History
Mt. Joy: An Indie Folk Collective's Journey
Mt. Joy is an American indie folk band that emerged in 2016. While currently based in Los Angeles, the group maintains strong ties to its Philadelphia origins. The core members include Matt Quinn on vocals and guitar, Sam Cooper on guitar, Michael Byrnes on bass, Sotiris Eliopoulos on drums, and Jackie Miclau on keyboards.
From Philadelphia Roots to Los Angeles Sound
The musical journey of Mt. Joy began when Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper reconnected in Los Angeles in 2016, having first met during their high school years in Philadelphia. Their shared passion for music spurred a creative collaboration, leading them to form the band. The name "Mt. Joy" was inspired by a mountain located in Valley Forge National Park, a significant landmark near their hometown.
Their debut single, "Astrovan," quickly gained traction through streaming platforms, capturing the attention of drummer Sotiris Eliopoulos and keyboardist Jackie Miclau, who soon joined the project. The single itself was recorded in Los Angeles by Quinn, Cooper, and Byrnes, marking the band's official introduction in 2016.
Building Momentum and Chart Success
In 2017, Mt. Joy solidified its presence in the music industry by signing with Dualtone Records. This period also saw the release of three subsequent singles: "Sheep," "Cardinal," and "Silver Lining." The latter proved to be a significant breakthrough, climbing to the number one position on the Billboard Triple A charts.
Throughout 2017, the now-established five-piece band collaborated with producer Jon Gilbert at his home studio in Pasadena, California. These sessions culminated in the release of their self-titled debut album, Mt. Joy, on March 2, 2018. The album featured the chart-topping single "Silver Lining," further cementing the band's appeal.
Extensive Touring and Sophomore Releases
Following their initial success, Mt. Joy embarked on a rigorous touring schedule, gracing the stages of major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, and Lollapalooza. They also served as opening acts for prominent artists like The Head and the Heart, The Shins, Whitney, and The Revivalists, in addition to headlining their own tours across North America and Europe.
The COVID-19 pandemic unfortunately interrupted their tour with The Lumineers. Despite this setback, Mt. Joy channeled their energy into their second studio album, Rearrange Us, which was released on June 5, 2020. Produced by Tucker Martine, known for his work with artists like My Morning Jacket and Modest Mouse, the album showcased a diverse sonic palette, ranging from energetic folk tracks to introspective psychedelic pieces and gospel-influenced elegies.
"Orange Blood" and Continued Evolution
In April 2022, the band announced their third full-length album, Orange Blood, which was subsequently released on June 17, 2022. The album was recorded at Headroom Studios in Philadelphia. Leading up to the album's release, Mt. Joy shared four singles: "Lemon Tree," "Orange Blood," "Evergreen," and "Bathroom Light." The band commenced their headlining tour in support of Orange Blood in June 2022, extending through November of the same year.
