Lovejoy is a British indie band formed in Brighton, England in 2020.[2] The band is composed of frontman, Internet personality, and guitarist and vocalist Wilbur Soot, guitarist Joe Goldsmith, bassist Ash Kabosu, and drummer Mark Boardman. Lovejoy’s music carries British indie rock and comedy music influences, and their lyrics often center around loss, failed romance, and politics.
The group grew popular due to its presence on social media. Their debut EP, Are You Alright?, was released in May 2021 with two music videos,[3] and the band placed tenth on the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart.[4] Their second EP, Pebble Brain, was released on October 13, 2021.[5]
History[]
2020-2021: Formation and debut EPs[]
- See also: Are You Alright? and Pebble Brain
Lovejoy's logo.
Prior to joining the band, frontman and Internet personality Wilbur built a large fanbase by making videos, streaming, and his own music, including several popular songs, an EP (Maybe I Was Boring), and an album (Your City Gave Me Asthma). He also briefly joined a band as a bassist, where he played with Joe.[6]
In early 2020, Wilbur and Joe began discussing a band and writing songs with James Marriott. Wilbur later invited James to write lyrics for Lovejoy, but James turned down the offer to focus on his E-Boys group channel and podcast.[7]
Before recording in the studio for the first time, Lovejoy needed to find a bassist and a drummer. While in a burger shop with James and his friend, Ash, Wilbur noticed Ash's bass guitar and invited him to join. On the day of recording, Wilbur also hired Mark from Fiverr; after the recording, Mark decided to join.[6]
From August 2020 to February 2021, the band worked on their debut EP.[2] It was recorded in March and released as Are You Alright? on May 9, 2021, and included four songs.[3] A music video for "One Day" was released simultaneously.[8] A second music video for "Taunt", featuring GeorgeNotFound, was released on May 10.[9] The EP quickly trended on Twitter and YouTube and charted internationally on iTunes, Apple Music, and on the UK Singles Chart.[10][11][12]
Shortly after releasing Are You Alright?, the band began writing their second album.[13] Pebble Brain was released as an EP on October 13, 2021, and included seven songs.[5] A music video for "Model Buses" was released on October 14,[14] a music video for "Concrete" was released on October 19,[15] and a lyric video for “It‘s All Futile! It’s All Pointless!” on December 23.
2022-2023: Inselaffe Tour and Wake Up & It's Over[]
From May to December 2022, the band performed at various venues in England, as well as in Los Angeles and New York. On October 21, 2022, they also announced their first European tour, the Inselaffe Tour, which will run from March 14 to April 14.[16]
Lovejoy released a promotional single, "Call Me What You Like," for their new EP on February 10, 2023.[17] From a tweet sent by Ash, fans have guessed that the EP will be called Wake Up & It's Over.
Musical styles and influences[]
The band members characterize Lovejoy as British indie. While writing their EPs, they were inspired by other rock bands, such as Arctic Monkeys and Two Door Cinema Club.[2][18][19]
Band members[]
| Wilbur Soot | Lead vocals, rhythm guitar | 2021-present |
| Joe Goldsmith | Lead Guitar, backing vocals | 2021-present |
| Ash Kabosu | Bass guitar | 2021-present |
| Mark Boardman | Drums, percussion | 2021-present |
Discography[]
- Main articles: Lovejoy discography and List of songs recorded by Lovejoy
- Are You Alright? (2021)
- Pebble Brain (2021), stylized PebbleBrain on the album artwork
- Wake Up & It's Over (2023)
References[]
- ↑ @lovejoyonline (September 14, 2022). Lovejoy's Mark, Ash, and Wilbur holding up Joe (Instagram post).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Little Bit of Everything (February 5, 2021). "Wilbur Soot VOD (Feb 4th 2021) - my neck, my back, watch this stream I'm back QNA" (stream VOD). At 17:16, Wilbur states that he is in a band and plays two early clips of "Taunt" and "One Day". At 22:08, Wilbur talks about the Arctic Monkeys.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lovejoy (May 9, 2021). "Lovejoy - Are You Alright? (Full EP)" (video).
- ↑ @billboardcharts (May 19, 2021). Lovejoy places tenth on the week's Billboard Emerging Artists Chart (tweet).
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lovejoy (October 13, 2021). "Lovejoy - Pebble Brain (Full EP)" (video).
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 AnthonyPadilla (January 26, 2022). "I spent a day with WILBUR SOOT" (video).
- ↑ @LVJYupdate (May 13, 2021). James Marriott is not part of Lovejoy, but will consider collaborating with them in the future (tweet).
- ↑ Lovejoy (May 9, 2021). "Lovejoy - One Day (OFFICIAL VIDEO)" (music video).
- ↑ Lovejoy (May 10, 2021). "Lovejoy - Taunt (OFFICIAL VIDEO)" (music video).
- ↑ "Lovejoy - 'Are You Alright? - EP' American iTunes Chart Performance". iTunes Charts.
- ↑ @LVJYupdate (May 10, 2021). Are You Alright? rankings on Apple Music top pop charts (tweet).
- ↑ "Lovejoy Full Official Chart History". Official Charts.
- ↑ Little Bit Of Everything (May 22, 2021). "Wilbur Soot VOD (May 21st 2021) - In Medias Res" (stream VOD). At 48:36, Wilbur talks about Lovejoy's stay at the Isle of Wight.
- ↑ Lovejoy (October 14, 2021). "Lovejoy - Model Buses (OFFICIAL VIDEO)" (video).
- ↑ Lovejoy (October 19, 2021). "Lovejoy - Concrete (OFFICIAL VIDEO)" (video).
- ↑ @livejoy (October 21, 2022). Lovejoy announces the Inselaffe Tour (tweet).
- ↑ Lovejoy (February 10, 2023). "Lovejoy - Call Me What You Like (OFFICIAL VIDEO)" (video).
- ↑ Wilbur Soot. "What We Were Listening to While Writing Are You Alright?" (Spotify playlist).
- ↑ Wilbur Soot. "What We Were Listening to While Listening Pebble Brain" (Spotify playlist).