“I’m so pleased I’ve had more time to develop as an artist” – An Interview with better joy
It’s been a busy year for Bria Keely, the brains behind Manchester-based indie-pop outfit better joy. Having released a debut EP heading into blue back in March and promoted it with a ten city UK/EU headline tour as well as a load of festival dates, she has just followed up with a sister collection of songs. New six-track EP at dusk was produced by Mike Hedges (The Cure, U2, Manic Street Preachers, Travis) and shows a more vulnerable, darker side than previous releases.
I just stopped trying to please anyone or caring whether the music I wrote ‘fit’ a mold. It’s not on anyone else to define what better joy is: it’s on me”.
Bria Keely
The bright and bouncy first single “this part of town” leads off the record is about the unknown in relationships and working through challenges together while the introspective “plugged in” reflects on connecting with someone and understanding love for the very first time. Our favorite track on the EP is “steamroller” which builds to a memorable chorus with a catchy riff as Bria sings about biting back after someone took a piece of you with them.
We caught up with Bria as she was getting ready to release the EP as well as preparing to go out on the road for several tours to support at dusk.
Hi Bria! How’s everything going right now?
So good thank you! On tour at the minute with Somebody’s Child, so opening for them every night is truly such a privilege! To be trusted with opening a show is always an honour! AND gearing up for the release of my EP next week too – things are good!!
What classic album cover art is your current mood?
Currently, I’m in the van driving across London to get to Koko for the show tonight, so something with London in feels like it reflects my current mood. Abbey Road by the Beatles maybe?
Congrats on the new EP – really enjoyed listening to the songs. When and where did you write and record the record?
Thank you so much!! I wrote most of these at home. I actually started a couple of them on a solo trip to the Isle of Wight. Took some wine and my recording stuff and tried to just zone in on things! We recorded them in the Isle of Wight in Summer of 2024, so these were written in the year leading up to that.
I love the new single “Steamroller”. Looks like you had a lot of fun breaking your sister’s kitchen for the video as well?
Hahah! Technically I broke a lot of plates and glasses, not her kitchen 😉 but yeah it was a big tidy-up job for sure!! My brother-in-law filmed and edited too and he’s new to all that stuff, but I think he did a good job.
You released your debut EP heading into blue earlier this year. Did you always see these as 2 separate projects rather than collecting the songs on 1 album?
To begin with, no! They were written and recorded at the same time but I think as time went on it became clear to me that I wanted to split the collection of songs into two. You only get one debut album so I’m so pleased I’ve had more time to develop as an artist and really hone in on what i love.
If you could only listen to one record, what would it be?
Oh no!! I’m so indecisive and to be really honest, these days I tend to listen once and then just listen to my favourite songs!! BUT if I had to choose right now, it would probably be something classic and timeless like Wunderhorse’s Cub. I’d listen to ‘Purple’ and ‘Teal’ over and over and I don’t think I’d get sick of them!
You’ve worked with legendary producer Mike Hedges on both EPs. How did he become involved and how did he help with the process?
We connected through a friend and he ended up coming to see a show and that was it! I loved working with him so much – he really believed in me and my songs. Hearing all of his stories over the recording process was incredible, so many iconic ones too! I would say one of the best things that came out of working with him was my confidence. He really let me lead it and he believed in my instincts on things so that was a very open, fun and collaborative experience!
Who did you grow up listening to that inspired you to become a musician?
So I know this one is very different to the sort of stuff I am doing myself now, but I was really into singer-songwriters like Adele. My sister had the piano book for 21 at home and when I learnt I could sing AND play the piano at the same time, it was her songs I sang. She got me obsessed with performing!
You have a busy few months coming up with a headline tour as well as some great shows supporting Somebody’s Child, Bastille and Amy MacDonald. Is there a venue or town you’re really looking forward to playing?
I mean AO arena and Hydro… What on earth is happening?!? These two are top of my list for obvious reasons but I am also very excited to play KOKO with Somebody’s Child! I’ve never been, but heard it’s an amazing venue!!
What would go on your signature pizza and what would it be called?
I’ve been told this is a weird choice but I love ham and sweetcorn, maybe some olives there too – because I would love it the most, I would choose that! I’d call it a Shroomster – ha!
What’s next for Better Joy in 2026?
Writing my debut album and hopefully recording it at some point! Touring and festivals hopefully!! Hard to top off 2025, but very excited for what’s next.
Manchester-born indie-pop artist better joy (Bria Keely) fuses sparky guitar melodies, pulsating basslines and deeply vulnerable lyrics into a sound that’s both infectious and emotive. After bursting onto the scene with her debut EP heading into blue (2025) and a near sold-out UK/EU headline tour, she returns with at dusk on October 31st – a more contemplative and mature six-track EP exploring growth, self-belief and connection. With a summer packed with festival appearances, support slots confirmed for Somebody’s Child, Amy Macdonald and Bastille this autumn, as well as her own headline shows, better joy is quickly establishing herself as one of the UK’s most exciting new indie voices.
Get tickets to the 2026 UK Tour by visiting this link.
Head over to the Better Joy Bandcamp page to get a vinyl copy of the new EP and follow on Instagram and Twitter to get all the latest news and tour info.
Feature Image Credit – Jessy Keely
