"It took me three tours to complete Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84, which is a heavy book to lug around across the world."
Montreal shoegazers No Joy have an emotional sound characterized by distortion and ethereal dream pop. Given how tonally and lyrically moody they are, guitarist Laura Lloyd's literary predilection is predictably unpredictable—a hodgepodge of high brow and delightfully tacky. Check out what inspires her, and what induces carsickness on tour, and rock 'n' read forever!
What role did libraries play in your youth?
I was always at the library, mainly because my parents are very thrifty and when you can borrow instead of buy, they would. My mom was also a French literature teacher, so I suspect she was always sourcing material when dragging me along.
What was your favorite book growing up? How do you feel about this book today?
I think the first books I read that taught me as a kid that reading could be enjoyable was Mordecai Richler’s Jacob Two-Two series. Then I grew up and realized I also liked his books for adults.
Has any one book in particular had a lasting effect on you?
I am constantly thinking about Gary Shteyngart’s Super Sad True Love Story. It’s set in the future but so many scenarios ring true to today that I’m always thinking that it's less of his imagination and more of the natural development of the world, common sense. Even in the five years since I’ve read it, I’ve noticed things change the way they’re depicted in the book… we’re quickly becoming a cash-free society, we are attached to our smartphones, etc.
What is a classic that you've never gotten around to reading but would like to one day?
I am reading it now! Bonfire of the Vanities. I’ve wanted to read it since I was a kid watching my dad read it. I loved the red and gold cover.
What genre do you prefer? Are there any you can't get into?
I definitely am always more attracted to modern American literature, probably cause I can relate very easily and love the whole “my life is so f***ed ha ha” underlying message everything I’ve read has. I also have loved Haruki Murakami’s books. He’s able to create such a lush and romantic world in his novels that seems so different from anything I’ve experienced, yet he makes it familiar. As for genre I can’t get into: fantasy. Just can’t.
What are you currently reading? If nothing at the moment, what was the last book you read?
Presently: Bonfire of The Vanities, but before that I read Self-Help, a collection of short stories by Lorrie Moore.
Are you looking forward to any books to be released soon?
While on tour, are you able to get much reading done?
I try to between bouts of carsickness, that said it took me three tours to complete Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84, which is a heavy book to lug around across the world.
"When a book resonates with me I spend years thinking about it, and I think that has an influence on a lot of things in my life."
Do you have any tour memories involving books or libraries?
I’ve been lucky to meet writer Ryan O’Connell through touring and we became friends. He recently wrote a hilarious book called I’m Special which is about being gay with cerebral palsy. I read it in two days time. I even make a cameo in the book!
Do you do any other writing aside from songwriting?
Copywriting, for work.
Have any specific authors, books, and/or poems influenced your songwriting in any way?
I wouldn’t say directly, but when a book resonates with me I spend years thinking about it, and I think that has an influence on a lot of things in my life.
Do you have any favorite memoirs by musicians?
I just read Patti Smith’s Just Kids and really loved it. It was not what I expected.
Do you prefer physical books, e-books, or no strong opinion either way?
I definitely prefer physical books. I feel like they act as souvenirs of memories, just looking at the spine you remember everything inside. E-books are so convenient for touring though, which is something I recently discovered reading Behind the Bell, the Dustin Diamond tell-all about his time on Saved by The Bell.
Do you have a library card? If so, which library system are you a member of?
I do have a Montreal library card, but I can’t say I use it much as now I prefer to own the books I read.
NYPL currently circulates two excellent No Joy albums. Place a hold!
