Joyce Island

Vancouver musician Lisa Joyce released her Joyce Island EP last April. CBC and college radio stations took to the track Dry These Eyes and Joyce's press was positive locally, nationally and internationally.

But none of that pays bills.

So Joyce and her band are doing what bands do; tour the vast expanse of the country to bring that bricks-and-mortar exposure that comes with live gigs and getting gear in and out of the van a lot.

Pre-tour, Lisa agreed to give The Province a bit of a tour diary of impressions on the road. Following are some of the highlights from her communiqués: ¦ "Born and raised a West Coast girl, I wasn't originally sure how my music would be received in the East. But it really feels like I've been welcomed with open arms across the country, especially in the Maritimes."

"My first night in Halifax, I arrived hungry and tired, and stumbled into a bar to get some food. The kitchen was closed, but what I found instead was 20 alt-country musicians gathered together, just about to start a collective jam session. They beckoned me to take the last empty seat and welcomed me into their circle. We ended up playing music together until 3:30 in the morning, jamming out tunes from my record as well as all the old favourites I grew up singing as a kid. It truly made me feel right at home."

"Another time on the Maritime leg, an older couple took me under their wing and invited me into their home for dinner. They pulled out a 1958 Gibson guitar and started teaching me old Stompin' Tom and Stan Rogers songs. It was amazing to see what those particular musicians mean to people in the Maritimes. The East Coast really embraces Canadiana music and very much supports the continuation of Canadian creatives."

"The Canadiana Tracks tour has been an incredible and unforgettable experience so far. I'm in Toronto as I write this, having just completed the Maritime leg of the journey. I'm still reeling from what it's been so far!" ¦ "Touring the country by train with Via Rail has been such a wonderful opportunity to experience the vastness of Canada.

From seeing moose and elk grazing through the Rockies to the sunrises and sunsets on the Prairies, the natural beauty along the way has had a real impact on me and has inspired my songwriting for the next album."

You can keep tabs on Joyce Island news and check out her Bandcamp stream at joyceisland.ca. - Province Newspaper

Vancouver’s Joyce Island is on the tracks and chuggin’ eastward. She makes a stop at The Company House in Halifax this Friday night.
Kyle Findlay
Singer/songwriter Lisa Joyce is currently on a coast-to-coast train tour supporting her self-titled EP. I was able to give the EP numerous plays and catch up with the lady behind the tunes– E-mail style.
The opening track, “Dry These Eyes”, is a slower, old-time country number reminiscent of Hank Williams or Patsy Cline. Musically speaking the song is the only acoustic number on the EP and follows the traditional instrumentation of acoustic guitar and a slow snare shuffle fitting of that country-western genre from decades past.
The vocals are front and center and have a highly emotional tone that will leave you whistling along. The lyric content speaks of enduring painful experiences while preparing to pick up the pieces and move on. The final verse in true country spirit is a repeat of the opening verse, yet it is sung with a hint of optimism that was not originally present.
The second song, “Mercy On Me”, turns things up a notch and features a full backing band that sets a bluesy rock feel. The catchy electric guitar riff will easily get stuck in your head just before the breakdown verse that ends with a wailing guitar solo. The lyrical theme from “Dry These Eyes” continues, but there is now a grittier edge that gives the song an angry feel. If you squint your ears the vocals have a slight Sheryl Crow flavour to them that shows the diversity of her singing style.
The band doesn’t take a break for the remainder of the EP. The incredibly tight rhythm section gets down to business especially on the songs “No Sorrow” and “Better Days”. The latter is perhaps the most upbeat, rockin’ tune on the EP. It begins with a heavy shuffle on the drums, before switching to a driving rock beat in the chorus. Once again the vocals are stellar on this track and leave the listener wanting more.
The collection of songs have more of an overall rock feel than country with the exception of the opening song. Clocking in at less than 25 minutes the EP is short but sweet. I wish there would have been a few more tracks to sink my teeth into, but I’ll have to wait for the next release.
Now, for Q’s and A’s!
GUFF: Who are a few of your biggest influences?
JOYCE: I grew up listening to a lot of old country as well as the good old Canadian stuff like Gordon Lightfoot, The Guess Who and The Poppy Family. I was also really inspired by 60′s girl groups like the Supremes and the Shirelles.
Recently, I’ve been digging the new Quilt record – I played with them in Vancouver, which was rad. I also just did a show with a new Montreal band called Bride and Groom who are amazing and I’m seriously enamoured with their music.
G: When did you begin singing and writing songs?
J: I’ve always been singing as far back as I can remember. I grew up in a Ukrainian musical family and when we’d get together, Uncle Steve would play the accordion, I’d play guitar, mom would sing and my sister Agie would play the spoons and everyone else would sing along.
G: Tell me a bit about the other musicians on the EP…do they play with you full time?
J: My best bro Mikey Manville of the Toronto based band the Manvils played guitars on the record and co-produced it along with Chris Jaggers from Vancouver’s Good Grief! Jaggers (aka Jagg-stang) also plays bass while Flavio Cirillo from Hannah Georgas’ band drums on the album. I’ve got a new backing band at home, but I often play and tour solo.
G: What was the writing and recording process like?
J: When it comes to song writing I’m inspired by nature, adventures and existential life crisis moments.
The recording of the album was an emotional and memorable experience for me. At the time, I was going through an intense break-up and life change, so recording the album was really cathartic and gave me an avenue to release that emotion. The songs are serious, although we didn’t take ourselves too seriously in the studio.
Mikey Manville was our eccentric, Ukrainian commander who pretty much made us laugh our asses off. We worked hard and we’re proud of the recordings and we were total goofballs in the process.
G: There seems to be a common lyrical theme throughout the EP of introspection and moving forward. Can you comment on that?
J: Yup, the songs are about asking yourself what the heck you’re doing, figuring out how you’re gonna change things and then making that leap, no matter how terrifying it might be.
G: What can people expect at your show on April 25th at the Company house?
J: People can expect at least one joke that I borrowed from my dad, at least one moment that’ll make them tear up, and at least one song dedicated to Pussy Riot.
Be sure to check out the Show at the Company House this Friday, April 25.
You can buy the EP HERE - GUFF Magazine

You are currently embarking on a Canadian in an exciting method. You’re being sponsored by VIA rail, which will take musicians across the country in exchange for playing for the passengers on the train. You’ve toured using this method last year as well, how’s the experience? What excites you most about this?

Performing on the train across the country has been the experience of a lifetime. I love getting to play my songs across the country and meeting a whole bunch of incredible people along the way. Showcasing the record in this way has been a fun, unique and totally memorable experience I'll never forget.

Not only has your music been compared that of Woody Guthrie’s, but this journey that you have approaching was said to be inspired by his roaming and ramblings. It’s amazing to see that his legacy continues to inspire musicians to this day. Do you remember the first time you had heard his music? How did it affect you then and how does it still continue to inspire you.

I can't remember the first time I ever heard his music because I feel like I've always kind of known it. I've been singing his songs since I was able to walk and talk, so his music has always been a part of me somehow. Coming from a musical family, we'd all sit around together and sing those old songs, so it's very nostalgic for me. As a 'sort-of' adult now, I'm deeply struck by the powerful, emotionally engaging nature of his songs and what they stand for. And that one guy and his guitar can make such a difference.

You’re music has a very cool old school country type sound to it. What are some of the influences that have led to the development of your style of music?

I was raised on the old country stuff like Townes Van Zandt, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings. Later, I became obsessed with a 2 piece girl blues/garage band called Mr. Airplane Man. Me and my best friend would sit in my bedroom and listen to their records on repeat. I went down to see them play in Memphis before they split up. On the same trip, I went to Nashville and got a chance to sing a few songs at the Ryman Auditorium. That trip was like Mecca for me. The Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry were totally life changing experiences for me. I knew that singing that type of music was what I wanted to do most in the world.

You released your debut self titled EP in April of last year. The album has had great response, has won a few accolades including Roklines best all around recording of the year and has received quite a bit of airplay. When you were recording the debut EP, did you expect it to take you this far?

Haha, god no! I honestly never expected that my music would go this far. Of course I had a dream in my heart and I've definitely held on to that, but everything that's happened has been a majorly pleasant and unexpected surprise. I'm incredibly grateful to be where I am right now.

The song “Dry These Eyes” in particular has received a lot of airplay. What is it about this acoustic based song that you think attracts people the most as opposed to some of the songs on the record?

Well, I think what comes from the heart goes to the heart. That song was born out of a lot of pain and I think people can identify with those raw emotions and the honesty behind it.

It’s a great sounding record, can you tell us a few details about it? Where did you record the EP and who all is playing on it?

We recorded it at Sandbag Records in Vancouver. Mikey Manville and Chris Jaggers co-produced it. Mikey plays lead guitar on it and Jaggers plays bass. Flavio Cirillo, who's playing with Hannah Georgas now, drums on the record. It was a blast making the record with some very close friends. We laughed a LOT.

One great thing about your album is that although the touching lyrical content and your original style is always there, no two songs sound quite alike. Can you tell us a little bit about your writing process?

I feel like the songwriting process chooses me. I never know what's gonna come out. I never intentionally sit down to write anything a certain way, I just trust that whatever's meant to come out will. It's very spontaneous and unpredictable.

How and when did Joyce Island come into conception?
Me and Mikey Manville from the Manvils had a two piece going since 2007, and in 2009 I made the departure to Joyce Island. It was a major time of change in my life and the album reflects that.

Are there any shows on this tour that you’re particularly excited for?

I'm excited for all the shows across the country! Toronto will be great cuz I have lots of good friends there. I'm super pumped to play Prince Edward Island and more of the Maritimes and to really see that side of the country!

What are your plans for after the tour? What will we be seeing from Joyce Island in the rest of 2014?

After this tour, I'll start pre-production for the next record, then head out to NXNE and some other festivals then come home and finish the record. I've been writing a lot on the road, so there's lots of new tunes I'm itching to bring to life! - Dropout Entertainment

Steeped in rootsy heartache, old timey folk and a dose of soulful twang, Vancouver’s Joyce Island, fronted by Lisa Joyce, makes music perfectly suited for riding the rails. And wouldn’t you know it, its April 9 show at the Biltmore kicks off a cross-Canada tour sponsored by VIA Rail that sees Joyce Island perform on and off the train from coast to coast. Other bands on the Biltmore bill include the Hunting (who have a new album out) and Shuyler Jansen. Details at biltmorecabaret.com. - See more at: http://www.vancourier.com/entertainment/picks-of-the-week/picks-of-the-week-april-9-11-2014-1.947324#sthash.9413ActN.dpuf - Vancouver Courier

Solo singer-songwriter Lisa Joyce, better known as Joyce Island, is heading into a very exciting chapter in her music career. She’s just been awarded the Canadian Independent
Recording Artists’ Association Mentorship Program; a program where one up-and-coming
artist from across Canada is selected to be mentored by a prominent music industry
professional. Past mentors included members of Broken Social Scene and Great Lake Swimmers. Joyce Island has been paired with Spencer Burton of City & Colour for her program. She also is about to head out on her second cross-Canada tour, which kicks off this Wednesday at the Biltmore, where she will be opening for Hunting. - Vancouver Music Review

Coming all the way from Vancouver (home to other great musicians like Dan Mangan and Hannah Georgas) indie-folk singer-songwriter Lisa Joyce, of Joyce Island, paid a special trip to CKDU last Friday! She swung by my show prior to her performance at The Company House that night. Halifax was just one of the many stops of the VIA Rail-sponsored Cross Canada Tour which she just kicked off at the beginning of April. She’s been performing on and off the train from coast to coast—literally! and I mean, she actually pulls out her acoustic guitar and entertains the passengers on the train as they’re traveling along. Sounds like a party for sure! And if you want to join the train party or catch Lisa at one of her shows off the train, you can check out her tour dates here. (with all that touring and traveling, I’m so glad you had the time to stop by my show, Lisa!)

And so on my show, Lisa played and talked about a few songs off of her self-titled debut EP (was released a little less than a year ago) which you can listen to her performing live on my show in the podcast below… and if you like her tunes as much as I do, you can purchase the album off her bandcamp.

But aside from her musical ventures, we also had some fun chats about life ventures…well err… bucket lists. Lisa and I both have legitimate, hand-written bucket lists that we check off and add to here and there with all our great aspirations in life… and so I had Lisa name 3 items on her list she here they are:

Visit the narwhals in Greenland/The Arctic which Lisa says are “the unicorns of the sea” because they are such rare and mystical creatures (I’ll have to join you when you go see them! will be quite the adventure)
Start making the new record which Lisa says she is “suuuuuper excited about” (as am I!) and she’ll be collaborating with Spencer Burton (guitarist for City & Colour and Attack in Black, and he also has a solo project called Grey Kingdom), Bob Egan (of Wilco and Blue Rodeo) and her best friend Mikey Manville (lead singer of the band The Manvils) for this new record
Taking a train from Russia to Mongolia through the Trans-Siberian which would be a really long train ride but she says “I can handle it because I’ve been on trains for sooo long on these tours!” (oh that’s for sure)
Well I might have to steal all those bucket lists items because they sound like great ideas to me! And anyone reading this post or listening to the podcast below, if you don’t already have a bucket list, go write one up and start chasing those dreams (also if you haven’t watched the movie The Bucket List, go add that to your bucket list too…)

So listen to the podcast to hear some awesome folky tunes by Joyce Island and by other amazing musicians from Van-City…because I also had to include some Dan Mangan and Hannah Georgas (of course) Joyce Island. - Hey, I Like Your Music

I had high hopes for the album release party at the Biltmore for recent Nevado signees, Hunting, and did my best to keep them that way as I descended from cold air to the quiet tedium of an early-to-rise group of Cowichan sweaters with local songstress Lisa Joyce aka Joyce Island taking the stage. She opened with “Mercy on Me,” but not before she had the chance to explain, “This is a song about, um, fucking your life up.” Prefacing each of the alt-country tunes with an unpoetic tribute became ritualistic. Nods were given to Rob Ford, Pussy Riot, the civil unrest in Crimea, Rita MacNeil, and simply “assholes” in general as she recited the majority of last year’s self-titled EP before closing the set on an adapted cover of Hank Williams’ “Sundown and Sorrow” with the hurried excitement only the onset of a tour can incite. - Discorder Magazine

Amidst the sluices of rainwater displaced by careening automobiles and a sky heavy with cloudburst, a small crowd assembled at the Media Club on February 11, hoping for a respite from winter’s wet malaise.
Greeting the sodden scattering of music admirers was Vancouver’s Joyce Island (the nom de plume of Lisa Joyce), a personable and pleasant singer/songwriter whose pretty guitar playing may not be technically flashy, but whose very fine form and shiny smile were endemic. Joyce’s tasteful, almost twee, set of songs seemed obsessed with both death and boys while a graceful cover of Waylon Jennings’ “Dreaming My Dreams With You,” made all in attendance forget about the clammy grip of wintertime.
Now I’ve been to shows before that have been sparsely attended (Scout Niblett at the same venue a handful of years back drew a similar slight number), and a Tuesday night during a deluge after a long weekend can take a tariff, to be sure, but hot on the heels of just dropped chef d’oeuvre Held in Splendor, I was still shocked at the slender assembly. That said, we few were overjoyed to share so intimate a space with East Coast (by way of Massachusetts) indie-pop paramours, Quilt.

A Laurel Canyon country-rock vibe bubbled up out of “Mary Mountain” as Quilt, a four-piece of likable longhairs with poor posture but engaging presence, played with passion and snap, as if it were a sold-out show.
Lead singer Anna Fox Rochinski’s banter was bullet-proof and she came across well-mannered and affable, but mostly she providing an otherworldly glow with twang-pop gloss and psychedelia glisten. Her’s and lead guitar Shane Butler’s harmonies altered Quilt’s chemical makeup more than once, and the occasional British accent inclusion to their already wistful psych-folk variant added undeterred delight.
Allowing room for spacey freakouts (“Saturday Bride” is a microdot version of the Mama & the Papas), reflective reservations (“Eye of Pearl” has a Mazzy Star meditation to it), or just a rustic rock ‘n’ roll reverie (“Tired & Buttered” has a Byrds-like boogie to it that’s breathtaking). At times touching on that Elephant 6 aesthetic, a dreamy depiction of psychedelic pop that’s rooted in the present but with hearts and flowers for the past.

As Rochinski’s rainless and sunshiny voice belted out “Cowboys in the Void” from their 2011 self-titled debut, the artistry and allure on stage was unmistakable. “There’s a real clubhouse vibe in the room right now,” she teased to applause and shouts of approval before launching into their latest single, “Tie Up the Tides,” which may hold the honour for most confident and complex pop single since Dirty Projectors’ “Stillness is the Move” (and with angelic harmonies all it’s own as well).

It’s no doubt that Quilt’s star will continue to ascend and larger venues will follow; for the time being, I’m fine being one of the privileged few who shared a wonderful night with these exhilarating up-and-comers. - Discorder Magazine

There’s a romantic quality about life on a train. The miles and miles of open space, unplugged from the world. Legends of folk, blues and country have sung songs about it, but it’s rare to hear that perspective from a woman. Vancouver’s Lisa Joyce, a.k.a Joyce Island, set out on a journey last year to promote her first solo record, and in the process found out more about herself than she was originally anticipating.

Growing up in Alberta to a musical Ukrainian family, she was exposed to records by the likes of Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson. Her love for “Americana” music was planted early on, and played a part in how she went about her last tour.

How did you feel when you finally released your solo record?

I put my album out in April. It was my first album and I really didn’t know what to expect. I had zero expectations and zero idea of what I was getting into. I was really surprised the album was met by a ton of positive media attention. I was totally taken a back; the producers and everyone were just like, “What??” Then the song started getting play across Canada on CBC Radio; it was trippy. Then people were telling me, “If you’re getting radio play, you gotta tour”.

I’ve always loved music, and I’ve never been one of those strategic people. I mean, I always have hopes for what I’d like to see happen, but I’ve learned to let go of the expectation, which is good cause it treats it like an existential adventure.

So how did the tour on the train come about?

One day I just had a brainwave after watching a lot of old documentaries with Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, and all these icons, and I thought, “Why don’t we do something on a train?” This antiquated vintage idea of a train in the first place suits the music, which has that older rootsy feel, and I thought it was more of an original way to showcase my music.

What was the reaction of you playing for the passengers?

It was surprising how much the music on the train brought people together. On one of the nights, one of the cars was crammed full of people; you could barely move, and everyone was just singing and partying. I didn’t know what to expect when I started, but that was such a powerful experience. Some people afterwards would tell me “Thank you. You made my trip so memorable”.

I made some serious friendships on that trip. This older couple on the train going to Halifax totally took me under their wing and invited me to dinner at their house in Halifax. The guy pulled out a 1958 Gibson guitar and was teaching me some old Stompin’ Tom songs about Nova Scotia; it was just crazy how rich that experience was.

In a humble way, I’m trying to tip my hat to my heroes and pay homage to an era that was hugely influential to music and that I’m most inspired by.

Lisa will be heading back out for another cross-Canada tour on Via-Rail this year. Dates will be available on her website.

By Brnesh Berhe - Marker Magazine

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa Joyce, a local alt-country artist who performs under the name Joyce Island. It was a typical Vancouver morning in a coffee shop off Main & Broadway, but what ensued was an illuminating conversation about tapping into the Canadiana music scene in a city known for its indie folk, as well as the exciting future for Lisa who is quickly becoming a noteworthy name out of her hometown.

Lisa grew up in Vancouver within a family of musicians and music lovers, religiously listening to the musical greats such as Patsy Cline. Love really shines through Lisa’s work, as her laid-back, easy-going sound is coupled with a true understanding of the musicality involved in her genre. Her self-titled debut EP was released in the spring of 2013, but you wouldn’t know that from listening to the maturity of sound that Lisa exhibits on her records. “We started recording in the winter of 2009, and then it took until April 2013 to release it…people kind of gave me a hard time about that. There were a lot of speed bumps along the way and it didn’t really feel right to release it until 2013…things happen when they’re supposed to.” The timing certainly paid off.

Tunes from the release, like “Dry These Eyes”, have really resonated with audiences, but what’s interesting about that particular track is that it was almost an “afterthought” to her very much rock ‘n’ roll oriented EP, even receiving airtime on CBC Radio. “It’s funny…that song was put on unexpectedly as a hidden track, and none of us guessed that it would be the song everyone liked most, including the CBC…it’s been an unexpected surprise”. Another unexpected surprise for Lisa was the success of her first cross-country VIA Rail tour in the summer of 2013, a tour she plans on doing again this year. “It was incredible…meeting all the different people was unbelievable, seeing the country was amazing…I have to say the biggest take-away was getting to play different cities every night and getting my music out there in a way that was kind of unique.”

On the topic of her music, Lisa and I touched on the subject of difficulties navigating the relatively untracked terrain of the alt-country scene in Vancouver. “It’s been interesting”, she says, “it’s been a double-edged sword in the sense that it’s been easier to set a name for myself and get some recognition based on the fact that the sound is different and not something that’s prominent in the city. But at the same time, I think there are a lot of skeptical people that were thinking that this type of music wouldn’t catch on here because it’s not part of what’s hip and happening.”

But Lisa has a great response to those who doubt – “Thankfully, I’ve never really tried to do what’s been cool, I just do whatever feels right. I grew up playing that kind of music so it just came naturally. I stuck with the formula that worked and stayed true to my roots and the kind of music I love to play. Surprisingly, it’s caught on and it’s been really cool. People are really receptive of it and I feel really glad about that.”

Lisa is currently working on her second release, which she says will be much more in the style of her hidden gem, “Dry These Eyes”. She will also be on tour later this spring with VIA Rail as well as NXNE. - Y57 Media

Publication presently suspended - article no longer available online. - Youthink! Magazine

Vancouver’s Joyce Island is currently on a cross-Canada tour, Folkways and Railways, traveling by train in a throwback to the Festival Express tour of 1970. Like Joplin and The Band did in their day, Joyce Island performs on board from West coast to East, stopping off in select cities for shows along the way. On the heels of releasing her eponymous EP, Lisa Joyce aka Joyce Island’s debut is a dose of pain-purging melodies that show her affinity for classic country. With lyrics laden with a pang of misery, hidden track “Dry These Eyes” explores that desolate feeling in the thick of a rock-bottom relationship before hindsight has a chance to set in. Joyce’s forlorn vocals pay homage to the somber stylings of Patsy Cline and rockabilly-sway of Wanda Jackson while catchy guitar riffs sound like quintessential Fleetwood Mac or Tom Petty. Though this tune has all the twang of folk-country turmoil, songs like “World Full of Pain” and “Mercy on Me” deliver raw rock ‘n’ roll. Listen to “Dry These Eyes” below and stream the Joyce Island EP online. - Wild Magazine NYC

Joyce Island – “Dry These Eyes” {Traditional Country}

Sometimes it’s easy to forget just how much we love us some Patsy Cline, but thanks to Best Coast’s new album and this Vancouver-based artist, our Patsy love has been revitalized in 2013. This single was released on her Bandcamp page in April, and you can download it for as little as $1 here. - Rex Manning Day Music Blog

As the end of 2013 already looms large on the horizon, the time is ripe for reflecting on the Indie music releases making the biggest impact on us over the past year, a prelude to the 2nd annual ROKKY AWARDS where we pick our favorites across several categories. One artist in particular who left an indelible impression on my musical senses (my choice for 2013′s Artist To Watch) released what I consider to be one of the best all-around recordings of the year: the self-titled Debut EP from JOYCE ISLAND.

This is one Island I am more-than-willing to be a castaway on, happily swept ashore on a sonic tide of viscerally-charged, blues & soul inspired rock n’ roll, courtesy of singer-songwriter Lisa Joyce (aka Joyce Island). For the uninitiated it can be misleading to see photos that portray her along the lines of a demure, laid-back folk-singer, a notion quickly dispelled once you turn on and turn up this roadhouse-blend of audacious, unfiltered roots-rock, rife with bursts of gritty guitar licks, energized by an ambitious and commanding vocal presence (comparable to Sheryl Crow), and completely unadulterated by any semblance of the all-too-familiar pop-music sheen.

There appear to be many facets to this feisty and dynamic songstress, with songs that fluctuate between raucous and roll (“Better Days”, “Mercy On Me”), raunchy, intoxicating blues ballads (“Never Enough”, “Forgiven”), a ripping, foot-stomping rocker (“World Full Of Pain”), and even a tender, country ballad (“Dry These Eyes”).

Apparently most of the tracking for the album was done in 2009, but it’s completion was abruptly pre-empted when Lisa Joyce embarked on a personal journey to Africa (spiritual quest perhaps?) which subsequently led to unforeseen events that caused further delays, such as a prolonged recovery from typhoid upon her return followed by unspecified complications in trying to finish the record.

Nevertheless, in the spring of 2013 the highly acclaimed EP was finally released, and with it the launch of what is certain to be a compelling career for this conspicuously gifted musical artist. As of this writing she is crossing the country by train as part of a Woody-Guthrie-inspired musical journey dubbed FOLKWAYS and RAILWAYS, performing Live on the Via Rail passenger train as it goes shore-to-shore (from Vancouver Island to the Great Lake waters) with stops in select cities along the way. According to the press release, “The tour aims to capture the quest for freedom, a love for travelling the open road and an ardent desire for sharing the gift of song.”

Lets’s just hope it doesn’t take another four years for her to release a follow-up to this extraordinary debut! - Rokline Magazine

With most musicians, the road is generally an experience which is begrudged as they know all too well (especially with the current state of physical media sales) that touring is a necessary evil. Books have been written about the trials and tribulations of life on the road and while some romanticize the experience, others revel in the debauchery and depravity. Other bands consider having to develop their talents at among other things, human Tetris, to be a rite of passage on the long road of rock n’ roll. As acts continue to upgrade the modes in which they move about the planet, few have the opportunity to see the country the way in which Joyce Island will on her current tour. In partnership with VIA Rail, Joyce Island (aka Lisa Joyce) is leaving the Left Coast (Vancouver) and heading to Halifax to perform at Michael’s Bar & Grill on Thursday Night (November 7th) with support being provided by fellow artists Skinny Leigh, Len Ottesen and Shiloh Lindsey.

The Folkways and Railways tour is in support of Joyce Island’s debut eponymous EP (Joyce Island EP) which was released back in the spring of 2013. This collection of 7-8 tracks clocks in at a scant 26 minutes and does not disappoint. There are country-folk undertones which run throughout this collection tunes, but at the heart of things, this is a rock album. Throughout the album, there are definite moments where shades of Holly McNarland bleeds through on tracks such as “No Sorrow”, “World Full of Pain” and “Mercy on Me”. At other times, there is a definite smokey hue which smacks distinctively of Sheryl Crow (“Never Enough” or “Ain’t Got You”). The EP never wears out its welcome, and begs for 3-4 more tracks to satiate those who were just settling in around track 5 or 6.

Michael’s will be a great fit for this collection of songs, but I’d be almost more interested to catch one of her performances aboard the train, as it would be an entertaining way to pass the time while traversing the country. If you are looking for something to do on a Thursday night, you should stop by and check out this talented singer songwriter on the 2nd stop of her tour before she hops back onto the train to start her trek back to Vancouver. - Hafilax

Joyce Island (Lisa Joyce) pulled into Halifax train station Monday night, a week after beginning her Folkways & Railways tour. “In the spirit of days gone by, Joyce's nostalgic journey is inspired by the roaming and ramblings of Woody Guthrie,” says the tour’s press release. “The tour aims to capture the quest for freedom, a love for travelling the open road and an ardent desire for sharing the gift of song.”

The Vancouver singer-songwriter/guitarist hopped on a train October 29th and has literally played across the country for passengers aboard VIA Rail, the sponsor of her musical voyage. She’ll do the same on her trip home, stopping off to play gigs in Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton. But first she’ll treat Halifax to a performance Thursday Night.

Arts East heard from Joyce, her first morning in Halifax, about her cross-country voyage:
“The Joyce Island Folkways & Railways Tour has been absolutely amazing so far. It’s been a phenomenal opportunity to showcase my music across the country in a unique way, with a constantly changing backdrop of mind-blowing scenery. It’s been such an exhilarating and inspiring adventure! I love seeing how music really brings people on the train together. I've forged some really meaningful connections with the passengers along the journey, and the whole experience is one I will never forget.”
Check out Joyce Island performing at Winnipeg’s Union Station on October 31st (filmed by William Ho): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrI581UHD7g

Joyce Island has been showcasing her vintage rock, alternative bluesy flair since 2007. She has played to sold-out crowds, on stages big and small, at music and fringe fests, singer-songwriter circles, charity events and more, and alongside such greats as Dan Mangan and Danny Michel.

Well known in Vancouver (she was named one of 100.5 FM’s Best New Artists, for example), Joyce is now becoming a name across Canada. Her self-titled EP has been getting national airplay on CBC. Numerous publications have also given the recording rave reviews, including Discorder Magazine: “Joyce assumes the confident swagger of Tom-Petty-styled Americana before drenching it in blossoming female vocals that triumphantly stand their ground.”

You can witness this passionate performer’s powerful pipes and guitar prowess in the flesh:

Thursday (Nov. 7) 9:30 pm
Michael’s Bar & Grill
6100 Young Street
Halifax

For information on Joyce Island’s upcoming Canadian performances and her EP, visit: http://www.joyceisland.com - Arts East Magazine

Joyce Island is the musical creation of Vancouver’s Lisa Joyce. She released her debut EP in April of this year and has garnered some great press in her home province. The Province called Joyce’s debut a “rocking, raw EP“, while VanScene said “with her unique honey and milk tone that is reminiscent of old country nostalgia and the blend of honest emotive lyrics, I find myself foreseeing really big things in her near future due to her unique sound.”

Joyce Island has also been getting some national radio play on CBC and is now taking her live show on the road courtesy of Via Rail with her 2013 Folkways and Railways Tour. In addition to performing on the passenger train, Joyce will make stops in four cities including Halifax (see all tour stops at the bottom of this post). On November 7th, Joyce will play her first ever
Halifax show at Michael’s Bar and Grill.

Joyce has been performing since 2007, and along the way played numerous shows and festivals including Vancouver’s International Fringe Festival, 101.9 FM CITR’s Shindig. She has performed alongside Dan Mangan and Danny Michel and has been named one of 100.5 FM’s best new artists.

Joyce’s music has been described as channelling the energies of Neil Young and Fleetwood Mac and Disorder Magazine said that “Joyce assumes the confident swagger of Tom Petty styled Americana before drenching it in blossoming female vocals that triumphantly stand their ground.

Many have placed Joyce Island’s music in the singer-songwriter / alt-folk category – and to some extent I agree (“Dry These Eyes” for example). However, the first song on her EP titled “Mercy On Me” called to mind the music of The Breeders and Verruca Salt (a couple of great female led bands from the 1990′s).

After listening to Joyce Island’s debut EP, it is easy to see why she is beloved in her home province. Be sure to head out to Michael’s on November 7th and welcome Lisa Joyce on her first visit to the Maritimes. - Halifaxmusicphile

In the two weeks leading up to Halloween, Vancouverites have the unusual privilege of being able to blast off fireworks with impunity. Considering the grace period given to act in childlike foolishness, how could this not be your favourite holiday? October 25 was not only the kickoff to a week of teenage pyro fantasies and the shameless consumption of individually wrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but also Joyce Island’s Folkways & Railways coast-to-coast tour at the Railway Club.

I arrived as Lisa Joyce approached the mic in her unassuming Cowichan sweater and blue denim dress, acoustic guitar slung over her shoulder, eager to play her last solo set before leaving town. Starting with a handful of remorseful songs from this year’s self-titled EP, the budding local rocker decided, “That’s it for the fuckin’ bummer!” and kicked off her heels. She broke into a series of uplifting tunes including the powerful “World Full Of Pain,” before devoting her set to a series of poor life choices as she bowed out.
Next up were Winnipeg’s female prairie punk duo Mise en Scene, who lit up the stage not only with their matching gold sequin tops and drummer Jodi Dunlop’s tinfoil-laden kit, but a raucous set filled with experimental pop-punk tunes and a healthy dose of attitude that is inexplicably endearing. The 45 minutes onstage saw them tear through the majority of last year’s Desire’s Despair before engaging the crowd with a fun-loving callback on the closing “Perfect Killers (Oh Child).”

The Fast Romantics, who played with such fervour they’d be better actors than musicians, outstayed their welcome and left Mint Record mainstays Hot Panda with a pretty thin crowd. Nonetheless the small but devoted group of fans moved closer as the band took the stage.
Ready to send Joyce Island off on a high note, each of their heads were shrouded in the charming half-heartedness of last-minute costumes. Frontman Chris Connelly donned a simple blonde wig while bassist Catherine Hiltz got slightly more creative with her Mexican wrestling mask and Aaron Klassen balked at the crowd through a plastic horse face from behind his drum kit. Playing tirelessly to a lone drunken dancer, they careened through hits off this year’s Go Outside like “Future Markets” before venturing a cover of the Pixies’ “Tame.”
With a dynamic crowd that ranged from costumed college students and Chuck Taylor’d hipsters to drunken football fans, the night was a great reminder that if there’s one holiday we can all agree on in this town, it’s Halloween. - Discorder Magazine

When we first arrived at Lisa of Joyce Island’s apartment for an informal interview, we were graciously welcomed by the artist with Oreos while the sweet and witty Vancouver based alt-country singer/songwriter scurried around her place making us loose leaf tea, and happily telling us all about her upcoming Folkways and Railways Tour that will traverse her all across Canada!

Lisa’s solo act, Joyce Island is a superb sample of what the future of alt-country and indie-folk will become in the next few years. When describing that sound Lisa mentions old-time acts such as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Rolling Stones, The Who and even the Beach Boys (all coming from her parent’s record collection) were important to how her sound became this hybrid country and old rock fusion.

While we met up with Joyce Island we were lucky enough to sit down and enjoy two intimate performances of Dry These Eyes (my personal favourite!) and Mercy on Me. With her unique honey and milk tone that is reminiscent of old country nostalgia and the blend of honest emotive lyrics, I find myself foreseeing really big things in her near future due to her unique sound.

I would like to point out what was most appealing and pleasant about Lisa was her ability to remain absolutely humble even though she clearly has a massive professional ability to sing and song-write, it’s a wonderful testament to how she’ll develop as an icon in the future.When we asked Joyce Island what we can expect for the near future, Lisa responded that she will be more of a solo act similarly to Cat Power and Feist so that she can focus on exacting her sound more precisely. When you have a young female artist such as Lisa Joyce who points to songs like I Fall To Pieces by Patsy Cline as a long time favourite song of hers but also somebody who admits to listening to The Go Gos, then you know you can expect some truly unique sounds coming forth!

ON HER SOUND: “JOHNNY CASH, WILLY NELSON, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON ALL THOSE OUTLAW DUDES IS WHERE THE COUNTRY ELEMENT CAME IN!”

On October 26th, we were invited to check out one of her performances alongside Mise En Scene and The Fast Romantics at the Railway Club, it was thrilling to see Lisa belt out that stunning voice of hers outward to a receptive crowd. The venue itself was buzzing and jam packed with media members, sweaty musicians breaking strings and drummers banging out wicked percussion, but amongst all the noise and booze, you had Joyce Island (who cutely enough kicked off her heeled boots to be more comfy) stood out as the bright beacon of true talent that in my opinion engaged the crowd the most that evening.

Final praise and thanks; we had a total blast interviewing Lisa and getting better acquainted with this truly gorgeous Vancouverite, we wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors on tour across Canada and beyond. As always kids, you heard it here first so pass on the good word – Joyce Island better be on your tune contraptions now!

Make sure to check out the exclusive acoustic sessions and full interview with Joyce Island, they are featured on our Youtube channel for all you insatiable music addicts! - Van Scene

UBC alumna and Vancouver songwriter, guitar player and vocalist Lisa Joyce is about to embark on a cross-country train tour, titled Folkways and Railways, to promote her debut EP, Joyce Island. The album, which has been played on CBC and various college radios, was released to positive acclaim in April this year. Her sound is an auditory blend of folk, rock and roll and blues.

The Ubyssey interviewed her to learn more about her sound and her Canadiana-inspired sojourn.

The Ubyssey: So you actually graduated from UBC. When and from what faculty?

Lisa Joyce: Yeah, I graduated a few years back! Did a major in anthropology and a minor in English.

U: Your album is called Joyce Island. Is there any significance to that? What inspired that name?

LJ: Well, in a nutshell, it’s a self-titled debut EP. I perform under the name Joyce Island, so it’s just the same as my performing name. The name Joyce Island is inspired by the lyrics of the song “I Am a Rock” by Simon and Garfunkel from the ’60s, which is one of my favourite songs ever. I guess in a way I’ve made Joyce Island my own little musical world…. Sometimes I’m alone, and sometimes there’s other people there with me.

U: Your sound has often been called a rock and roll mix between Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty. Who are your musical influences and why?

LJ: I’d say the biggest influences are the things I listened to in my parents record collection growing up. A lot of rock and roll and old country…. Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, the early Rolling Stones, The Who, The Band, Bob Dylan…. My sound became a mix between those two genres without intentionally trying to make it that way. Nowadays, I’m listening to a lot of Wilco and Will Oldham and stuff like that.

U: So there are seven songs on the album?

LJ: Yes, and then there’s also the secret song.

U: The secret song?

LJ: It’s funny, actually…. We set out to make a rock and roll album, so we recorded the seven songs, and then one day in the studio, I was just playing something on the guitar between takes and whatnot, and they said, “What’s that?” And I said, “Oh, it’s just this song I wrote… it’s more folky and old country than the rest of the songs on the album….” And they said, “Well, play it again.” So I played it for them and they said, “You know, we love it and we should add it to the album somehow.”

So even though we were finished with the album, we thought, why not just drill it on as a secret song? So we recorded it live in one take [with] me on guitar with one drummer. It’s a three-minute song and we only spent there minutes ever doing that song. So when the album got to the CBC, I got an email from the head of the music department at CBC Radio and he said, “You know, we love the album, it’s rockin’,” but ironically, he said the track that stood out most to him was the secret song. It’s interesting because that’s the song that’s been getting the most attention and airplay, which was so unexpected because it’s the song we put the least amount of work into and it wasn’t even on the album.

U: So is it called “The Secret Song?”

LJ: No, it’s called Dry These Eyes. Its all on Bandcamp. From what people have shared with me, it seems the reason people have connected with this song is because there’s an honest, raw vulnerability that comes through.

U: What was your inspiration in writing the songs?

LJ: I guess the inspiration behind the songs is just a lot of troubled experiences…. Life in general, the ups and downs and hardships of life are my inspiration. The things that in the end make you stronger. I find that it’s those things that people can relate to in the songs. The honesty and vulnerability.

U: What inspired you to do a train tour? How exactly does that work?

LJ: Well, I’ve always known that there was a train that went all the way across Canada, and taking a train across the country is something I’ve dreamed of doing for a long time. And I love playing music, so I thought it would be perfect to combine the two ideas. I’m inspired by the nostalgic idea of musicians back in the day who used to hop on a train and play their music and carry their message to other travellers.

U: Has anyone ever done a train tour before?

LJ: It was done one other time that I know of in 1970…. Artists like Janice Joplin and The Band all got together and went across Canada on a train…. And they’ve done the exact same route I’m doing, playing music on and off the train in select cities, which I thought was an inspiring idea. It’s not something people are doing, so I thought it would be a unique and fun way to get my music out there and see the country at the same time. I’ve never been to the Maritimes before, so I’m really excited to see that part of the country. It’s a bit of a dream for me.

U: So the tour starts when?

LJ: The actual tour starts on Tuesday, Oct. 29 when I board the train. First stop is Halifax, and then I’ll also be stopping to perform in Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton and other cities, as well as performing on the actual train. I’m really excited. - The Ubyssey

Kicking off a tour by rail at the Railway Club couldn’t be more appropriate.

It was formed as a private club by railwaymen and they are commemorated by a toy train that steams along the club’s ceiling. Where else would anyone want to launch a railway tour?

“It’s the Joyce Island Canadian Tour-Kick Off! ” exclaims Lisa Joyce, who will be rocking via rail. “I’m also excited to share the stage with Hot Panda and the Fast Romantics. “

Under the banner of Joyce Island, the Vancouver born and bred Lisa Joyce released a rocking, raw EP earlier this year that got her noticed by VIA Rail. It chose her to get on board and play shows as the train traversed the country.

“It’s called the ‘Folkways and Railways Tour,’” Joyce explains. ” It’s a little tip of the hat to Woody Guthrie and his inspiring train experiences – and his involvement with Folkway Records and Smithsonian Folkways. Also, the word ‘folkway’ literally means a practice or custom shared by members of a group. I see the train tour as a way of reviving an old custom of musicians hopping on trains and sharing their music and their message with the other travelers on the journey together. I see it as a really special opportunity.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me and the chance to play my songs across this whole amazing country – shore to shore!” she continues. “It’s gonna be a blast! I’ll be performing every day on the train, from Vancouver to Halifax and back. I’ll also get off the train in a number of cities and play shows – Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, etc. (the showcases are listed on the Joyce island website at http://www.joyceisland.ca).”

Describing herself as a full time musician, Joyce has performed both solo and with a band. Her Joyce Island EP is electric and occasionally electrifying. It was co-produced by two of her backing band, Mikey Manville, guitarist, and Chris Jaggers, bassist. Although the front cover depicts Joyce with an acoustic guitar and therefore looks like a typical singer-writer record, don’t be fooled. It has more in common with Bryan Adams than Sarah MacLachlan.

“For the last few years I’ve been playing with a bunch of super talented guys, which has been really inspiring. I’ve spent half that time with a band behind me, half the time playing solo and I’ll continue to do both. So the decision to go solo has been a natural one and it felt like it was already kinda happening.

“I am the only constant member of Joyce Island.” Joyce notes. “Guess it’s safe to say I am Joyce Island. Members have come and gone, moved away, gotten into other projects. I had a blast making the record with Mikey Manville, Chris Jaggers and Flavio Cirillo. Flav’s drumming for Hannah Georgas now, Mikey has the Manvils and Jaggers plays for Good Grief! and has a bunch of recording projects. So at the end of the day, I’ve got myself and that’s proving to be enough!”

Joyce will do the Railway Club gig and tour solo. The EP, she believes, nonetheless is representative.

I’ve always been largely influenced by guys like Neil Young and Tom Petty who sometimes have a band, sometimes do their own solo thing – so I took notes from them. From a young age, watching Neil Young’s solo performances deeply affected me and gave me an idea of what I wanted to become. He’s been a huge inspiration to me. As a kid, I grew up listening to a lot of old Patsy Cline and Waylon Jennings records, so I guess my sound is an inevitable result of those influences combined with my love of old time rock n’ roll.

“It’s about the battle within, and thinking maybe I took all the wrong turns but that, in the end, they brought me to the right place.” she adds. ” It’s about withstanding life’s disappointments and learning how to deal with them. And rising above and finding my own way.

“I wanted to record an honest album, something from the heart. You know, nothing pretentious. When you listen to it, it’s very raw. But this album has been years in the making, and there were moments of uncertainty as to whether it would ever see the light of day. It hasn’t always been a straight line. But it would seem that what’s mean to be can’t be stopped

” I didn’t have any major plans for how this album was going to evolve. Things unexpectedly fell into place as they sometimes do. It certainly caught me by surprise how well the album has been received by the media and radio. That has encouraged me to take things to the next level with the tour.”

The next level will be at the Railway Club.

“I’ve already started recording new material for the next record, Joyce says. ” I’m gonna finish the second album, keep playing shows, keep touring, keep writing. I’m extremely fortunate to be playing music and doing what I love. And to have this opportunity to showcase my music across Canada and bring it to a larger audience.”

WHO: Lisa Joyce

WHERE: The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir Street.

WHEN: Friday, October 25, 10 p.m.

TICKETS: $10.00 - The Province Newspaper

This Friday is a crazy night for Vancouver, one of the events to look forward to will be at The Railway Club for a big send-off to Joyce Island (check out our Song of the Day with them “These Dry Eyes” here!) for her VIA-Rail cross Canada tour and partnering up with Mixtape Magazine in Halifax.

Edmonton & Vancouver’s Hot Panda will be headlining the night, check out this funky, bass and drums heavy tune from them and a hilarious video involving kidnappings and superpowers. Be sure to arrive early to catch The Fast Romantics, Mise En Scene and Joyce Island, of course!

Friday, October 25th IMU presents FAST ROMANTICS, HOT PANDA, MISE EN SCENE& JOYCE ISLAND @ The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir . Show 10pm / $10

Vancouver – Edmonton – Winnipeg – Toronto – Montreal – Halifax
(visit www.joyceisland.com for specific show dates)
For a blog that did this trip ourselves this summer, we wish her the very best!

As for Joyce Island’s Canadian train tour: The Train leaves the Station 10.29.13 - Vancouver Music Review

Joyce Island reached out to Hammer Records and informed us of her upcoming tour! Normally, we hear of many bands hitting the road in mini vans or tour busses, but we have yet to hear of a band traveling by train!

Joyce Island has been playing music since 2007, though is only just releasing her debut album this 2013. In these 6 years she's had some whirlwind success. Playing Vancouver's International Fringe Festival and CITR's "Shindig" as well as being named 100.5 The Peak's "best new artist" are only a few things on her artist resume. She also has been getting lots of airplay on CBC Radio and other college stations with her new self titled album. Since its release, she has been featured on Breakfast Television, go! Vancouver, and in Youthlink Magazine.

She recently announced her upcoming tour entitled "Folkways and Railways." Starting in Vancouver and finishing off across the country, she will be spreading her music not only in venues but also performing her music in the trains to passengers! For all you Vancouverites, be sure to catch her at the Railway Club on Oct 25th with Hot Panda and Fast Romantics.

Check out her video below and go give her a "like" right HERE - Hammer Records

Joyce Island is the lovely project of Lisa Joyce, Vancouver singer + her band. This particular song reminds me a little bit of Jill Barber, but some of her other recorded tunes evoke a little bit of Heart and other retro-femme sounds. You should definitely give Joyce Island a listen if you’re planning a rock’n'roll ladies road trip or dance party. Keep your eyes peeled for some upcoming shows TBA for the fall! - Vancouver Music Review

It wasn’t that long ago when I was a reporter peppering interview subjects with questions.

However, when Lisa Joyce showed up to the newsroom one Friday night the tables were turned, and I kept repeatedly having to answer one question: Can I sing another song?

Lisa’s enthusiasm is contagious. If memory serves me right, I think, she belted out eight songs in the span of 30 minutes. All originals. All toe-tappers. All left me with a smile on my face.

Lisa tours with her band Joyce Island. Her editor’s desk performance was solo, but I’m looking forward to having the entire band back for another night of music.

Here’s more about Lisa Joyce.

How did you get your start?

I grew up in a musical family. My earliest memories include family gatherings with lots of singing and guitar picking. We would all get together and sing old Hank Williams and Waylon Jennings songs. My uncle Steve was my biggest musical influence and the main reason I became a musician. I totally idolized him and his musical abilities. He bought me my first acoustic guitar when I was young. Since then, I’d always played but didn’t get fully immersed in songwriting until a significant trip I took to Morocco, where I was out in the desert and first experienced the feeling of songs flowing through me in this really surreal and unexpected way. That was the tipping point for me. It hasn’t stopped since.

Tell us about your song.

The song World Full of Pain was written at the start of a relationship and seemed to somehow foreshadow the events that transpired in the end. It’s about being in love with a really crumby guy, knowing it’s doomed from the start, but somehow having to see it through to it’s yucky, bitter end. I think I’ve learned from that experience and hope I won’t have to repeat the lesson anytime soon, geez.

What are your musical influences?

I grew up being most inspired by the stuff in my parents’ vinyl collection – Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, CCR and Simon and Garfunkel. Vocally, I was completely infatuated with Patsy Cline. I would listen to her records over and over. I also really loved Susan Jacks and the Poppy Family. Her voice is sheer perfection. The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’ changed my entire life for sure. As a teenager, grunge bands like Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. were also really influential on me. Oh, and I’m obsessed with Neil Young.

What’s your favourite Vancouver venue to perform in?

St. James Hall is definitely my favourite Vancouver venue to perform in. Gosh, I love playing there. Not only does the church have incredible acoustics, it also has an indescribable presence. I feel most alive on that stage. It reminds me of Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in many ways.

What next for Joyce Island?

I’m really excited to be teaching at Girls Rock Camp Vancouver this July, and then heading to New York in August to be a part of New York’s Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls. I love music and I love kids, so it’s a really inspiring, meaningful way to give back. Once that finishes, I’ll be heading to Toronto to start my cross-Canada tour in September. It’s been really great because the new record has started getting airplay in different parts of Canada, so this will be great to hit the road and play in many of those places. The second album is already under way too, and it’s exhilarating to bring that to life also. I feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to do what I love most. It’s a blessing I try to never take for granted. - The Province Newspaper

Talk about up-and-coming talent.

Participants in the latest edition of Girls Rock Camp, a mentorship program for girls aged 8-17, will show off skills acquired as recently as the week leading up to a showcase Friday July 13 at the Rio Theatre.


According to the Girls Rock Camp Vancouver website, the camp aims to “teach young women to pick up their instruments and make noise.”

The idea originated in Portland, OR eight years ago. The first Vancouver Rock Camp For Girls was held in 2009. Now in its 5th year, the camp provides 30 girls with opportunities to explore their musicality. Participants in the week-long camp learn an instrument and receive coaching from established local female musicians, such as singer/songwriter Lisa Joyce (who records and plays under the name Joyce Island).

“I think it’s an incredible idea,” Joyce told Inside Vancouver on Tuesday, when she was on her way to Girls Rock Camp headquarters. “It basically empowers girls through music creation.”

Campers learn to play with others, the basics of songwriting and silkscreening and even such self-empowering subjects as self-defense, image and identity.

This is Joyce’s first year mentoring in Vancouver. But last year she mentored in New York as part of the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls.

“I’m teaching the lead singers, which is a blast,” said the singer/songwriter, who plays a solo show this Sunday July 14 at 9 p.m. at the Railway Club (579 Dunsmuir St.). “I’m also serving as a band coach, and facilitating the songwriting process. I’m there to give advice, help them re-string guitars, whatever they need.”

Joyce said the girls are writing about subjects like standing up to bullies. “It blew me away what they’ve been talking about and what they want to sing about,” she said.

Something like Girls Rock Camp would have helped her considerably, Joyce says. “Oh my gosh. It would’ve been a game-changer for sure. I didn’t really have any direct female musical mentors. I had influences but I didn’t have anyone I could go to. It would’ve helped me find my musical bearings a lot sooner, and to cultivate my confidence to step into that role.”

The young aspiring musicians’ tastes run the gamut, from Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato to classic rock to ’90s Riot Grrrl acts like Bikini Kill.

So will we see any of these young ladies on bigger stages in a few years? “Yes,” Joyce said. “My mind was blown by the talent I saw. They’re all really gifted. To voluntarily sign up and attend you have to be pretty stoked to begin with. I can definitely foresee many of them up on stages in a couple of years if they decided that’s what they want to do. They’re incredibly gifted.”

You can see the results of Girls Rock Camp Vancouver 2013 at the showcase concert this Saturday night, July 13 at the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway).
Doors 6:30pm, Show at 7pm SHARP!
All Ages – $10
Free if you’re 8 or under!
Tickets at the door,Red Cat, Zulu and Audiopile - Inside Vancouver

On her debut, Joyce Island, songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist Lisa Joyce assumes the confident swagger of Tom Petty-styled Americana before drenching it in blossoming female vocals that triumphantly stand their ground against a series of troubled experiences. Backed by the driving guitar of Mikey Manville (of the Manvils) and rhythmic confidence of Chris Jaggers and Flavio Cirillo, Joyce leads the quartet from heavy blues psychedelia to modern traditionals.

There’s no filler on the Vancouver songstress’ first effort, as Joyce’s tenacity surfaces with raucous atonement on the opener, “Mercy on Me,” while “World Full of Pain” explains her sordid relationship with spirituality through the simple yet poignant refrain, “I tried to love the lord / But he’s a world full of pain.”
Joyce uses a touch of southern grace to amplify her lush West Coast charm on tracks like “Forgiven” and the album’s final lament, “Ain’t Got You,” to transcend her contemporaries. Add this to the fact that she’s downright cuter than hell, and Joyce’s aural tidal wave engulfs you, leaving you gasping for air. When you catch your breath you’ll have a curious desire to continue tempting the oceanic ebb. It’s an EP that harnesses the danger and unbridled energy of the raw elements of life before turning them into verses of self-reflection and doubt.
This album should be the soundtrack to summer evenings at the beach, where close friends pass around their vulnerable introspections with carefree exhilaration. - Discorder Magazine

The Joyce Island album release party hosted by the Media Club Vancouver on Friday April 19 was a huge success. A wide range of fans gathered in the venue to support Vancouver local Lisa Joyce promote her music. Vancouver’s Quiet Kids opened the night followed by Joyce Island, and Low Spin was last to hit the stage. SNAP Downtown Vancouver was able to sit down and chat with Lisa before her big show and discuss music, travelling, and life.

The name of the multitalented musician Lisa Joyce’s band came about with her obsession with Simon and Garfunkel growing up. The song I am a Rock inspired her with the lyrics I am a rock I am an Island. She describes how at that time in her life, the lyrics fit with where she was at as an individual. It is her own island where she can invite whoever she wants or can be completely alone and undisturbed. Lisa sums up her musical style as, “sincere music that comes from the heart, which is unpretentious and honest”. Her musical inspirations come from other artists; such as; The Beach Boys, CCR, The Who, and The Rolling Stones, which you can hear in her traditional yet modern songs. Her inspiration for writing is drawn from her passion for bike riding. She states that, “when I’m riding I just feel like my head is clear and the fresh air creates solitude”.

Joyce Island performed hits such as “Never Enough”, “Mercy on me”, and a new single “All I ever Wanted” from their debut album which I guarantee will soon be heard on the radio and around the world. When Lisa performs with her band, there is a consistent uplifting energy to her performance. The Media Club provided a up and close personal interaction with the audience, but for the size of the band and the amount of energy exerted, a bigger stage would have allowed for a higher energy show. Lisa’s distinct voice along with her guitar skills sets her apart from other artists. Check out the website, www.joyceisland.ca, to access out more about Lisa and her band. - SNAP Vancouver

JOYCE ISLAND: Joyce Island (joyceisland.ca): Lisa Joyce enlists some local rockers as backing on her new disc and they thrash with conviction on the opener Mercy on Me and follow track World Full of Pain. But it’s a revelation when track three, Forgiven, arrives and you hear Joyce’s voice wrap its way around a fifties style midetempo ballad and realize that this is a far better format for her rootsy style. She wisely sticks in this region even when she gets rocking again on Better Day, it’s still more of a bluesy vein that works. The bio notes that this album was recorded during a time of loss and there was a lengthy break in the creation process. You’ll need to catch the release gig this Friday at the Media Club to see which direction she favours more in concert.
Grade: C+ - The Province Newspaper

The first time I met local songstress Lisa Joyce, she was in her natural element: singing acoustically with her guitar on her lap. We were both attending “Nu Grass”, a (now defunct) weekly night organized by local musicians (including members of Black Mountain and Lightening Dust) who would gather in John Rogers Park to sing traditional folk songs. While I’m not exactly a musical person, I was struck and inspired by the joyfulness and ease Lisa exuded while she performed alongside the group. In the years since our musical meet up, I’ve seen her Lisa perform on several stages around town, both big and small. Yet the one thing that’s consistent is the uplifting energy she puts out when she’s singing. (It’s no surprise that she’s also a vocal instructor.) That will likely be evident when she takes the stage at the Media Club, under her stage name Joyce Island, for her album release party on April 19. I recently spoke about what it’s like to be a singer/songwriter in Vancouver.

On her creative process

I’m a lonewolf nature weirdo so I like going off on hikes in the mountains by myself, getting inspired by the mega abundance of fresh oxygen and trees and bird and stuff. And sometimes I get scared about the possibility of being eaten alive by a bear, which makes for good existential life questioning, and there’s lots of that on my album.

On her favourite local venues

I love the Railway Club because it’s intimate, the stage is tiny, and there’s no separation between you and the audience. It’s where I played my first show so it holds a special place in my heart.

The Electric Owl is a rad venue too. Great sound, nice spacious room and it’s a short walk from home. Also, I can pop by the Cobalt and catch a friend’s show afterwards if I’m lucky.

The Media Club is a fun bar to play. I’ve seen so many great shows there over the years, so it’s very nostalgic for me.

On Vancouver

I love this city. Especially my neighborhood of East Van.

I love people watching, but pretending I’m not people watching and drinking way too much espresso in the local coffee shops near my apartment, and then going home, locking myself inside and writing songs like a mad woman.

I like bike riding everywhere – preferably when it’s not raining- running into pals I know in the neighborhood and giving lots of hi-fives. It’s a small enough city that it feels very community-like and there’s always someone you know walking down the street. And when I just wanna be alone and get some good song ideas percolating, I bike the seawall, which is super exhilarating and helps me burn off that espresso high.

Joyce Island plays the Media Club on April 19
695 Cambie St, (604) 608-2871
Tickets are $10, $15 if you want an album included.
Doors are at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. - Inside Vancouver

Would the band that is Joyce Island please step forward?

Joyce Island claims on its website that it’s a rock ’n’ roll band. But, the only picture evidence to be found anywhere are solo shots of—admittedly very attractive—blue-eyed frontwoman Lisa Joyce. So, Joyce Island, which are you? Are you a rock band, or are you Lisa Joyce and her backing musicians?

I say the former.

I want to see Mikey Manville, Chris Jaggers, and Flavio Cirillo, the three men responsible for taking Joyce’s very pretty but still developing voice and giving it a place to roam. The guitar work is competent and the drumming straightforward; the cohesiveness of Joyce Island’s players makes a sound that is larger than its parts.

Its debut self-titled album is clean, with an innocence that will have listeners who are looking for an edge left wanting.

For there is no edge here. The group may have played it safe for its first effort; the tracks are all well produced, well timed, with even progression and a healthy amount of energy but not much in the way of emotional expression, vocally or instrumentally.

Joyce’s vocals are sweet and a nice counterpoint to the straight-up rock guitar of songs like “World Without Pain” and “No Sorrow”.

While the faster songs are promising if not entirely accomplished, the band finds its strength in the slower ballads where Joyce can stay within her range, as in the breakup song “Ain’t Got You”, a clear homage to Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow’s classic “Picture”. The ’50s-inspired “Forgiven” is another standout; vocals that invite singing along and an honest-to-goodness fuzzy guitar solo make for a satisfying listen. - Georgia Straight

Lisa Joyce, the indie folk artist behind Joyce Island, has announced the dates for her upcoming “Hinterland Heart” Tour. The tour will see her visit the east coast, before returning for a hometown show at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre. Check out the full routing below.
6.15 - Divan Orange (Montreal, QC)

6.17 - Rainbow Room (Ottawa, ON)

6.20 - The Paddock / NXNE Showcase (Toronto, ON)

6.21 - The APK (London, ON)

6.25 - Rickshaw Theatre (Vancouver, BC)

Breakfast Television calls Joyce “Canada’s newest up and coming musical sensation,” a statement that is backed by her powerful voice and catchy melodies.

The hometown show will also feature Oregon group Ages and Ages, who released their album Divisionary in March, and psychedelic folk rock project Colin Cowan & The Elastic Stars. Purchase your tickets to the Vancouver date here. - Permanent Rain Press

Art that is built upon tradition and the talent of great performers can be at one time novel and comforting. There is something cozy about an artist speaking their truth to the tune of a classic.

Lisa Joyce, also known as Joyce Island, will be bringing her gorgeous country styling to the fittingly eclectic environment of the Rainbow Bistro on Tuesday, June 17. This performance is part-of a short, East Coast Hinterland Heart tour and comes by way of the NXNE showcase out of Toronto. This will be the first time Lisa, along with her opening act Eagle Lake Owls perform in Ottawa.

Lisa is a West Coast songbird, inspired by the classic female country performers Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline. This love of classic country is evident. Her love of music doesn’t stop there as she also mentioned alt heroes Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. as major influences.

Although I was not able to meet Lisa face to face, I was charmed by her passion, modesty and love of music. Her music is close to her heart, drawing inspiration from the beauty and difficulty of her life.

I asked her what her writing process was like and she laughed. “I definitely draw on personal experiences when it comes to song writing [...] I’d say all of the material is written based on life experience and hardships, things I’ve had to go through, the ups and downs of life. I feel like it would be next to impossible for me to just sing a song about something that wasn’t personal. It’s just the way my songwriting has been. It’s always come from the heart.”

Those of us who are dedicated audience members know that watching someone perform honest work can a vulnerable experience. “ It does feel that way when I’m performing new songs. The audience has a clear look into your life or your heart. It’s a little exposing sometimes but at the same time I think it’s good. What comes from the heart goes to the heart so there is an honesty that resonates with people. I can still be caught by surprise when I’m up there playing songs that feels like I’m reading the audience my diary. I still can have these moments where I’m like “Shit, I’m really vulnerable”. At this point, I am used to it [...] It has become second nature.”

Although she does play with a band in her home base of Vancouver, her last two tours in the past five months have been solo. “I’ve been really embracing it. There is a certain freedom to going on your own. It’s just you and a guitar. At first, the idea was terrifying but once I saw that I could do it, there was a certain empowering feeling about it. All you need is a guitar and you can get up there on all these different stages across the country and do your thing. I didn’t know how just me and a guitar would be received across the country but it’s gone better than I expected. It’s funny because the track that has been getting the most radio play has been just me and a guitar. I was not expecting that Joyce Island would be associated with that sound.”

Lisa is looking forward to working with Spencer Burton, from Dine Alone Records on a new record and continuing to tour within Canada with her lovely country twang and guitar. Be sure to check out Joyce Island Tuesday at the Rainbow and give Lisa and her tourmates a nice welcome to our city. - Couch Assassin

On Tuesday June 17th 2014, the Eagle Lake Owls roll into The Rainbow to share their folk songs about small town life, long winters and endless summers, filtered through a dusty car window. Guy-girl harmonies and rustic instrumentals paint stark portraits of the Canadian prairies.

They’ll be joined by Vancouver’s Joyce Island. With comparisons to Patsy Cline, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty-styled Americana, Joyce Island’s affinity for classic country shines through in her mix of swagger, powerful pipes, and pain-purging melodies. Her debut, self-titled EP has been receiving national radio play on CBC and has garnered her significant media attention.

Opening up the evening will be Espialist. Mike Wall has been there and back with sonic limits, and while his new sounds are on the light side, one can’t help but notice a quality in-between the notes that his experience has infused into his writing process. Not necessarily inspired by a normal “verse / chorus / verse” song structure, he feels just as at home expressing his materiel in a “vignette de pensee” fashion as he does in expressing himself with long, slow-burning songs.

The doors open at 8pm, with the show starting around 9pm. Tickets are only $8. - Spotlight Ottawa

On the heels of two successful cross Canada tours, Joyce Island heads out east again as part of her 'Hinterland Heart' tour. Joyce's unique brand of alt-country is inspired by her wanderings across Canada's captivating hinterland.

Dubbed 'Vancouver's own Canadiana darling,' she'll be bringing her timeless melodies to the country's heartland and performing songs from her critically acclaimed, debut record. She will also be showcasing her hauntingly beautiful vocal prowess at teh 2014 NXNE Music Festival.

We've had the opportunity to check out her EP and one thing is for certain. Those who are able to attend either tonight in Ottawa or one of the other dates on her tour will not be disappointed. Joyce Island brings a clean, crisp sound we have not heard on the music scene in years. - Soundcheck

A Lady and Her Guitar - Joyce Island. I only caught the last half of Joyce Island, but that left me wanting more. Just her and her guitar on the stage, a great singer/songwriter combo here.

A Lady Lead in a Rock Band - Fevers. Dance Cry Dance, catchy and danceable. Theses guys put on a great live show.

A Trio of Voices - The O'Pears. WOW. What can I say. These ladies can certainly sing. The bar went silent as everyone was entranced in the sound of their voices. And I love that hint of Irish culture.

Throat Singing - The Jerry Cans. Have you ever done throat singing? Well, I have. Thanks to this band from Nunavut (the firs band from there to ever play NXNE). They make danceable music that is a mix of cultures from the land of the midnight sun.

A Southern Trio - Vulcans. Theses guys came all the way from Pennsylvania to play their show and the Paddock. They played their version of musical chairs on stage, swapping instruments left right and centre, mastering every one. And their voices, you need to hear them.

More Drums and Intimate aCapella Harmonies - Lakes of Canada. These guys are about to release an album inspired by A Handmade's Tale, which I think is very cool! Also, they have EXTRA DRUMS, nothing makes me happier when band pull out extra drums and three guys are pounding them out! And to top off this set, the entire band came down into the crowd to sing for us up close and unplugged.

Well Dressed and Ready for Success - The Black Diamond Express. Pictured above are the seven of the eight (YES EIGHT!!) members of The Black Diamond Express singing their finale which was an impressive aCapella number. Love that "Goin' Down South" song and al the solos we got! And to make their show even more fun, at one point they threw a deck of cards at the audience and yelled "whoever finds the Jack of Diamonds gets a free CD!". I found the 10 of Spades...

A Bassoon and a Little French Horn - Sidney York. A basson in a rick band, that is a new one for me! And I love a band with two rocking female vocals. If you are a Wes Anderson fan make sure to check out their new music video which made it's debut at NXNE

A Violin Improv - Hannah Epperson. This girl can really play that violin! This simple set was mesmerizing with Hannah's voice and violin back by some solid beats.

A Southern Sound - Stone Iris. Hailing from the Canadian West, these guys have certainly been influenced by the Southern states! Rock you can dance to, and if you lucky enough to meet the mother of the two frontmen, who happen to be brothers, you're in for a treat! Great to meet you Cathy!

Happy People - Grand Lark. These guys just look so happy up there on stage, and that makes the audience happy too. The guitar player seems as though he is literally dancing on air. - Ainsley Boyd

Name: Lisa Joyce of Joyce Island

NXNE Show: The Paddock – Friday, June 20 @ 11pm

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia

Music Genre: Alt-Country, Indie-Folk, Rock’n’Roll

Year it all began: 2013

Quick Introduction: Hi! I’m Lisa Joyce and I write and record Canadiana music under the name Joyce Island. I’m a Pisces, I like gummy bears, bike rides, and being off the grid in the forest.

What got you into music? I grew up in a musical family so I’ve been singing and playing music ever since I can remember. It’s always been a part of my life. Can’t live without it.

What are your sources of inspiration? Life is my inspiration. As an artist, it’s always that way for me. My life experiences bleed into my songs – usually the difficult experiences. I’m also inspired by nature; being out in the wilderness on my own or travelling to new places far away. Musically, I’m inspired by old folk and country music – the stuff I grew up playing with my family as a kid. I’m moved by the rawness and honesty of those old songs and how they can stir up a lot of intense emotion in me.

Dream gig? Dream gig would be me playing the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with Willie Nelson.

Your thoughts about NXNE? NXNE is an awesome opportunity to bring artists together and put a spotlight on the Canadian music scene. I’m really honoured to be a part of NXNE and a representative of the west coast.

Interesting points others don’t know about you? I’m obsessed with narwhals. I’m pretty sure the narwhal is my spirit animal. Hoping one day soon I can play Greenland and go hang out with them in person. - The Arts Guild

Underneath the churning radio-rock comes the rough, sweet voice of Lisa Joyce. The music, with its mix of blues, traditional rock, and pop, ends up tying together as something harsher and more exciting. Truly incredible is the swirling rhythm section on Mercy On Me, and the lead guitar on World Full of Pain - solos flying out whenever the vocals begin to falter.

The beginning of Forgiven has a traditional rock structure that could have become repetitive after only two minutes, but just as you begin to assume nothing more will come from Forgiven you're met with Joyce's creative vocals, and a solo that works in stark contrast to the slow, wading rhythm.

No Sorrow begins immediately, embarking on what sounds like a story of overcoming trouble, (something not unusual for this brand of country-tinged rock) with a rougher-than-average Pat Benatar-style riff to go along with it. The leads here come out with a thick tone, and with less distortion. The change in style is welcome. The hard rock style is an interesting addition to the EP and Joyce's vocals shine, a vocal prowess that would have been nice to see emphasized more on upbeat tracks Mercy On Me or World Full of Pain as well.

Never Enough maintains Joyce Island's classic sound, but it grows upon the style they put forth on Forgiven, and for that I’m pleased they included it on the album. Hints of great electric guitar do shine throughout the tune, although they’ve shone through every one so far. I cannot stress how good the instrumentals are on Never Enough.

Better Days is reminiscent of nineties pleasant rock, such as the Wallflowers, Counting Crows, or Dave Matthews Band. The rhythm is pulsing and Joyce’s voice has gained a sultry quality. She produces soft harmonies in the background of a tighter, greater voice. It creates a sing-song vibe that is good to end the EP on. The solo is relaxed and bluesy, intertwining with the vocal melody. It’s a care-free relationship. All of it ends with a satisfying band-crash and we’re left with the soft whirring of feedback.

All in all, the album is more than great. The rhythm section and lead guitar are some of the best and most exciting I’ve heard in the starting-to-break Vancouver scene. Joyce finds her voice as the album progresses and by the final, comfortable melodies, the band has produced an EP I am impressed with. - Geyser Music

As thousands flocked to English Bay to gorge on the remains of food carts and check out the fireworks, a modest—though nonetheless enthusiastic—crowd gathered behind the doors of the Biltmore Cabaret on July 26. Inside, The Good In Everyone were busy sound checking for the release of their self-titled EP party.

Kicking off the show were first openers Alea Rae, who, upon completion of their first song, earnestly proclaimed to the crowd “Oh God, that felt satisfying.” The trio, comprised of frontwoman Alea Rae Clark and counterparts Patrick Farrugia on guitar and Jeremiah Ackermann on percussion, fuse cool, atmospheric tones with warm, folksy progressions, echoing the likes of Daughter or The Jezabels.

Though performing a lyrically strong collection of songs that were varied, textured, and engaging, it was their shadowy rendition of Arcade Fire’s “Afterlife” that took the night. Piecing their set together with a mixture of endearing, self-deprecating banter, Clark proved to be a dynamic force, vibing well with the crowd. As they continue to find their sound, I have no doubt Clark will only gain ground in the Vancouver scene.

Perhaps the most established artist on the bill, Lisa Joyce, otherwise known as Joyce Island, was next up to take the stage. Even with a less than attentive crowd, Joyce was nonetheless commanding. Pulling out a striking set complete with punchy guitar and effusive vocals, this one woman band produced a unique construction of lush, hazy Canadiana.

Regardless of Joyce’s southern-tinged charm, it became painfully apparent that the crowd had grown more concerned with what was on tap than what Joyce was crooning.
The Good in Everyone came out roaring, seamlessly snatching the attention of the audience and focusing it back on the stage. Sonically, I’ve come to expect the band’s signature sprawling aesthetic, consisting of an enmeshment of the rock sensibilities, breezy pop, and folksy tones found scattered throughout their EP. I was not disappointed.

Tight vocal harmonies characterized much of their act thanks to the soaring voices of Nick Russell and Laura Genschorek supported by expansive, hooky guitar riffs and the backdrop of pounding drums. Pacing their set well, the band incorporated a varied selection of songs from their catalog, though their rendition of “Manning Park” proved to be a highlight.
Even though fans were largely comprised of friends and family, The Good In Everyone were wonderfully unabashed, as lead guitarist Benjamin Mott jokingly called out: “Thanks, Mom; thanks, Dad!” after a particularly loud cheer had been emitted from the audience. Admittedly, there were a few missed moments where the band could’ve take the opportunity to visibly loosen up, but I have no doubt this skill will come as they continue to play other gigs. In the meantime, their performance proved that The Good in Everyone deserve a seat at the Canadian indie-rock table, probably sandwiched somewhere in between Edmonton rockers Scenic Route to Alaska and Saskatchewan sweethearts Rah Rah. But, wherever you place The Good in Everyone, it’s clear this band has set out to make its mark on Vancouver. - Discorder Magazine

Got a chance to spend some time with singer songwriter Lisa Joyce aka Joyce Island when she was in Toronto recently, showcasing at the NXNE conference. In addition to singing a couple of songs off her self- titled ep, Joyce and I talked about influences, the ep, and her plans for producing and releasing a new cd in the next couple of months. Lisa is a winner of a CIRRA mentorship grant, and will be working with Daniel Romano and Spencer Burton. Lisa has been dubbed "Canada's Alt Country Sweetheart" by CBC, and after spending a couple of hours with her, I think Lisa is the real thing - combining wonderful writing, a great voice, and a keen ear for the country genre. - View From the Corner Stool

Lisa Joyce, of Joyce Island rolls in to Montreal’s Divan Orange, Sunday June 15th for the Bride & Groom EP release. Since having met Lisa back in November 2013, on her Folkways and Railways Tour, a lot has changed. After receiving national air play on the CBC, as well as being voted Rockline's 2013 Emerging Artist to Watch AND best all-around recording of the year, there is clearly something different about the folk songstress I met over 6 months ago.

With almost consistent touring over the past year, with the for Folkways and Railways Tour (sponsored by Via Rail), and The Canadiana Tracks Tour, Lisa has travelled from the West Coast all the way East, playing over 50 shows and serenading passengers along the way. Most recently I caught up with Lisa on the Hinterland and Heart Tour, which comes to an epic conclusion at NXNE showcase in Toronto. Version 2.0, B.C. native Joyce, emits a new found assurance in her indie-folk persona, as she recounts her adventures on her 3 consecutive tours and new found love for the East Coast.

We shot the shit Q&A style getting the scoop on the non-stop folk traveller;

Sarina - How was your “tour by train” experience?

Lisa - “The whole experience was just amazing! I had never seen Canada in its entirety; it was always been on my bucket list. Having the opportunity to play my songs on the train, moving from province-to-province, all while playing for captive audiences was just incredible. To be honest, when I met you back in November, it was my first time doing a cross-Canada tour, and I had never been to the Maritimes before. I fell in love with the place, everyone is so awesome and welcoming, and people are so into Canadiana there. The second time around for the Canadiana tracks tour was just as good; I was able to just take it all in a bit more and write a lot of music”.

How has touring Via Rail-style impacted your current day to day?

“The train was interesting. I wanted to play some old school Muddy Waters, Lead Belly, Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, and all of those old souls that played on trains. It was almost like I was channeling them on tour. It really breathed fresh life into my musical soul for sure. It gave me this new found confidence, and I feel that I found my footing as an artist, those last couple tours. I feel like I am freaking Lisa Joyce and here I am world! It stretches me out of my comfort zone, and now I feel that this is my comfort zone. Being able to write these songs while looking out my window, playing so many cities and seeing a big part of this country, I feel like I have this huge new found hard on for Canada.”

Touring alone must present crazy challenges… Any crazy adventure stories you can remember?

It's always an adventure; you never know who you're going to meet, where it's going to go. It's definitely trippy! I get off a train with sea legs, haven't slept properly in days, at times it’s hard to get yourself going without the camaraderie of being in a band, You’re on your own, and you're a lot more vulnerable. I get up on stage and literally read my diary night after night for complete strangers. Their responses to my music have basically fuelled me to keep going. I really try to have no expectations when I travel. I try not to take myself too seriously. I'm just a girl with a guitar showing up to play my heart out. Funny story, just this past week I dropped my bright pink nail polish and it pretty much exploded everywhere, my room looked like a crime scene of hot pink.
Another time, on my first night in Halifax, I hadn’t eaten all day. I was tired and starving and I wandered into this bar called Bearley’s. There were like 20 alt-country musicians just jamming and they told me the kitchen was closed but why don't you join us, there is one seat left. We ended up jamming with them until like 3 o'clock in the morning. And it seems like I have a story like this for every city I've toured!”

There are a lot of different elements to your Joyce Island EP as every song is different. Was this a planned execution?

“I know a lot of people say this, but GENUINELY when I write I don't have an agenda of what is going to come out. I don't think ‘well today I am going to write a slow, make you cry in your beer, kinda song’. They were just coming out of me, so I just put it on paper and we'll see what happens. In the studio the songs took on a life of their own. The different elements in the album were definitely not planned; then, we sat back and listened, like ok, cool. It's funny because it's a rock album, a rootsy album, but it is heavier, It's interesting because this one track Dry These Eyes, it's a secret track ,just me and the guitar. It's not even listed on the track listing. It ended up being THE song that gets national air-play. People continuously tell me how they feel that this one song is true to me.”

n today’s Music industry there are many different pulls; electronic, rock, etc. How do you feel your reception has been?

“I don't know to be honest; I just feel the response so far has been a good indicator that it can work. In 2014, the age we live in, you can do pretty much do whatever genre you want. Yeah the mainstream is tucked away in that pocket to a certain degree, but then it has never been a better time to play whatever the hell you want. There are no major labels dictating anymore and there is no one holding you back from creating. I feel empowered and like it makes me stand out.”

Can you attribute anyone for supporting you pushing you forward to follow this dream?

“Oooh yeah, my best friend Suzanne, she’s more like a sister to me. Her guidance and her friendship, and encouragement along the way have been so paramount. There were so many times you’re exhausted and just tired, and you need to continually believe in yourself. In the very beginning it’s like pushing a rock, and it’s not moving. You just have to keep going and going just to create momentum, it was terrifying, and Suzanne was by my side the whole time. I don’t feel like I’d be here if it wasn't without her.”

What new gems to you have for us on the Hinterland Heart Tour?

“I'm really excited to be playing a NXNE showcase in Toronto. I've got some new material and tracks and more experience under my belt being the main thing. It will be me but REALLY me now, and some new Canadiana tunes that will be on the next album. ”

Can you tell me a bit about the new album?

“Yeah I'm collaborating with Spencer Burton from Attack in Black and City and Color, and Daniel Romano, also from Attack in Black. Daniel is doing his own alt-country thing now. Anyway, when I listened to Spencer's new album about a month ago, (comes out in August) it's so incredible I was like I need to make music with you. So we are going to put our heads together and see what we can come up with. So I'll be recording this summer and hopefully it can be released by fall.”

Big things are on the horizon, as Lisa goes onward to NXNE, and finishes the Hinterland and Heart Tour. Oozing assuredness in her Canadiana roots, the Patsy Cline-channeling spitfire inhales inspiration from every road, plane, or rail traveled. With her soulful voice and catchy melodies, her late night diary entries take on a whole new persona, as she captivates audiences.

Be sure to check out the self-titled EP by Joyce Island and all of her goings on via her Bandcamp page http://joyceisland.bandcamp.com - Noisography Magazine