hard work paid off, and I’m really proud
of how it turned out," he added.
In terms of songwriting, Joyce Manor’s process has evolved over the
years. Initially, Barry wrote nearly everything for the band, but
as time went on, it became more collaborative. "On Cody, it was
myself, Chase, and our producer Rob Schnapf working together. It’s
really become a group effort," Barry explained. The band's dynamic
allows them to balance creativity, ensuring that no one voice
dominates while still pushing each other to create their best
work.
As for Barry's personal musical tastes, he admitted that while his
preferences have evolved slightly over time, they remain grounded
in the pop-punk and indie realms. Bands like Weezer, The Gin
Blossoms, and The Smiths continue to inspire him. "I like a mix of
'90s pop-punk, power pop, and '60s music. I’ve always loved a good
song with strong melodies," he said. His love for the craft of
songwriting shines through, and it’s clear that melody and
structure remain at the heart of his musical identity.
When asked about the band's daily routine on tour, Barry joked
about how annoying they can be. "We speak our own weird language,
and it’s a bit insufferable at times," he laughed. Despite the
inside jokes and constant banter, Barry explained that the hardest
part of touring is finding time for himself. "Being around people
constantly can be tough. I need a little alone time, but it's hard
to get that on tour," he shared, offering a glimpse into the
reality of life on the road.
Despite the challenges, touring remains one of the most exciting
parts of being in Joyce Manor. When asked whether the band still
parties on tour, Barry was quick to respond. "Oh, we definitely
party. It’s one of the best parts, but it can make it hard to keep
up the energy for the long haul," he admitted. Still, he’s not
planning to slow down anytime soon. "I’m going to milk it for all
it’s worth," he laughed.
Finally, when asked about new music, Barry confirmed that the band
is working on a new record, though there’s no release date just
yet. "We’re about halfway through writing and recording it. It’s
coming along slowly, but we’re making sure it lives up to the
standards we’ve set for ourselves," he teased.
As Joyce Manor gets ready to hit the road with The Wonder Years in
Australia, fans can look forward to more unforgettable shows, new
music on the horizon, and a band that continues to evolve while
staying true to its roots. Catch Joyce Manor opening for The Wonder
Years with Aussie band Suzi in March and April.

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