By Colin 
Manchester-based alt-pop artist Better Joy, also known as Bria Keely, has kicked off 2025 with the release of her new single ‘Waiting on Time’. The track offers an intimate glimpse into Bria’s personal journey, exploring themes of mental health and resilience. Its poignant, autobiographical lyrics blend with jangly guitars and a rousing melody, culminating in a euphoric chorus that speaks of healing and self-discovery.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, Bria explains, “‘Waiting on Time’ is about navigating mental challenges and the inevitable process of finding yourself again. It’s a reminder that healing takes time, and although the fog may feel overwhelming, clarity is possible if you keep moving forward.”
The single comes alongside the announcement of her debut EP Heading into Blue, set for release on 28 March. Produced by the legendary Mike Hedges (The Cure, U2, Manic Street Preachers), the six-track EP will include previous singles ‘Carnival’ and ‘What a Day’ as well as three new tracks, ‘Couldn’t Run Forever’, ‘Quiet Thing’, and ‘Can I Land the Plane?’.
A Promising Year Ahead
Better Joy is carving out a space in the UK indie scene with her distinctive sound, drawing comparisons to iconic acts like The Cure, The Smiths, and Phoebe Bridgers. Since launching her project in late 2023, Bria’s vivid storytelling, intricate guitar riffs, and expressive vocals have captured the attention of tastemakers like Chris Hawkins of BBC Radio 6 Music and NME, who have hailed her as one of the UK’s rising stars.
Fresh off a support tour with Hard-Fi, Better Joy is set to embark on her first UK headline tour this spring, including a highly anticipated show at Old Blue Last in London on 3 April. The tour will feature stops in Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Manchester, with the latter venue upgraded due to overwhelming demand.
In addition to her headline dates, Better Joy has been confirmed for an impressive roster of festival appearances, including Liverpool Sound City, Truck Festival, and Y Not Festival.
With a captivating sound and a growing fanbase, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Better Joy. Tickets for her headline tour are available now, and fans can stream ‘Waiting on Time’ on all major platforms.