London-based trio Big Joanie [Stephanie Phillips (guitar and vocals), Estella Adeyeri (bass guitar and vocals), and Chardine Taylor-Stone (drums and vocals)] is returning from a years-long hiatus with a new single, “Happier Still” (via Kill Rock Stars).
Filmed by Curtis Lewis and edited by Marlene Burton, “Happier Still” features the ladies of Big Joanie touring, jamming, and generally basking in their good vibes. We’d expect nothing less for a band whose mix of intoxicating black girl magic and unabashed punk bravado. There are cuts between car Snapchats, studio time, and photoshoots in an enviable witchy outfit. The joys of being an alt-black girl touring the world are crooned out in Phillips’ nasal rasp, “there’ll be no fear /of fear, no fear here/I’ll feel happier, happier, happier still/ I’ll feel fine.”
In a statement posted on the group’s Bandcamp page, Phillips wrote, “I started writing [Happier Still] after our first album came out in late 2018 and finished writing it while we were in Austin for SXSW 2019,” adding “this song is about wanting to break out of a depression and pushing yourself to feel better. I like the idea of chanting “I’ll feel fine” and hoping that will eventually turn things around.”
Opening up about such raw emotion in an industry and genre that can be equally grueling and isolating to Black women, it is no secret that the tour footage is so extensive. Her intended message has been received. People eagerly listen with similar feelings for other Black punk artists like the Nova Twins, The Muslims, and The 1865.
The music video shows how far Big Joanie has come in the last few years and also recontextualizes them in a scene that is becoming more and more visible. We can’t wait to see what’s next.
Big Joanie is currently doing a UK tour, and this is their first release since November 2020’s Kluster Room Sessions, the music video and single for ‘Happier Still’ are available here. Want more of Big Joanie? Be sure to connect with them across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok.
