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Little Joy
Little Joy
from Wikipedia

Little Joy is a rock supergroup formed in 2007 by Los Hermanos singer-songwriter Rodrigo Amarante, The Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti, and Binki Shapiro.[1] They released Little Joy, their only album, in 2008.

Key Information

History

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Formation and beginnings (2006–2008)

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Rodrigo Amarante of Little Joy

Amarante and Moretti met in 2006, at a festival in Lisbon where both their bands were performing, and the idea came up to start a new musical project unrelated to their respective bands. In 2007, with Los Hermanos on hiatus "for an undetermined amount of time",[2] Amarante traveled to Los Angeles to collaborate with Devendra Banhart on his Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon album. He and Moretti met during recording breaks and talked about "anything but music." Through mutual acquaintances, they met multi-instrumentalist Jordana Shapiro, who goes by "Binki," and she encouraged the pair to work on a few songs Moretti had begun writing. The band then moved into a house in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles to write more original music and record some demos. The band was christened "Little Joy" after a cocktail lounge not far from their house.

Little Joy (2008–2010)

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Their eponymous debut album was recorded with the help of producer Noah Georgeson and engineer Beau Raymond, whom Amarante met during his sessions with Devendra Banhart. It was released by Rough Trade Records on November 4, 2008, and was hailed by Pitchfork Media as "one of the sweetest, most listenable, consistently enjoyable records of the season."[3] Their debut album was given four stars by Rolling Stone magazine and Nick Hornby[4] voted it his favorite album of 2008.

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Binki Shapiro contributed, alongside Little Joy collaborator Devendra Banhart, to Beck's second Record Club covers album, Songs of Leonard Cohen,[5] as well as previously appearing in many of the music videos released from his album The Information, released in October 2006.

"The Next Time Around" was used in a television commercial for the Volkswagen Passat.

Band members

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Little Joy

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  • Rodrigo Amarante – vocals, guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, organ, Mellotron, percussion (2007–present)
  • Binki Shapiro – guitar, vocals, bass, keyboards, glockenspiel, percussion (2007–present)
  • Fabrizio Moretti – tenor guitar, piano, bass, drums, guitar, percussion, melodica, vocals (2007–present)

Live band

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Little Joy

  • Rodrigo Amarante – vocals, guitar, percussion (2007–2010)
  • Binki Shapiro – guitar, vocals, keyboards, percussion (2007–2010)
  • Fabrizio Moretti – tenor guitar, guitar, percussion, vocals, drums (2007–2009)
  • Jack Dishel – tenor guitar, guitar, percussion, vocals (2009–2010)

Backing band

  • Todd Dahlhoff – bass, vocals (2008–2010)
  • Matt Romano – drums, percussion (2008–2010)
  • Matt Borg – guitar, vocals (2008–2010)
  • Michael Ian Cummings – guitar, vocals (2008–2010)
  • Noah Georgeson – guitar, vocals (2008–2010)

Discography

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Little Joy was a Brazilian-American indie rock supergroup formed in 2007 by singer-songwriter of the band Los Hermanos, drummer of , and vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Binki Shapiro. The trio met through mutual connections in the music scene, beginning with Amarante and Moretti's encounter at a festival in , , followed by collaborations in the United States during Amarante's recording sessions with Devendra Banhart, where Shapiro, a native, joined to contribute vocals and ideas. The band relocated to Los Angeles to develop their sound, holding late-night songwriting sessions in the neighborhood and recording their self-titled debut (and only) album with producer in a house in the neighborhood. Released on November 3, 2008, by , Little Joy features 13 tracks that fuse Amarante's influences, Moretti's sensibilities, and Shapiro's melodic pop sensibilities, resulting in a warm, playful collection praised for its hooks and accessibility. Standout singles like "The Next Time Around" and "Don't Watch Me Dancing" garnered attention, receiving positive critical reception for its breezy, collaborative vibe. Little Joy toured internationally in support of the , performing at venues like the Exit/In in Nashville and contributing to charity efforts, such as a auction for relief organized by . Despite plans for a second record discussed in later interviews, the group became inactive after , with members pursuing solo and other collaborative projects; however, their continues to stream widely, amassing millions of plays on platforms like . The band's name was inspired by the Little Joy Cocktail Lounge near their recording space in , reflecting the lighthearted ethos of their brief but influential tenure.

Formation and early years

Origins and lineup assembly (2006–2007)

, the Brazilian singer-songwriter and guitarist of the indie rock band , sought new creative pursuits as his group wound down toward an indefinite hiatus in early 2007. , the Brazilian-American drummer of the New York-based rock band , pursued side projects amid his band's extended break following the release of their 2006 album . Binki Shapiro, a Los Angeles-based American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, contributed vocals and joined the lineup through her romantic relationship with Moretti. Amarante and Moretti first met in 2006 at the Lisboa Soundz festival in , , where Los Hermanos and performed on the same bill. Their encounter sparked a fast friendship rooted in mutual admiration for each other's music, leading to discussions about potential collaboration during off-hours away from their band tours. The following year, the two reunited in while contributing to Devendra Banhart's Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon, recorded in Topanga Canyon, where they were introduced to Shapiro. With their respective bands on pause, the trio assembled in during 2007, engaging in informal jam sessions and collaborative songwriting that emphasized spontaneous creativity over structured goals. These early gatherings, often held in casual settings, allowed Amarante's influences to blend with Moretti's rock sensibilities and Shapiro's melodic , fostering a relaxed atmosphere free from commercial pressures. The group ultimately named themselves Little Joy after a nearby cocktail lounge in , capturing the unpretentious and uplifting spirit of their initial musical explorations.

Initial recording sessions in Los Angeles

In 2007, Rodrigo Amarante relocated to Los Angeles to collaborate on Devendra Banhart's album Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon, where he connected with Binki Shapiro and Fabrizio Moretti, leading the trio to form Little Joy and seek a fresh creative environment away from their New York roots. To foster immersion in songwriting, the members rented a shared house in the Echo Park neighborhood, living communally to demo material and experiment collaboratively, an arrangement that drew inspiration from the nearby Little Joy cocktail lounge, which later named the band. This setup allowed for late-night sessions fueled by Portuguese wine, emphasizing a relaxed dynamic that mirrored the members' individual backgrounds—Amarante's Brazilian heritage, Moretti's rock influences from The Strokes, and Shapiro's folk-leaning sensibilities—as the foundation for their collaborative sound. The group enlisted producer , whom Amarante had met during the Banhart sessions, to capture their early demos at his studio, prioritizing a live, analog approach that evoked a warm, vintage aesthetic reminiscent of and recordings. Georgeson integrated seamlessly, contributing drum patterns, textures, and even playing as an honorary member, while recorded core elements like drums, bass, guitar, and piano together before adding overdubs such as and organ. Key creative choices centered on blending Amarante's Brazilian rhythms—drawing from and traditions—with Moretti's rock drumming and Shapiro's ethereal harmonies, resulting in an honest reflection of their home demos that incorporated diverse influences like , , and gospel without rigid genre constraints. Challenges arose from the informal, resource-limited setup, including initial recordings at Moretti's house using just one microphone to achieve a communal feel, alongside cultural adjustments for Amarante as he adapted from Brazilian life to Los Angeles' scene. The Echo Park house fostered a party-like atmosphere, with housemates casually contributing backing vocals amid everyday activities like watching television, and the band improvising percussion from household objects such as salt shakers and chair legs to evoke Latin grooves. This grassroots environment, while budget-constrained, infused the sessions with spontaneity and pressure to refine ideas organically, shaping the album's lighthearted yet introspective vibe.

Career and discography

Debut album production and release (2008)

The self-titled debut album by Little Joy was finalized in 2008 following initial recording sessions in , resulting in an 11-track collection that captured the band's collaborative spirit. Songwriting credits were shared among core members , , and Binki Shapiro, with Amarante contributing lyrics and vocals to several key tracks, including "The Next Time Around" and "No One's Better Sake," while Moretti penned others such as "Brand New Start." The album's thematic elements drew from personal experiences of transience and connection, reflecting the members' decision to pause their individual careers for this project. Production was handled primarily by , who also mixed the album and contributed and backing vocals, alongside co-producers Thom Monahan (on the opening track) and Beau Raymond (on tracks 2 through 11). The sessions emphasized live instrumentation, blending structures with rhythms influenced by Amarante's Brazilian roots, creating a warm, intimate sound through organic band performances. "Brand New Start" highlights the album's melodic accessibility, with its fusion of gentle percussion, acoustic guitars, and harmonious vocals. Little Joy signed with , which handled distribution across regions, leading to the album's release on November 4, 2008, in the United States and around the same period in the . The rollout included digital and physical formats, with the vinyl edition featuring the full tracklist pressed on Rough Trade's RTRADLP 485 catalog. The album's artwork, designed by Brett Kilroe with photography by , adopted a minimalist aesthetic: a candid black-and-white of the trio in a domestic setting, evoking nostalgia and the band's nomadic formation process of friends converging from different cities to collaborate. This simple packaging, including a digipak CD with lyric booklet, underscored the project's unpretentious, fleeting ethos without ornate elements.

Touring and live performances (2008–2009)

Following the release of their self-titled debut album in November 2008, Little Joy embarked on a headlining tour across , beginning with shows in early November and extending through . The itinerary included performances at key venues such as Subterranean in on November 8, in on November 13, in on November 14, in on November 30, and the in on 8. The tour continued into with a date at Venue in on 12. In early 2009, the band shifted focus to for their first international headline run, playing six dates in the during January. Stops included Audio in on January 15, Leadmill in on January 16, Stereo in on January 17, and in on January 19. Later North American dates in 2009 featured support slots for artists including at Orpheum Theatre in on September 22 and House of Blues on September 21, as well as Devendra Banhart at in New York on November 22. The year also included festival appearances at Vive Latino in in June and Primavera Club in and in December. A notable headline show came at in New York on June 23, marking the end of one U.S. leg. Little Joy's live sets centered on material from their debut album, with consistent performances of tracks like "The Next Time Around," "Unattainable," "Shoulder to Shoulder," "No One's Better Sake," and "Brand New Start," often opening with the Portuguese-language song "Evaporar" to highlight Amarante's Brazilian roots. While no major evolution in setlists occurred over the period—remaining faithful to the album's bossa nova-inflected sound—the band occasionally incorporated acoustic intros or harmonies from Binki Shapiro to adapt to smaller venues. Live performances relied on an expanded lineup beyond the core trio of Amarante, , and Shapiro, incorporating bassist Todd Dahlhoff, drummer Matt Romano, and multi-instrumentalist Michael Ian Cummings to handle rhythm sections, as Moretti frequently shifted to guitar duties or was absent due to commitments with . This necessitated adjustments, such as Romano taking over drums for entire tours, including the June 2009 U.S. leg where Moretti was present in New York but did not perform. Media coverage praised the band's cohesive energy and chemistry, even amid lineup flux and limited rehearsal time. At the , reviewers noted the trio's "bossa nova swing" and attentive crowd response during an 11-song set, despite Shapiro sitting out the first half due to illness and Moretti's absence onstage. Similarly, the January Leeds show drew acclaim for Amarante's versatile stage presence, Shapiro's charming contributions on tambourine and vocals, and Moretti's subtle drumming, with the small audience engaging appreciatively in the "breezy" set. An earlier December 2008 performance in Orange County mirrored the album's sound closely, eliciting a responsive but not frenzied crowd that pressed closer during the full set. Overall, these outings showcased Little Joy's effortless interplay, underscoring their appeal as a relaxed supergroup despite logistical hurdles.

Band dissolution (2009–2010)

Following the release of their debut album and a rigorous touring schedule throughout 2008 and 2009—which included U.S. dates culminating at New York's in June 2009, UK headline shows such as at London's on January 21, 2009, and Latin American shows—Little Joy experienced declining momentum as its members prioritized obligations to their primary bands. Rodrigo Amarante returned to Los Hermanos, the Brazilian rock band on hiatus since 2007, for reunion performances including the Just a Fest in and Rio de Janeiro in 2009, as well as the SWU Music & Arts Festival and additional shows in those cities in 2010. Similarly, shifted focus to , who emerged from their extended break with festival gigs starting in June 2010, such as at the Isle of Wight and a surprise warm-up show in under the alias , ahead of recording their fourth studio album. These commitments strained the supergroup's ability to sustain activity, leading to fatigue from and a desire to avoid overextension on what had begun as a collaborative side endeavor. In an October 2009 interview, Binki Shapiro indicated that a sold-out performance marked the band's last show "for a while," attributing the pause partly to Moretti's involvement in other recording projects. Little Joy's final live outings occurred during a 2010 tour of , supported by Adam Green's band the Dead Trees, after which no new material or performances materialized, and the band released no further albums. No formal dissolution announcement was made; instead, the trio's end was conveyed informally through such statements and the absence of further plans, with the project regarded as a finite creative outlet. Personal developments also played a role, including the evolution of Moretti and Shapiro's four-year romantic relationship, which overlapped with the band's active years. The members departed amicably, having achieved their goal of producing one album without pursuing sequels, solidifying Little Joy's status as a one-off supergroup experiment born from friendships across scenes.

Musical style and reception

Genre influences and sound characteristics

Little Joy's music blends indie pop with infusions of bossa nova and tropicalia, rooted in Rodrigo Amarante's Brazilian background from his work with Los Hermanos, which introduced psychedelic and rhythmic elements inspired by acts like Os Mutantes. Fabrizio Moretti's garage rock influences from The Strokes add subtle structural drive, while Binki Shapiro's folk-pop sensibilities, shaped by collaborations in the Devendra Banhart circle, contribute a hazy, intimate warmth. This fusion creates a sound akin to the less eccentric, community-driven aspects of Banhart's work, emphasizing serene, sun-drenched melodies over raw energy. The band's sonic profile features laid-back rhythms and harmonious vocals, with Shapiro's soft, smoky delivery providing a gentle contrast to Amarante's sonorous croon, often layered in three-part arrangements reminiscent of or '60s gospel groups. Acoustic guitars dominate with feather-light fingerpicking, supported by minimal percussion that evokes calypso-samba grooves and influences from , fostering an overall indolent, summery vibe. Themes of love, travel, and nostalgia recur, as in tracks like "Unattainable" and "The Next Time Around," blending personal introspection with escapist longing. Instrumentation centers on the trio's core setup—Amarante on guitar and vocals, Moretti on drums, and Shapiro on vocals and keys—with occasional additions like organ, glockenspiel, and marimba to impart a warm, texture. This approach yields lo-fi pop perfection, incorporating and early '70s singer-songwriter nuances for a peaceful, authentic grace. The recording process enhanced this organic quality, capturing the music's casual ease without overproduction.

Critical and commercial response

Upon its release in 2008, Little Joy's self-titled debut album garnered generally favorable critical reception, compiling a score of 71 out of 100 based on 19 reviews, with 13 positive and 6 mixed assessments. rated it 7.2 out of 10, lauding the evident chemistry among the members and calling it "one of the sweetest, most listenable, consistently enjoyable records of the season," while highlighting tracks like "Don't Watch Me Dancing" for their summery, unpretentious appeal. praised its dreamy, tropical-tinged pop for creating a "cosy little corner in our hearts," though it noted the album's modest ambitions fell short of grand innovation. The band's influences contributed significantly to these accolades, lending a warm, laid-back texture that critics found refreshingly cohesive. Commercially, the album achieved modest performance, failing to crack major charts like the but finding a niche in indie outlets. The "No One's Better Sake," accompanied by a directed by , received on indie radio stations and helped build initial buzz without translating to mainstream crossover success. Overall sales were limited, reflecting the band's supergroup status and the timing amid a crowded landscape, though it sustained steady interest through Rough Trade's distribution. Audience response centered on a dedicated within indie music circles, where the album's intimate, collaborative vibe resonated deeply. Live performances from 2008 to 2009, including energetic sets that drew sing-alongs from crowds, amplified word-of-mouth promotion and fostered loyalty among fans of and Los Hermanos. Factors such as the short-lived band tenure and lack of aggressive marketing constrained broader appeal, yet the shows underscored the project's genuine, unforced charm. In the streaming era, retrospective evaluations have affirmed the album's enduring appeal as a , with tracks like "The Next Time Around" surpassing 16 million Spotify streams by 2025, evoking nostalgia for its effortless joy and cross-cultural harmony. Later pieces, including a 2016 overview, reiterated its status as a "sweet record that is consistently enjoyable," highlighting how digital platforms have allowed it to thrive beyond initial constraints.

Personnel

Core members

Little Joy's core lineup consisted of a trio of musicians who handled all primary songwriting, recording, and performances for the band's debut album: , , and Binki Shapiro. Formed in 2007 as a collaborative side project, the group drew on each member's established backgrounds in and traditions to create their self-titled record. served as the band's , , and primary songwriter, contributing melodies and most of the bass lines during recording sessions. Born on September 6, 1976, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Amarante was a founding member and key creative force in the Brazilian rock band Los Hermanos, where he had established himself as a singer and prior to joining Little Joy. His involvement began after meeting Moretti at a while Los Hermanos toured alongside , sparking the initial collaboration. In Little Joy, Amarante's melodic contributions often blended Brazilian influences with indie sensibilities, as seen in tracks like the Portuguese-sung closer "Evaporar." Fabrizio Moretti handled drums and backing vocals, while also providing rhythmic foundations and co-writing elements such as lyrics and instrumental parts. Born on June 2, 1980, in Rio de Janeiro, , Moretti was raised in after moving there at age five with his family; he had been the for the band since its formation in 1998. Moretti initiated much of the project's momentum by bringing initial song ideas, including lyrics that explored themes of lost love and anticipation, which were then adapted by the group. His rhythmic approach in Little Joy emphasized subtle, supportive grooves that complemented the album's laid-back aesthetic. Binki Shapiro contributed vocals and keyboards, focusing on harmonies and additional lyrical input to round out the arrangements. Born on April 30, 1982, in , , Shapiro had a background as a solo artist and , having gained early notice through collaborations like videos for Beck's 2006 album The Information. She joined the band through her personal connection to Moretti, with whom she was in a relationship at the time, and met Amarante during sessions with producer Devendra Banhart. Shapiro's role included lead vocals on select tracks like "Unattainable" and "Don't Watch Me Dancing," as well as playing organ and to add textural layers. The trio's song creation process was highly collaborative, often starting with individual fragments—such as Amarante's melodies, Moretti's rhythms and , or Shapiro's ideas—before being refined together in late-night sessions. This approach allowed each member to build on the others' contributions, with producer later enhancing the arrangements; for instance, Amarante would develop core melodies on , Moretti layered rhythmic elements, and Shapiro added vocal harmonies and lyrical refinements to achieve the album's cohesive, breezy sound.

Supporting and live musicians

In the studio, Little Joy's self-titled debut album featured contributions from several supporting musicians to enhance its eclectic sound. provided guitar and on multiple tracks, including "Brand New Start," "No One's Better Sake," and "Keep Me in Mind," while also contributing backing vocals on "Brand New Start" and handling mixing duties for most of the album. Additionally, the opening track "The Next Time Around" incorporated a chamber ensemble including Ryan Duffy (), Brendan Speltz (), Wen Yee (viola), Mia Barcia-Colombo (), Alison Lowell (), Amy Tatum (), Maciej Sflif (), Andrew Balogh (), Samuel Pannell (), and Keegan Wood (), adding orchestral depth to the arrangement. Guest appearances included Devendra Banhart on additional vocals for "Don't Watch Me Dancing," and backing vocals on "With Strangers" from Adam Green, of , Loribeth Capella, and David Tuohy. For live performances during their 2008–2009 tour, the core trio augmented their setup with additional players to replicate the album's fuller instrumentation on , filling roles such as bass and extra guitar for a more robust ensemble sound. Due to the brief tour duration, the lineup rotated without permanent additions. Notably, at their farewell concert in on January 21, 2009, Little Joy borrowed members from their support act, The Dead Trees, to complete the band for the final set.

Legacy

Cultural impact and references

Little Joy's unique formation as a supergroup blending Brazilian musical traditions with American indie rock sensibilities exemplified cross-cultural collaborations in the late 2000s indie scene, drawing from the diverse backgrounds of its members— Amarante's influences, Fabrizio Moretti's New York rock roots, and Binki Shapiro's folk-tinged vocals. This fusion highlighted the potential for international supergroups. The band's music has appeared in several film soundtracks, extending its reach into popular media. Their track "Don't Watch Me Dancing" was featured on the soundtrack for the 2015 romantic drama , underscoring its wistful, nostalgic tone in scenes of reflection and transition. Similarly, "Unattainable" appeared in the 2009 roller derby film Whip It, directed by , where it complemented the movie's energetic yet introspective moments. Little Joy has also been referenced in music journalism as a key of ' members, often discussed in articles exploring the band's extracurricular endeavors during their hiatus periods. Little Joy maintains a dedicated niche legacy within Brazil-U.S. indie communities, where its cross-continental origins resonate strongly among fans appreciating hybrid rock styles. In the , the album experienced a streaming revival, with tracks like "The Next Time Around" amassing over 16 million plays on as of 2025, reflecting renewed interest driven by algorithmic playlists and rediscovery among younger listeners. This enduring appeal is further evidenced by covers, such as Snail Mail's 2020 rendition of "Evaporar," which preserved the song's lilting simplicity and introduced it to a new generation of indie audiences during their extensive touring. The positive of their debut album initially boosted this visibility, positioning Little Joy as a favorite in indie circles.

Post-Little Joy activities of members

Following the dissolution of Little Joy in 2010, core members , , and Binki Shapiro pursued distinct paths in music, art, and collaborations, often reflecting on the band in interviews as a liberating creative interlude that influenced their individual styles. rejoined his original band Los Hermanos for multiple reunion tours starting in the early , including major performances in that drew large crowds and highlighted the group's enduring popularity. He released his debut solo album, Cavalo, in September 2013 via Som Livre in , followed by an international reissue in May 2014 on , featuring introspective tracks blending Brazilian folk and indie elements recorded in . continued collaborating with artists such as Devendra Banhart, co-writing and performing songs like "Rosa" (2007) and contributing to Banhart's albums through the , including live appearances together as recently as 2013. His partnership with produced singles "I Forgot" and "Falling" in November 2019 on , with further joint performances captured in Jones's 2023 podcast episode where they discussed Little Joy's impact on their songwriting. As of 2025, Amarante remains active with solo tours, including intimate shows in February at venues like of Williamsburg, and contributed the score to the 2024 film . Fabrizio Moretti refocused on his primary band, The Strokes, contributing to albums including Angles in 2011 on RCA Records, Comedown Machine in 2013, and The New Abnormal in 2020, the latter earning a Grammy for Best Rock Album and revitalizing the group's critical acclaim. Parallel to music, Moretti developed his visual art practice, creating immersive installations such as the mirrored "KUBE" structure exhibited at Sotheby's in Los Angeles in 2021, which used light and reflection to evoke rhythmic patterns inspired by his drumming. He also collaborated with art dealer Fabrizio Moretti (no relation) on exhibitions of Old Master paintings in 2019, blending his musical and artistic identities. In 2019, Moretti launched the side project Machinegum, an artist collective and band that released the debut album Conduit on Cult Records, featuring experimental tracks like "Kubes" that integrated visual elements and community-driven performances. As of 2025, The Strokes continue touring internationally. Binki Shapiro shifted to collaborative songwriting, releasing the self-titled album Adam Green & Binki Shapiro in January 2013 on with Moldy Peaches co-founder Adam Green, a collection of duet-driven tracks evoking influences and earning praise for its intimate chemistry. The duo toured in support, with Shapiro's vocals drawing comparisons to her Little Joy era, though she has not issued further full-length releases since. In 2025, Org Music reissued Adam Green & Binki Shapiro. As of November 2025, Little Joy has not reunited for new material or , with members occasionally referencing the project in solo interviews as a pivotal "creative break" that allowed personal exploration without band pressures.

References

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