Jonny Pierce

Jonny Pierce began his musical journey as a child alongside Jacob Graham, forming the electro-pop group Goat Explosion, later known as Elkland, which released the album “Golden” in 2005. The Drums officially formed in 2008 with Pierce and Graham as founding members. The band quickly gained recognition, being shortlisted for the BBC Sound of 2010 and named number 1 in NME’s top tips for the year. Their debut album, “The Drums,” released in 2010, featured singles such as “Let’s Go Surfing” and “Best Friend.” Following the departure of guitarist Adam Kessler in 2010, the band continued as a duo. Pierce and Graham maintained their collaborative efforts, releasing the album “Portamento” in 2011, a work that delved into their shared appreciation for synth pioneers like Kraftwerk and Wendy Carlos, which significantly influenced the album’s analog sound.

Over the years, The Drums transitioned into Pierce’s solo project after Jacob Graham’s departure in 2016. Pierce embraced this new chapter by taking full creative control, writing and producing subsequent albums. His 2017 album, “Abysmal Thoughts,” marked a shift towards deeply personal songwriting, reflecting on his experiences and identity. This introspection continued with “Brutalism” in 2019, an album created during a period of significant personal transformation and therapy, which Pierce described as an “I album” focused on self-discovery and emotional processing. His most recent album, “Jonny,” released in 2023, is a culmination of this journey, featuring 16 tracks that explore a wide spectrum of emotions, from joy and love to rage and childhood trauma. Pierce views this album as a space for his younger selves to be heard and understood, showcasing a newfound gentleness and patience in his creative process. He has openly discussed his upbringing with Pentecostal preacher parents and his subject to conversion therapy, informing the raw and honest themes in his music.

Throughout his career, Pierce has performed globally, including at prestigious venues like the 9:30 Club in 2010 and as a support act for Kings of Leon in Hyde Park. He made his American television debut on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” in 2012. His solo endeavors have also included co-writing with artists such as Matthew Dear and Mark Ronson. Pierce’s music, particularly his later solo work, is characterized by a blend of indie pop, surf rock, and alternative rock, often incorporating analog synthesizers, a nod to his early musical influences. His candidness about his personal life and sexuality as a queer musician has resonated with audiences, making his art a reflection of his authentic self and contributing to a more open dialogue in the music industry.