Can you describe your music in 3 words?
Soulful, contemplative, truthful
You’re playing CAST at Nottingham Playhouse on 29 May, as part of the neat14 festival. What can people expect from the show?
The set is going to be stripped down, laid back and acoustic. Think easy listening soul, mixed with a bit of folk!
What’s your most memorable gig so far?
I played at Albert Hall with my band as a support act for The Hargreaves this year. It was so much fun to play at such a big beautiful venue. I also loved the last gig I played at Jam Café. It’s a tiny place, but it was rammed with friends and family all huddled together in one place. The love and support made it an extra special gig to play.
If you could get anyone (alive or dead) in to play with you, who would you choose?
I adore Justin Timberlake. It’s interesting to see how much he’s developed musically from the good old N Sync days. It shows how true dedication and a passion to practice your craft can make the biggest difference years down the line. To work alongside him would be a dream.
What was the last album that you bought?
Allen Stone’s self-titled album. It was released in 2011 – sadly I’d never heard of him until a couple of weeks ago. If you like hippie soul, you’ll love him.
What was the last time you went to the theatre?
A few months ago I went to see The Bodyguard in London, I loved it. Whitney Houston is one of my all-time favourites, and I’ve always loved the film. I pretty much sang every word start to finish. Apologies to anyone who sat near me...
What is coming up for you over the next year?
I have quite a few more festivals I’ll be playing at over summer which I’m really excited about. I’m also currently recording and working towards my next EP too.
Going anywhere nice on your holidays?
I’ll actually be going Paris the day after the neat14 festival. I’ll be paying Mickey & Mini Mouse a visit for my birthday. Whoever said Disneyland is just for kids is seriously missing out…
Do you have any advice that you'd like to share?
It’s okay to be different, so don’t get carried away with comparing yourself to other people. I had to realise when I was younger that it’s okay to be myself, and that I don’t have to try hard to be exactly like someone else – or even try too hard be the most different, wackiest person out there to succeed. I eventually realised how important it is to find out what I like, what I love to sing, what inspires me, and the unique message I want to leave my audience. Not what’s necessarily the most popular thing out at the moment. If you write the songs you want to hear, and create the art you love, it’s even more inspiring because it’s coming from an authentic and honest place.
Joy Mumford performs as part of Neat14 at CAST on Thursday 29 May 2014.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
