Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper first met in high school in Philadelphia and later reconnected in Los Angeles in 2016. Their shared love for music led them to collaborate once again. They named the project after a mountain in Valley Forge National Park near their hometown. Their debut single, "Astrovan," gained rapid streaming success, attracting the attention of drummer Sotiris Eliopoulos and keyboardist Jackie Miclau.
The band made their debut in 2016 with the release of their single "Astrovan," which was recorded in Los Angeles by Quinn, Cooper, and Byrnes.
In 2017, Mt. Joy signed with Dualtone Records, further solidifying their presence in the music industry. This was followed by the release of three singles in 2017: "Sheep," "Cardinal," and "Silver Lining," with the latter reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Triple A charts.
Throughout 2017, the now five-piece band recorded additional tracks with producer Jon Gilbert at his home studio in Pasadena, California, and released their self-titled debut album, Mt. Joy, on March 2, 2018. The song "Silver Lining" went to #1 on the Billboard Triple A charts.
Following their initial success, Mt. Joy embarked on extensive touring, performing at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, and Lollapalooza, while also opening for notable bands like The Head and the Heart, The Shins, Whitney, and The Revivalists. They also headlined their own North American and European tours.
Unfortunately, their tour with The Lumineers was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, Mt. Joy released their second studio album, "Rearrange Us," on June 5, 2020. The album was produced by Tucker Martine, known for his work with My Morning Jacket and Modest Mouse. The songs on "Rearrange Us" range from folk-stomps to psychedelic reflections and gospel elegies.
In April 2022, the band announced their third full-length album, Orange Blood, which was released on June 17, 2022. The album was recorded at Headroom Studios in Philadelphia. Four singles were released ahead of the album, "Lemon Tree", "Orange Blood," "Evergreen," and "Bathroom Light." Their headlining tour for the album started in June 2022 and runs through November 2022.
Phenomenon
Mt. Joy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'll loathe having ever started this love
This love where nothing grows
All we are, this phenomenon is the powerful drug
That leads me on, baby, lead me on in and out of every song
All we are, this phenomenon is the golden one
So lead me on, baby, lead me on 'cause you're my phenomenon
I stick my head out the window, trace the skyline
I tried enough to begin with, but I can't get you off my mind
And if we don't cut the roots
Truth bares her fruit on a long vine that you'll never unwind
So if you're gonna lie to me, give it to me sweet
Give me something every memory needs
All we are, this phenomenon is the powerful drug
That leads me on, baby, lead me on in and out of every song
All we are, this phenomenon is the golden one
So lead me on, baby, lead me on 'cause you're my phenomenon, and on
Hello, from this plastic garden
We loathe having ever started this love
This love where nothing grows
The lyrics of Mt. Joy's song "Phenomenon" convey a sense of disillusionment and introspection within a failed relationship. The opening lines introduce the idea of a "plastic garden," symbolizing the superficial and artificial nature of the love that was once present. The singer expresses regret and acknowledges that nothing has grown or flourished in this love. It becomes clear that the relationship has lost its authenticity and depth.
The chorus emphasizes the addictive nature of this phenomenon, referring to it as a powerful drug. Despite the emptiness and lack of growth, the singer is still entranced and led on by this toxic love. The repetition of the phrase "lead me on" suggests a yearning for continued connection, even if it is detrimental. The golden one mentioned in the chorus could represent a glimmer of hope or reassurance that keeps the singer attached to the relationship.
In the second verse, the singer seeks solace in the world outside, attempting to distract themselves by looking out the window and observing the skyline. However, the memories and thoughts of the failed relationship persist, making it impossible to escape. The lines about cutting the roots and the truth bearing fruit on a long vine imply that there are underlying issues and unresolved truths that will continue to haunt them.
The closing lines of the song reintroduce the plastic garden and highlight the sense of regret for ever starting this love. It has become clear that nothing positive or meaningful has emerged from this relationship, reinforcing the overall theme of disillusionment.
Overall, "Phenomenon" portrays the pains of clinging to a love that lacks authenticity and growth, highlighting the addictive nature of toxic relationships and the difficulty of letting go.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, yah, from this plastic garden
Greetings from this artificial and superficial relationship
You'll loathe having ever started this love
You will regret ever initiating this love
This love where nothing grows
A love that fails to flourish or produce any growth
All we are, this phenomenon is the powerful drug
We are merely a captivating and addictive experience
That leads me on, baby, lead me on in and out of every song
You continuously entice and captivate me, even within every melody
All we are, this phenomenon is the golden one
Our connection is extraordinary and precious
So lead me on, baby, lead me on 'cause you're my phenomenon
Continue guiding and captivating me because you are my extraordinary experience
I stick my head out the window, trace the skyline
I yearn for something greater, searching for inspiration
I tried enough to begin with, but I can't get you off my mind
I made an effort to move on, but you remain constantly in my thoughts
And if we don't cut the roots
Unless we sever the ties
Truth bares her fruit on a long vine that you'll never unwind
The truth will eventually reveal itself in a way that cannot be untangled or hidden
So if you're gonna lie to me, give it to me sweet
If you choose to deceive me, at least do it in a pleasing manner
Give me something every memory needs
Provide me with something that every cherished memory requires
Hello, from this plastic garden
Greetings from this artificial and superficial relationship
We loathe having ever started this love
We deeply regret ever initiating this love
This love where nothing grows
This love that fails to produce any growth
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Matthew Quinn, Samuel Cooper
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Random Weeb
It's downright criminal that everyone I know doesn't know about Mt.Joy
john kitching
Same as myself. No one i know knows of them!
JaMøjn
Its actually insane, that you guys dont have more views! Found you 2 weeks ago and you guys are now in my top tier bands - Keep it up!! Sounds godly amazing!!!
B__W_45
This is fire. This is some great chilling, smoking, or tripping music. It’s just great.
Rae KD
One day you guys are going to be so big and i'm going to be so freaking proud, you guys deserve everything good. Amazing music and people!!!! 🧡
Raffael Rogeski
Awesome!! I fell the tranquility base Arctic Monkeys' album vibe very strong, great inspiration!!
Brian Mulrooney
Quite a banger.
Keegan Carrokl
Songs absolutely perfect for a night out
Casey Hill
Mt Joy is my phenomenon
Matt10494
Wish there was a live version out there