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The Joy of getting your music heard

John DobsonWeekend Kwinana Courier

It is new territory for musicians, according to Baldivis rocker Mia Joy, who leads four-piece The Joy Evelation.

While the social media platforms give musicians direct access to fans, it means record labels are less likely to pick bands from obscurity, instead rewarding those that already have a fan base online.

"Playing in the music industry today is different as social media is a very important factor," she said.

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"Gone are the days of a record company sending you a million dollar cheque to write your album and they run all of the business side of an unknown artist."

Joy said bands were left to do their own marketing and fan interaction.

"You have to nowadays create traction for them to look at you," she said.

"What this means is you have to be interacting with a big fan base already before they will get on board and take it to the next level.

"As we don't have huge funds to put into marketing, this can be a challenging process, but challenges are good and persistence wins."

The band is making waves across the world having played at iconic venues like Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles and is now hoping to support Baby Animals' Perth-leg of their national tour, as part of the She Who Rocks fundraiser for cancer research and awareness.

They will release an EP shortly, a follow-up to last year's debut album, and are in the process of making their second album.

The group mixes classic rock with melodic vocals, with Joy's voice a distinct element to the band's sound.

Legendary LA session musicians Dig Lewis and Dino Maddalone perform on the EP, which includes the tracks Only You, Bliss and title track Stain.

"We have been very lucky to have played with these guys in LA also at The Whisky a Go Go in 2014 and to record with them is a dream come true," she said.

Joy said the tracks had some new elements including acoustic flamenco styles and more tortured lyrics.

To vote for The Joy Evelation visit www.giggedin.com/competitions/perth-she-who-rocks-tour/artists/360.