# Big Joanie

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British punk band

Big Joanie Big Joanie at Rockaway Beach Festival 2023 Background information Origin London, England Genres Post-punk punk rock riot grrrl Years active 2013 (2013)–present Labels Tuff Enuff Records Sistah Punk Records Ecstatic Peace Library Kill Rock Stars Members Stephanie Phillips Estella Adeyeri Past members Kiera Coward-Deyell Chardine Taylor-Stone

**Big Joanie** is a British [punk](/source/Punk_rock) band formed in [London](/source/London) in 2013. Its members are Stephanie Phillips (guitar and vocals) and Estella Adeyeri (bass guitar and vocals). Founding drummer [Chardine Taylor-Stone](/source/Chardine_Taylor-Stone) left the band in 2023. After a few singles and EPs they released their first album in 2018 with [Thurston Moore](/source/Thurston_Moore) and Eva Prinz's [Daydream Library Series](/source/Ecstatic_Peace_Library), and have since signed to [Kill Rock Stars](/source/Kill_Rock_Stars) in the U.S.

## History

### Formation and early releases

Big Joanie was formed by Stephanie Phillips in 2013,[1][2] who posted online asking for bandmates with whom to start a [black](/source/Black_British) [feminist](/source/Black_feminist) punk band after becoming frustrated with the lack of [intersectionality](/source/Intersectionality) in the scene. Chardine Taylor-Stone, who Phillips had met through a Black Feminist meet-up group, and the band's original bassist Kiera Coward-Deyell both responded to the social media post.[3] They played their first set at the inaugural [First Timers](/source/First_Timers_(festival)), an event where all the bands had to be new, most of the members had to be playing a new instrument and they had to include someone from a marginalised group.[4][5][6]

The name of the band is partly a tribute to Phillips’ mother, Joan, and partly based on a Caribbean figure of speech. "When we say a child is 'acting big', they're acting bigger than themselves. I just thought that would be a great phrase for a strong, confident woman."[7]

In 2014 the band released their first EP *Sistah Punk* on [Tuff Enuff Records](/source/Tuff_Enuff_Records), and in 2016 they self released a 7" three song single entitled *Crooked Room* on their own Sistah Punk Records. The title track is inspired by a lecture by the writer [Melissa Harris-Perry](/source/Melissa_Harris-Perry), who compared life as a black woman in a white [patriarchy](/source/Patriarchy) to trying to find a true vertical in a room where everything is crooked.[5] Another song on the release is a punk cover of [No Scrubs](/source/No_Scrubs) by [TLC](/source/TLC_(group)).[2]

### Line-up change and Decolonise Fest

Estella Adeyeri (also of [Witching Waves](/source/Witching_Waves_(band)) and [Charmpit](/source/Charmpit)) joined in 2017 to replace Coward-Deyell after she moved to [Scotland](/source/Scotland). Later that year the band supported American bands [Sad13](/source/Sad13) and [Downtown Boys](/source/Downtown_Boys_(band)) on UK tours.[4] In early 2018 they recorded their debut album with producer Margo Broom at Hermitage Works Studios.[5]

Over the weekend of 2–4 June 2017, DIY Diaspora Punx (a collective started by Phillips and also containing other London musicians such as [Ray Aggs](/source/Ray_Aggs)) put on the first [Decolonise Fest](/source/Decolonise_Fest) at [DIY Space For London](/source/DIY_Space_For_London). Decolonise Fest is the UK's first music festival created by and for [people of colour](/source/People_of_colour).[8] The second edition of the festival, again mostly held at DIY Space, occurred from 22 to 24 June 2018. The festival was held for a third time over 29 to 30 June 2019, at which Big Joanie performed.

### Release of debut album

On 5 September 2018 Big Joanie announced their debut album *Sistahs* would be released in late November the same year with a music video for lead single "*Fall Asleep*". It is the first album to be released by Ecstatic Peace Library, a publishing company ran by visual book editor [Eva Prinz](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eva_Prinz&action=edit&redlink=1) and musician [Thurston Moore](/source/Thurston_Moore), in their Daydream Library Series.[9][10]

*[Sistahs](/source/Sistahs)* was released on 30 November to positive reviews, including in [The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian), [Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone), and [The Quietus](/source/The_Quietus).[11][12][13]

In November 2018 they supported American band [Parquet Courts](/source/Parquet_Courts) on a UK and European tour.[14] They played their first American shows in March 2019 at [South by Southwest](/source/South_by_Southwest), debuting via [BBC Music Introducing](/source/BBC_Music_Introducing), and were announced in April as [Bikini Kill](/source/Bikini_Kill)'s main support for their two European shows of the year at [Brixton Academy](/source/Brixton_Academy) in June.[15]

On 26 February 2020, Big Joanie supported [Sleater-Kinney](/source/Sleater-Kinney) alongside [Harkin](/source/Katie_Harkin) at the [Brixton Academy](/source/O2_Brixton_Academy).[16] Phillips cites Sleater-Kinney as having "really influenced the way I thought about writing emotional songs, and my approach to punk music".[17]

On 14 August that year the band released a 7" single of their cover of [Solange](/source/Solange_Knowles)'s *[Cranes in the Sky](/source/Cranes_in_the_Sky)* with a live recording of *It's You* from their first album on the flip.[18] On 2 October it was announced that Big Joanie had signed in the U.S. to Portland OR based independent record label [Kill Rock Stars](/source/Kill_Rock_Stars) ahead of their second album. Their first release for the label was a split with Adeyeri's other band [Charmpit](/source/Charmpit), which was released on 27 November that year.[6][19]

### *Back Home*

On 1 June 2022, Big Joanie released the single *Happier Still*, it was written after the release of the debut album and finished whilst they were in Austin for SXSW 2019.[20] On 27 July 2022, *[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))* revealed that their second album, titled *Back Home*, was to be released on 4 November that year.[21] The album received positive reviews that mention its "expansive" sound and "breadth of style".[22][23][24] On 5 October 2023, Big Joanie announced that Taylor-Stone left the band.[25]

## Discography

### Albums

- *[Sistahs](/source/Sistahs)* – [Daydream Library Series](/source/Ecstatic_Peace_Library), LP, MP3 (2018)[9]

- *Back Home* - [Kill Rock Stars](/source/Kill_Rock_Stars) / [Daydream Library Series](/source/Ecstatic_Peace_Library), LP, CD, MP3 (2022)[21]

### EPs

- *Sistah Punk* – [Tuff Enuff Records](/source/Tuff_Enuff_Records), Cassette, MP3 (2014)

- *Crooked Room* – Sistah Punk Records, 7", MP3 (2016)

### Singles

- *Cranes in the Sky* / *It's You* – [Third Man Records](/source/Third_Man_Records), 7" (2020)[18]

- *Kluster Rooms Sessions* (Split with [Charmpit](/source/Charmpit)) - [Kill Rock Stars](/source/Kill_Rock_Stars), 7" (2020)[6]

- *Happier Still* - [Kill Rock Stars](/source/Kill_Rock_Stars) / [Daydream Library Series](/source/Ecstatic_Peace_Library), MP3 (2022)[20]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Teen_Vogue_1-0)** Abarbanel, Aliza (14 April 2017). ["4 Queercore Bands to Listen To"](https://www.teenvogue.com/story/5-queercore-bands-to-listen-to). [Teen Vogue](/source/Teen_Vogue). Retrieved 19 March 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Kerrang_News_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Kerrang_News_2-1) ["Big Joanie For Fans Of: G.L.O.S.S., White Lung, The Slits"](https://www.pressreader.com/uk/kerrang-uk/20170805/281814283945808). *[Kerrang!](/source/Kerrang!)*. [London](/source/London): Wasted Talent Ltd. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 19 March 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Them_3-0)** ["Big Joanie Is Staying True to Their Queer Punk Ethos"](https://www.them.us/story/big-joanie-chardine-taylor-stone-back-home-interview). *[Them](/source/Them_(website))*. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Fader_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Fader_4-1) Myers, Owen (30 October 2017). ["Women of color have always had a place in punk. Big Joanie is here to remind you of that"](http://www.thefader.com/2017/10/30/big-joanie-punk-trio-gen-f-interview). [The Fader](/source/The_Fader). Retrieved 19 March 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Team_Rock_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Team_Rock_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Team_Rock_5-2) ["New band of the week: Big Joanie"](http://teamrock.com/feature/2018-02-19/new-band-of-the-week-big-joanie). [Team Rock](/source/Team_Rock). 19 February 2018. Retrieved 19 March 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-DIY_Kill_Rock_Stars_Interview_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-DIY_Kill_Rock_Stars_Interview_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-DIY_Kill_Rock_Stars_Interview_6-2) Samways, Gemma (25 November 2020). ["Rebel Girls: Big Joanie"](https://diymag.com/2020/11/25/rebel-girls-big-joanie-november-2020-interview). *[DIY](/source/DIY_(magazine))*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Metro_7-0)** ["Making it big: Big Joanie's Steph Phillips talks about POC, feminism and offending her mum…"](https://www.metro.news/making-it-big-big-joanies-steph-phillips-talks-about-poc-feminism-and-offending-her-mum/1437342/). *[Metro](/source/Metro_(British_newspaper))*. 15 February 2019. Retrieved 3 July 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Decolonise_Fest_Noisey_8-0)** Phillips, Stephanie (31 July 2017). ["The Bands Taking British Punk Back to Its Multicultural Roots"](https://www.vice.com/en/article/decolonise-fest-uk-punk-nekra-sacred-paws-fight-rosa/). *[Noisey](/source/Noisey)*. [Vice Media](/source/Vice_Media). Retrieved 15 May 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-The_Quietus_-_Sistahs_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-The_Quietus_-_Sistahs_9-1) Clarke, Patrick (5 September 2018). ["LISTEN: Big Joanie Announce Debut LP"](http://thequietus.com/articles/25251-big-joanie-sistahs-thurston-moore-daydream-library-series). *[The Quietus](/source/The_Quietus)*. Retrieved 5 September 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Pitchfork_10-0)** Pelly, Jenn (7 September 2018). ["Big Joanie Is One of London's Most Exciting New Punk Bands"](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/big-joanie-fall-asleep/). *[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))*. Retrieved 12 September 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-The_Guardian_11-0)** Snapes, Laura (30 November 2018). ["Big Joanie: Sistahs review – fearlessly discordant punk debut"](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/nov/30/big-joanie-sistahs-review-bold-fearless-punk-debut). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. Retrieved 4 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-The_Quietus_12-0)** Steiner, Melissa (29 November 2018). ["Family Trio: Big Joanie's Sistahs"](http://thequietus.com/articles/25733-big-joanie-sistahs-lead-album-review). *[The Quietus](/source/The_Quietus)*. Retrieved 4 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Rolling_Stone_13-0)** Grow, Kory (3 December 2018). ["Review: Big Joanie's Excellent Art-Punk LP 'Sistahs'"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-big-joanies-sistahs-761653/). *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)*. Retrieved 4 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Parquet_Courts_14-0)** Doyle, Emily (12 November 2018). ["Review: Parquet Courts are electric at sold out Digbeth show"](https://counteract.co/reviews/live/review-parquet-courts-are-electric-at-sold-out-digbeth-show/). *counteract.co*. Retrieved 21 November 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Brooklyn_Vegan_15-0)** ["Bikini Kill Reissuing Pussy Whipped, First Reunion Show is Tonight"](http://www.brooklynvegan.com/bikini-kill-reissuing-pussy-whipped-first-reunion-show-is-tonight/). *[Brooklyn Vegan](/source/Brooklyn_Vegan)*. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Sleater-Kinney + Big Joanie + Harkin"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200227113407/https://www.parallellinespromotions.com/events/sleater-kinney). *www.parallellinespromotions.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.parallellinespromotions.com/events/sleater-kinney) on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Big Joanie's Steph Phillips picks her favourite three-piece bands"](https://theface.com/music/big-joanies-steph-phillips-picks-her-favourite-three-piece-bands). *The Face*. 3 June 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Third_Man_Records_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Third_Man_Records_18-1) ["Big Joanie "Cranes in the Sky" b/w "It's You" (Standard Black Vinyl)"](https://thirdmanstore.com/cranes-in-the-sky-b-w-it-s-you). *[Third Man Records](/source/Third_Man_Records)*. Retrieved 3 August 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Kill_Rock_Stars_19-0)** ["Big Joanie Sign With Kill Rock Stars"](https://killrockstars.com/blogs/news/big-joanie-sign-with-kill-rock-stars). *[Kill Rock Stars](/source/Kill_Rock_Stars)*. 2 October 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Happier_Still_Stereogum_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Happier_Still_Stereogum_20-1) Rettig, James (1 June 2022). ["Big Joanie – "Happier Still""](https://www.stereogum.com/2188424/big-joanie-happier-still/music/). *[Stereogum](/source/Stereogum)*. Retrieved 30 June 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pitchfork_back_home_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pitchfork_back_home_21-1) Minsker, Evan (27 July 2022). ["Big Joanie Announce New Album Back Home, Share Video for New Song: Watch"](https://pitchfork.com/news/big-joanie-announce-new-album-back-home-share-video-for-new-song-watch/). *[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))*. Retrieved 1 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Back_Home_NME_22-0)** Richards, Will (3 November 2022). [""Big Joanie – 'Back Home' review: a widescreen expansion""](https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/big-joanie-back-home-review-3341288). *[NME](/source/NME)*. Retrieved 23 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Back_Home_Pitchfork_23-0)** Eric, Torres (7 November 2022). ["Back Home - Big Joanie - 2022"](https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/big-joanie-back-home/). *[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))*. Retrieved 23 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Back_Home_Uncut_24-0)** Mackay, Emily (11 November 2022). ["Big Joanie – Back Home"](https://www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/album/big-joanie-back-home-140841/). *[Uncut](/source/Uncut_(magazine))*. Retrieved 23 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Kelly, Tyler Damara (5 October 2023). ["Big Joanie announce departure of founding drummer, Chardine Taylor-Stone"](https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/big-joanie-announce-departure-of-founding-drummer-chardine-taylor-stone). *[The Line of Best Fit](/source/The_Line_of_Best_Fit)*. Retrieved 22 October 2023.

## External links

- [Big Joanie](https://x.com/Big_Joanie) on [X](/source/X_(social_network))

- [Big Joanie](https://bigjoanie.bandcamp.com/) on [Bandcamp](/source/Bandcamp)

- [Gal Dem interview, 2016](http://www.gal-dem.com/big-joanie/)

Authority control databases: Artists MusicBrainz

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Big Joanie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Joanie) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Joanie?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.