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First/Last – Joy Toujours

June 29, 2020

Joy Toujours is a Pittsburgh-based Post Folk artist who is happy to admit that their music is comparable to a “personal, yet playful haunted dream”. In equal parts tension and harmony, Joy Toujours sets out with a violin, telephone and sometimes even the power drill to create their mysterious blend of avant-garde Post Folk. Their latest 7″, Postjoy, reflects that creative spirit and I want to thank Joy (Violin/Guitar/Piano/Vocals) for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Born into Trouble as the Sparks Fly Upward by Thee Silver Mt. Zion and Tra-la-la Orchestra. While technically not “purchased” but this was my first album that conquered me. That sent me into a new place. I cannot count the times the dirty tape unwound and almost died yet survived surgery after surgery to get me through another cold freight train ride to somewhere else.

Your last album bought?
Short Dark Strangers’ LP reissue. Bobby Porter was a legend. The biggest star to burnout before exiting Pittsburgh’s smokey fingers.

Favorite album of all time?
Latcho Drom (soundtrack)… plz watch the movie as well.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
I’m not sure allowing music to disappointment me is going to be a great choice for my future mental stability.

First concert attended?
Butler Days in mid-90s. If you know how epic these used to be then, wow. I hope one day small town shows can again reach this magnitude.

Last concert?
Bjordan. Local dance pop mega star. Awesome.

Favorite concert ever?
The Dirty Three. I was busking in a trio. Playing violin. Someone asked if we were The Dirty Three. Ha-ha we said we wished. They said well they are playing right there in a couple hours. They pointed at a bar (New Orleans). We managed to get in before it overflowed. It was small sweaty and beautiful.

Least favorite concert?
When Edward Sharpe played Three Rivers Art Fest for free and were so fucked on drugs they couldn’t remember their own words.

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh always got me because many people were doing things from heart not from pay. Things have changed over the years but you can still find a lot of this going on. Authentic art will always smell better than its tainted cousin.

Thanks, Joy. I have been seeing you perform for almost a decade! So cool that you have new music out and still doing your unique thing!

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