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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