Mt. Joy, a five-piece indie-rock band reining from Los Angelos, quickly struck the attention of many since their conception in 2016. Their first album "Silver Lining" reached platinum status and graced the top spot in charts nationwide. Their upcoming album release, "Hope we have fun," is set to release on May 30th, 2025, which comes highly anticipated after the bands last full release of Orange Blood in 2022.
The band consists of Matt Quinn (vocals/ guitar), Sam Cooper (guitar), Sotiris Eliopoulos (drums), Jackie Miclau (keys/piano), and Michael Byrnes (bass). Following a heartfelt play at fate, Philadelphia natives and childhood friends Cooper and Quinn reconnected after both moving to the bustling, and creative LA. Mt. Joy was then born out of their attempt to re-kindle their music driven flame.
A success story like no other, Mt. Joy continues to pave the road for inspiring indie bands and artists alike. It would be an incredibly rare sight (or sound) for a musician in the genre to not take inspiration from the stylings and success that Mt. Joy has become known for.
Following my local music scene, the band's hits are played almost weekly at college shows, parties, and backyard parties. The versatility is endless and the momentum doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Opening up the season at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater, Mt. Joy performed two back-to-back sets. Personally, this has been my first show without an opener where the act performed the equivalent of two sets. This gave the band the ability to showcase many classics, covers, and even new music.
I have been yearning to see Mt. Joy for as long as I can remember, and they put on a set that is for are one for the records.
Mt. Joy's music brings an incredibly diverse crowd, couple young and old were dancing in the moment and enjoying the tunes we know all so well. It was so encouraging to see the older generations showing out for the show alongside the assumed audience. Watching a grandfather and his grandkids recording each other during their favorite songs was one of the most heartwarming sights. True proof that music has no bounds, the connection is limitless.
Crowd Shots by @ashleyymck
My favorite aspect of seeing a band tour for the first time, besides the music aspect, is being able to appreciate all of the work that goes on behind the scenes. Mt. Joy had one of the sickest set-ups I've seen in quite some time.
Colorful, psychedelic, and trippy visuals were paired with lasers that spanned the entire venue, and all of it tied perfectly into Mt. Joy's vibe. Their music feels so ethereal and nostalgic: perfect for hikes through a dense forest, or campfires with your closest friends.
Along with performing their hits, the band covered songs that had the crowd reeling. "Dancing Queen", "Teenage Dirtbag", as well as a rendition of Darius Rucker's, "Wagon Wheel," a song close to the hearts of Carolinians for obvious lyrical reasons. These setlist additions made the night enjoyable for all, including venue workers and security, who couldn't help but dance along.
Taking into account the scale of the venue, the band did a phenomenal job at keeping the energy up and the crowd engaged all throughout. This was one of the defining factors that set this show apart.
The ability to shift setlists, add last minute additions, and even "wing it" at times helped portray an almost comfortability between the band and the fans. This air of friendship only furthers the connection that Mt. Joy's lyrics portray. Happiness, loss, and moving on; All emotions and situations they portray in such a deep way.
It's no shock that North Carolina has deep roots with Mt. Joy, but this show was truly something spectacular. Anytime they have the chance to "head down south to the land of the pines," we would welcome them with open arms.
Mt. Joy by @ashleyymck
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