The Touring Board Arrives in Lausanne
After three powerful weeks in Biel and its surrounding scene, the RhPf Touring Board heads across the language border and lands in Lausanne. The shift in atmosphere is immediate. The lake, the lights, the rhythm of the city and the unmistakable energy of Romandie set the tone for this week.
Week 4 belongs to Xavier, guitarist of Emy No Joke, a band that channels the speed, colour and heart of modern Swiss pop punk. His perspective brings a new spark to the Touring Board, one built on melody, movement and an infectious sense of fun.
Meet Xavier
Xavier, or Xav for most people who follow the band, plays guitar for Emy No Joke, a group formed in 2021 around a shared love of early 2000s punk rock. What stands out immediately when you listen to him is intention. Every chord, every accent, every rhythmic push carries purpose. He brings the kind of playing that gives songs lift, momentum and clarity, without ever losing the edge that defines the band.
His right-hand precision gives the music its punch, while his ear for melody keeps everything bright and memorable. He has a natural instinct for locking in with the drums and bass, and his sense of timing shapes the band’s whole identity. There is confidence in the way he plays, but also generosity. He always serves the moment, always elevates the song, always keeps the energy moving forward.
On stage, Xavier plays with presence. He makes the difficult look effortless, and he maintains a steady, magnetic focus even when the crowd goes wild. Whether it is a tight club show or an open-air festival slot, he brings consistency, commitment and a genuine joy for playing live.
Inside the World of Emy No Joke
Emy No Joke built their voice on uplifting, high-energy punk rock, infused with the nostalgia of mid-2000s pop punk and the warmth of Swiss DIY spirit. They slip between driving punk, jumpy ska-inflected sections and catchy, melodic choruses. Their tracks move fast and feel alive.
The band have made a strong name for themselves through shows that radiate positivity. You can see it when they already hit the 40+ shows in just four years. Their audience grows because people feel good around them. Their music lifts the room, and their performances are built on sweat, smiles and real connection.
What Makes Xavier Stand Out
Xavier stands out because he plays with a striking balance of discipline and emotion. His technique is tight, but it never overshadows the feel. His rhythm work is powerful and crisp, and his sense of harmony shapes the band’s identity without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. He creates space, he builds momentum, and he adds the shimmer that turns a catchy idea into something unforgettable.
He also has an instinct for dynamic colour, he knows when to lean hard into a chorus and when to leave room for vocals to soar. This sensitivity shows his maturity as a musician. It is a rare quality, especially in high-energy genres, and it gives Emy No Joke their unmistakable flow.
Above everything, there is authenticity in the way he plays. Nothing is forced. Nothing is exaggerated. You feel that he plays because he genuinely loves it, and that sincerity comes through in every riff.
Why Week 4 Belongs to Him
The Touring Board is about showing the depth and variety of the Swiss music scene. After the raw power of Week 1, the crafted storytelling of Week 2 and the fierce two-man energy of Week 3, we wanted Week 4 to highlight another important voice: the joyful, melodic, unpretentious honesty of punk rock played with heart.
Xavier embodies that energy. He anchors Emy No Joke with precision, musical maturity and a sense of movement that is instantly recognizable. His playing keeps things tight while letting the band’s personality shine through. The board feels different in his hands. It becomes lighter, faster, brighter and more playful.
This week arrives with colour, warmth and the kind of energy that makes crowds jump. Xavier brings all of that and more. Lausanne feels alive, and the Touring Board carries that spark with it.
Follow Emy No Joke
Stay tuned as we add their updates throughout the week. Discover more about the band here: