The Amity Affliction - Joel Birch On The New Album, Upcoming Tours, & More! | HardDrive Online

[@Hlz310]

I suffer with mental health bi polar I don't want to sound like that guy but Amity and the lyrics they bring massively helps me Daily but Joel and his story's and advice really is inspiring! I can't wait for the new album! Much love to the band! Hopefully see you live one day!

[@bewgsy6892]

100% agree brotha

[@ialphazero5572]

BoYGoNeRaD TTV I totally agree and I can’t wait to see them in May 🤘🏻

[@miclvoorhis21]

BoYGoNeRaD TTV Stay strong bro

[@Hlz310]

@@miclvoorhis21 thanks for the love brother some good humans left in the world !

[@miclvoorhis21]

BoYGoNeRaD TTV Youre very welcome :)

[@thornstrikesback]

Stop bagging on Joel like he's being negative folks. He's talking about his pain and his fears an he's doing it openly.... That takes strength and courage.

[@Ryry-wv8lw]

thank you

[@BrandonjSlippingAway]

I don't think I've ever been on this channel before, but the interviewer was absolutely brilliant here. I hope he sees this. He knew what he to ask, but wasn't interrupting, talking over or rushing. Was able to get Joel talking and expanding on a variety of topics, and handle sensitive topics very well without making it awkward. A lot of the time in interviews people are just trying to check off a list and flying through it, or can't get much of a response from the artist. Fantastic stuff!

[@_randomtrashpanda_9635]

The world needs more people like Joel. The world needs more amity.

[@danieladue645]

Don't you dare stop singing !!!! Joel singing is great

[@The_Billzebub]

Depression has been kicking my ass since I was little. This band has been my escape for a long time

[@miclvoorhis21]

No Soul No Sound Stay strong man

[@brokenlegz]

Joel and the rest of Amity, we hear your lyrics. We relate. You keep us going. I hope we can keep you going!

[@torzsokszilveszter2444]

Smoke 'em if you got 'em (Smoke 'em if you got 'em) I'm so scared of how I'm feeling (Scared of how I'm feeling) Smoke 'em if you got 'em (Smoke 'em if you got 'em) They all love you once you leave them So just smoke 'em if you got 'em ....yeah so deep...

[@CoryConti1]

I lost my kids, job,wife, fell into drug addiction, tried to kill myself nine times then I found this band early in 19 and I felt like someone finally felt the way I did like I wasn't alone. Amity is my therapy.

[@chrisstoken7634]

I went to see Sum 41 and they opened. Never heard of them before but after they performed I immediately listened to all their stuff. Now they are in my top 5 bands-I absolutely love Amity Affliction and what they write about.

[@hardDriveRadio]

Get ready for the new album, you won't want miss it. -Utah

[@ROBERT-bj4ir]

That sum41 tour was sick bc i enjoy both and was shocked when i saw amity on the line up

[@Toastandbananas130]

Dude me too! Went for the plot in you and sum 41 and was instantly hooked on Amity, huge fan now

[@camdenwyeth316]

Thought that was such a cool lineup, never expected those two together but so glad it happened

[@AlexEnglish13]

It's probably so cheap to say this but like, exactly like Joel said, when I read his lyrics I I'm always just like 'Jesus dude are you okay???' It probably sounds corny but like, I don't know, I worry about the guy. I admire him so much and do wish him the absolute best.

[@ryan25067]

Bethanie McDaniel I think his family will keep him safe, he has a shitload to live for now with his kid and wife etc, even though it’s fkn hard I’m sure

[@sharons9221]

I always think the same thing! Then I realize I think the same way Joel does… Then it makes my heart break realizing how many people also struggle so hard with mental health. It makes me so grateful that we aren’t alone, but I hate that it has to be this way 😢❤️‍🩹

[@joshmcnamara72]

This is literally the best interview I have ever seen done with Joel. He seems so comfortable and calm and pure. The guy interviewing hats off to you man! TAA will always and for ever have a place in my heart for literally helping me cope with allot of loss.

[@SuperShadownight11]

When I first discovered Pittsburgh, I knew I was hooked. Now, with the new release of Soak Me In Bleach, I see myself crawling back. Well done guys.

[@GolfCoyote]

Makes me so happy to hear they are trying to get back to their roots musically

[@jamieortiz7481]

God dang, Joel is so fuckin real its amazing. I have the utmost respect for him and this band. I really hope Joel always continues to be able to reason with himself. I hope he knows that he has touched so many of us through his music because we feel it too and understand. I hope he blocks out the haters and really pays attention to how many fans that he and the band have. He's got a community of supporters and people who resonate with how hes feeling no matter what our bank accounts look like. Love love love love love.

[@AsocPaladin0016]

Everyone shits on misery but I think it’s one of my favorites from them. Also, Joel, don’t knock your voice. You can sing with the best of them.

[@alexvannorman4671]

Joel you are a life saver

[@colehollow]

We love you in America.

[@tjayduboh7]

Joel went HOARD on Catatonia! I’m enjoying them going back to their starting roots! 🙏🏻 We love you guys!

[@joshlilly3916]

This interview is incredible and so powerful for all of us feeling the same. Joel and Amity Affliction save us

[@newthirstaddictionministry]

You're bigger than you think in America buddy

[@wadebarnard9303]

And South Africa Boys

[@brentkupfer8700]

First time I heard them on xm, I was like holy hell, this band is amazing! Seen them a couple times and was never disappointed, they killed it in Minneapolis Minnesota, I lost my favorite hat in the pit hahahaha

[@bmxguitar19]

Buddy

[@capncook5054]

Brent Kupfer lmao a pit in Minnesota. Fuck your Soda POP

[@alexhex97]

I always struggled with depression and severe anxiety and their songs have really helped me get by. The most inspiring I found was "open letter" and I used their lyrics as my senior quote back in high school, "I'm not searching the sky for a reason to live, cause I found beauty right here and the passion to give"

[@herecomesvader9020]

I listened to the Amity Affliction for the first time in 2018 when I went to warped tour, they were the first band I watched that day, and since that day they’ve been in my top 3 favorite bands

[@DJGoblinnn]

Can i just say, if joel sees this. Honestly i saw them live on tuesday. Genuinely the best vocalist i’ve ever seen live. I’ve seen the knot live too. They have amazing vocals for small venues. These guys have very heartfelt lyrics and i felt one with everyone in the 2000 crowd. Having struggled with bad mental health for once in my life i felt apart of a group. A group of people that loved me for who i was and what i enjoyed. Thankyou amity for the eye opening experience and truly showing me im not alone in experiencing this.

[@enoughcedd_1121]

I'm from America and I love these guys

[@alexanderthegreatandterrib4589]

I just heard the other day some of their songs and I can't stop listening to "Forever." I will now be listening to a lot more of their music after this interview and I pray everything can be healed in Joel Birch's life inside and out just like bleach cleaning his soul and I believe Jesus is the answer but no matter what I want the best for them and will keep listening and looking forward to more.

[@SulfuricPro]

Just bought tickets to amity affliction. I dont go out. I dont drink, I don't go to concerts or nothing like that. But this is quite the opportunity

[@katharinakuhse5267]

SulfuricPro I promise you’ll love it. Have a good time!

[@Toastandbananas130]

Alcohols not necessary for fun man. Enjoy the show! Seen them twice and they’re awesome

[@darkovalencia6235]

I hope you have a good time at the show 🤘

[@SulfuricPro]

Smoke em if you got emmmmm

[@SulfuricPro]

@@darkovalencia6235 thank you

[@lionsatmidnight]

This band has been a huge influence for me. They helped me with a ton of my depression in the past. I’ve spoken to ahren on Facebook before he deleted it about it. I battle with depression. I write the same kind of music as they do. It’s an outlet for me to sort of get things off my chest.

[@OLMasterChief]

The Amity affliction has helped me with a lot of my mental distress. I came down with severe epilepsy after a car accident in 2018 and then literally three days later I found you guys on KZbin because I literally have nothing else to do than to just sit around my house because of the illness. there's been many times where I felt like I just wanted to take my life. but you guys have helped me stay positive and stay strong and battling those thoughts each day and every day. each and every day that I listen to you guys as music on repeat I get stronger. Before I ever found your music, my favorite band was Killswitch engage. They're a great band to but once I found you guys you actually had more touching lyrics. Lyrics that hit home for me. You guys are such an awesome and inspiration and I love your music don't ever stop. I know I'm only one fan. The Amity Affliction is absolutely hands down one of the best metal bands ever. I don't know why it took me so long to find you guys but I'm glad I did the first song I ever heard was "don't lean on me" and that's all it took I was hooked. I have played all of your songs religiously a million times idk only God knows. You guy make those type of grooves where it raises the hairs on my skin. I lost my best friend a couple weeks ago to suicide. My friend was a huge gangster, he never really listened to metal music before, the dude always trashed on it. Until I made him listen to your music lol. He then was instantly a metal head. you guys are phenomenal band. Keep up the good work and I hope someday you come to Worcester Massachusetts in America. But yeah I keep rocking on and don't give up, keep fighting those demons. side note if your reading this Amity, you should totally do a feature with Killswitch engage. Lol

[@JustAverage57]

They usually stop there every American tour so you’re in luck

[@dudewhy2849]

Thank God Joel is singing on this record. As much as I didn’t really care for Misery, I revisited it and honestly, Joel has a good voice. Really looking forward to this record

[@947dutch]

I was a mental health peace officer and mental health is the #1 threat to society. Props to Joel for putting it out there. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Period. Not negating the pain and struggle, but find help and support. Keep talking..keep talking...take the trash out. Saw these guys in Dallas at GMBG. I instantly became a fan. Keep up the great music and be aware of your emotions. Know thyself. Great interview 👍.

[@hagggle3727]

I really liked Misery, not sure where the thought of “going to far” comes from

[@Dreamingofthisplace]

A lot of the fanbase didn't appreciate the edm influences and less heavy style, that's all

[@jaredryan1505]

Sooo cracked.

[@hagggle3727]

Jared Ryan whatever that means

[@KonohasOrangeFlash]

People who don't think Misery went too far are just new age casual plebs who jumped on the Bandwagon later on. Most of the fanbase remember Amity at their peak, which was Youngbloods/Severed Ties and to a lesser extent Chasing Ghosts and Let the Ocean Take Me. Let the Ocean was their last really good album, so they really need to get it together and stop making this weird, mediocre shit and get back to what Amity is, Melodic Heaviness. Unfortuantely they'll never make anything like Youngbloods again (their loss) but something in that ball park would be good

[@DCul]

The fanbase thought it was too soft in comparison to what they've always done.

[@shhhquietplease6264]

god he has such a nice voice 😔i could listen to him talk (and sing) forever 🖤🖤🖤but i do hope his pains lessen even if it means he stops writing songs that help alleviate my own hurting. i saw them perform last year in toronto (the one and only time ive been to a concert) and the moment they stepped out onto the stage i found myself crying. i never cry in public but it was the only way i could express how much this band's music has meant to me. i was anticipating a cringey performance as it a metal genre, but i was blown away by their live vocals (even my sister, who hates metal music, said she was impressed by their singing). the hour was not long enough. i would have stayed for 10 if they would have performed that long.

[@ahsad1]

i love this interview so much, have watched it twice and not gonna stop love the interviewer

[@marrksr3971]

Joel my dude, when I listen to the amity songs and sing them, a tear always drops from my eye and nobody understand me

[@FiveFit]

okay

[@Siimosa]

Going to see them end of feb and legit more excited to see TAA than beartooth 🙈

[@hardDriveRadio]

Sounds like a sick show! -Utah

[@OnlySaikon]

I'm meeting them in 4 days! ❤

[@pascalrja2781]

I will see them in March and I am super hyped! Of course I am excited for Beartooth but Amity is my favorite band so you can't even compare it 😂

[@Ekkonne]

Seeing them end of Feb too in Manchester, Higher Power supporting too it's going to be so sick

[@creepyreflection8072]

Listening to this the third time now because Joels voice is so amazingly calming. I could listen to him for hours.

[@vikingbeastodin]

First interview I have ever watched despite listening to this band for years. It’s really eye opening, even more so than the lyrics, and I’m so glad I decided to watch this.

[@hardDriveRadio]

Glad you stopped on by! -Utah

[@ryno1507]

Just saw these guys in Newcastle, AU and the boys were absolutely epic, along with Ocean Grove! I love how in this video Joel points out about the depth and meaning behind his own, Chester's and others' lyrics and them being masked by the music. It's like all along they were telling us all they weren't OK, but until they commit suicide we don't take notice. The inevitable fact that life ends is such a sobering thing for people to accept and live with daily, not to mention the other burdens we all carry. Amity's music along with others help us to remember we are in this shit together and should fucking recognise we need to say something and encourage others to talk as well. We may not be able to help, but just being a sounding board can make the difference.

[@ralphherdman5073]

I love the mini movie music videos in the beginning of misery.

[@wadebarnard9303]

i think subconsciously thats why im drawn to TAA music. I hear the hardship, i feel it. Mental health is so important but pushed aside due to toxic masculinity. Your mental health is the most important thing you can work on, because when it fails you, this can get dark really really quick

[@gotfannr.1824]

It makes me so happy to heat Joel laughing even though he still has bis problems😍

[@e46fanatic27]

Loving that they are throwing it back to let the ocean take me days

[@evanemry]

Great interview. Good questions and surprising answers at time. The Amity Affliction has a weird way of making me feel better at any given time about everything. Whether I’m happy, sad, angry, upset, whatever. Wasn’t a giant fan of Misery, so I’m glad they are heading the other direction again.

[@XxS1NxX]

You're out your mind if you don't like Misery. That album is easily a top 3 album for them.

[@Commandercolt44]

I never would’ve thought that an album could be written so well in that way. I wish I could have an awesome group of guys around me like the boys in Amity to write music with in such an easy flowing fashion. TAA is amazing

[@ryanarmitage872]

I suffer with depression and anxiety, the amity affliction saved my life. Been a fan since glory days.

[@quietnoise932]

I love how Joel has overcome his social anxiousness😃 He looks absolutely amazing!!!

[@emilyisnotapeach]

I met Joel such a cool guy.

[@devalishmob3664]

The truth about mental health is that no one really cares some say they do but people just laugh and push it off and it's sad. I fall victim to depression and A.D.D. and no matter who I try to reach out to they all say just dont think about it.

[@hannahv.5845]

Swell_jp But people do care. Yes of course, tons of people are lying because they don't know how to handle things like that. But i promise you there are people who care

[@ellybell5561]

Wow, such a powerful interview Love xx

[@bridgetallen7544]

Amity is just so special to me! 🖤🖤

[@jakebennett8962]

What a great interview. Great questions, and Joel gives very descriptive answers. Can’t wait for the new album

[@camdenwyeth316]

2:15 Joel just roasted me. IM HONORED!!😂😂 luv y'all

[@marissawhitfield7862]

It’s so funny because I saw them in NY on tour with Sum 41 and I left once their set was done because I only wanted to see Amity

[@Linky609]

Had to add one more, I feel the sense of humor as a coping mechanism. Whenever something super fucked up happens my first response is to make a joke because if something is funny it's less saddening and scary.

[@brownpunk1794]

Fuck ppl hating on him..you can tell from the way he speaks hes going thru some personal stuff...you dont have to like all their albums but maybe show some compassion?🤙

[@restingbird263]

Amazing interview. I loved Joel's honesty.

[@mstringer90]

good interview. Joel comes across a bit abrupt, but he's quite real, I really like him, he tells it how it really is.

[@Pittaz]

Thanks hard drive.

[@hardDriveRadio]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for supporting us. -Utah

[@wessones4923]

Amity is my current favorite band. Got me through so fucking much. I'm so stoked for the new album. At first I didn't like Misery but it grew on me and I'm glad I found you guys. Keep making music

[@XxS1NxX]

Went to Colorado and seen these guys with sum41 headlining. The place was packed for you guys and as soon as yall were done half the crowd left. Fucking loved it. These guys are big and they just don't know it.

[@tazyou11]

What an amazing interview. So eye opening. I knew Joel suffered from Bi Polar, but wow.

[@Linky609]

Stumbled upon these guys later in life but really loving their lyrics. Like many others I deal with depression and anxiety and their music has really helped me. Coming to see you guys in April! Cheers guys, thank you!

[@TheMissZuckie]

God I love this man

[@stevenhernandez631]

This is the Amity content I live for. Thank you!

[@jesseshaw8911]

We love you over in the US too ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@FoulSkin]

Cant wait to seem them in May!

[@ProfChaoss]

Seen these guys twice now! Once in Tampa Fl, ( got my shirt ), once in Salt Lake City, UT ( got my sweater, even told Joel he put on a great show ) and I was going to see them in San Diego, CA but show got canceled because of Covid :Sadpanda: Love their music and they help me a lot when I am feeling down.

[@_randomtrashpanda_9635]

I missed the show in Indy because of this damn virus.

[@TeddyR3]

Joel- “I can’t write” Me-“haha I see someone got jokes!”

[@TP-Vocals]

He can't write music is what he meant, he writes lyrics but Ahren structures the lyrics

[@sevenfolda7xx7a]

Got VIP tickets to meet them May 20th. So pumped 🤘🤘🤘

[@superbuu7884]

I fucking love amity! I have every song from every album on my iTunes. I also suffer from anxiety/ depression they are great to listen to when I’m having a problem with it And i will continue to support this amazing band no matter what they choose to do, also Joel your singing is absolutely badass i love misery, i love the new album its all amazing!

[@lexi73lp]

That's an amazing interview. Love it 💜👌

[@Nuxvomicaaahhh]

I left the wake too. Spot on.

[@MikeMcKayPT]

seeing amity on the 28th with beartooth cant wait

[@jview70]

This was a great interview. I enjoyed it.

[@Sam-hl7mi]

I was pretty disappointed with Misery AT FIRST (it very much grew on me, and Ivy was love at first listen). But the best part of the album was Joel singing. If I wasn’t in love with him enough already...🖤 A little sad to hear he doesn’t plan on singing more, but I was BEYOND excited when I first heard All My Friends Are Dead, then Soak Me In Bleach and Catatonia of course. Can’t fucking wait for the rest of the album.

[@james-sz9un]

glad they were upfront about the idea that they thought they went too far on misery. i personally enjoyed that album but im glad theyre staying heavy at the same time

[@lexwilde1652]

I love him their music is amazing

[@AnimeDadLifts]

I’m very excited for this new album! The songs sound soooooo good! I will say... I really REALLY hope one day they will remaster and officially release their demo song “cave in”. I can dream 😂

[@RyRyMTD]

It wasn't a demo. It was properly mixed and mastered, it just didn't make it on the album. The versions uploaded to youtube are just bad quality and heavily compressed.

[@AnimeDadLifts]

RyRy Richard that’s what I figured! I read somewhere that it was a demo, that’s why i said that. Thanks for clarifying!

[@RyRyMTD]

Taylor Jensen I was the only person in the band that liked the song. It was my favourite track, nobody else liked it 👎🏻

[@AnimeDadLifts]

RyRy Richard that’s so sad! I wish there was a way to listen to the original version :( it’s literally my favorite song to date.

[@devalishmob3664]

Btw what's the book called I'll definitely have to buy it once published

[@muktikurn]

7:10 yeah I'm feeling pretty related to this one lmao

[@Blackliiisted]

#RIPCHESTER

[@MikeTheRycher]

Amazing interview.....thank you.....🖤

[@jairvandersterre1002]

He is so soft spoken, especially in comparison to the music that TAA produces. He's so cool!

[@nickdussia2861]

Just want to say fuck the joel or amity affliction haters love all the music you guys put out. Honestly saved me from suicide. Listening to their music while contemplating doing bad things made me change and want to be better! I love everything your guys do (amity affliction) literally the only reason im here rn, wether you believe it or not…joel… fuckin love you and totally feel how you did and love you and appreciate everything you done wether you know it or not…. Helped me thru so much❤❤❤

[@gunnarward5291]

I love you joel. you help me through my everyday life. you and ahren both. thank you

[@ryan25067]

Absolute legend

[@xKrexiKx]

Только спустя 5 минут интервью заметил его охуенную кепку с надписью "Стиль". Джоэл шарит в стиле)

[@erey619z]

You guys probably don't even think about it, but TAA is HUGE in Mexico!

[@bshelton7883]

I fuckin love these guys Such a badass band #TAA

[@carsoncagle6393]

I wish we could get a track by track video

[@brandonallen9912]

You didn’t go to far with misery I loved it

[@ialphazero5572]

Nothing kills me more than someone saying “suck it up, stop being a pussy” just bc I’m a man. I hate it. TAA for life 🖤

[@mickfbr]

The dude is on to it as and fkn honest as shit... pay attention....

[@xanxx5868]

I really don't think Misery was to far at all. I love anything this band makes period.

[@Severance8859]

I wish Joel would focus more on the good and less on the bad. There are many like me who support him and Amity, no hate from us. Keep doing your thing, whatever you chose to perform/write. I support your art!

[@3lectronaut7]

I think hes about getting THROUGH the bad to, hopefully, the good. Hes a different dude for sure but if he was positive all the time about everything he wouldnt touch people's lives the way he does. Or make the great music.

[@adenentertainment7365]

I herd on Reddit that a new single is coming

[@hardDriveRadio]

Wouldn’t that be something!

[@adenentertainment7365]

@@hardDriveRadio it will be perfect to end the week with

[@detroitdiesel89]

It's been leaked for a few hours and its great

[@adenentertainment7365]

@@detroitdiesel89 is it the 1st leak of there album

[@detroitdiesel89]

@@adenentertainment7365 This is the 3rd leaked song from album

[@jamesmitchell3432]

I want Aron to do some unclean vocals, its screams in shine on live are sick

[@tomanders329]

I fucking loved Misery, it sucks that the negative feedback obviously got to the guys to feel they had to 'reel it back' - Thought Joel's clean vocals were awesome as well. That said absolutely loving this newest record as well though.

[@kelwesblake]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@hollikistvanfodrasza6937]

"Yeah...I mean....I mean yeah...so...yeah...whatever. Yeah."

[@thornstrikesback]

That's Aussie talk bro..

[@mullymull3671]

ThoRn StrikesBack nah yeah definitely is