UK-based Black feminist punk band Big Joanie has been wowing music lovers since the release of their 2018 album Sistahs. Their catchy tunes are ones they describe as “riot grrrl meets the Ronettes, with a sprinkling of dashikis.” This year, they’ve returned with Back Home, released on indie label Kill Rock Stars, and will be touring in early 2023 in the UK, Netherlands, and France.
Of their approach to music, singer and guitarist Stephanie Phillips told The Guardian, “I don’t always have a specific audience in mind when I’m writing songs, but I hope that everything we do is always relevant for the Black community and, specifically, Black women – that they feel seen and heard in our songs and what we do. People call us a lot of things, but we’re still punk. Because, for me, ‘punk’ means freedom. It’s open, and constantly growing. When I was a teenager, I wanted to sing along with music but I was very shy. But now I sing all the time. To be able to put that noise and anxiety and energy out into the world – that’s the release I always needed.”
Check out the video for the tender yet danceable “In My Arms” by Big Joanie, from Back Home, with lyrics like:
It’s been a while
Since I’ve held
You tight
It’s harder in the night time
The city is a fright to me
Tread carefully
I’ve compromised too many times
In my life
One day, I’ll make the great escape
And send another you away
But now I dream
Of you in my arms
Of you in my arms
Of you in my arms
Of you in my arms