Friday 6th February is the day that our venue stage is graced by the beautifully dark singer and multi-instrumentalist Mykl Barton and his band, Sick Joy. We’re joined by him now…
Hey Mykl! Happy New Year (if it’s not too late for that)! From the outside looking in, seems that you had a pretty good 2025? Any highlights?
Just getting the first single All Damage out. Getting the fucking ball rolling and starting the campaign towards the album being out. It’s been a hard road getting to even that. So yeah, still moving, still swinging.
So you’re hitting the road at the end of the month and into Febraury with a stop off at our place on the way. Any new places you’re excited to visit? Anywhere you’re looking forward to returning to?
We’ve never done any headline shows in Europe yet, and we’re getting out there this time, so that for sure. But just being out touring in general is my favourite place to be, so I’m content at every stop we hit.
Set the scene. You’ve been asked to headline Wembley for three hot June evenings. You, and you alone, can pick a different dream support act for each of the nights. Who you picking and why?
Mark Lanegan, PJ Harvey and Nine Inch Nails. I wouldn’t even care about playing Wembley myself if I got to watch that show. And why? Because they’re some of the greatest artists and song writers of all time.
You’ve got a brand new album coming out at the end of January (More Forever). Best of luck with the release of that! Tell us a bit about the album. You’ve already given us a taste with four singles released last year. How does this material compare with your older stuff?
I guess it’s darker? Or so I’m told. It’s a lot heavier, content wise. There’s more of an industrial streak involved with our more obvious grunge roots. Everyone says this but I think they’re the best songs we’ve ever written. I stopped really caring if anyone liked it and just wrote what felt right. Thankfully, I seem to not have to worry about though.
From city to city, what will you be doing to entertain yourself? Got any games on your phone?
Finding a good cup of coffee. Maybe some cigarettes. Some red wine. Blue skies and golden sunshine all along the way.
Sounds good to us, Mykl! Looking forward to seeing you here next month.
Sick Joy will play at The Bodega on Friday 6th February, with support from Honeybadger and Airport Dad. Tickets are available here.
