Acclaimed singer-songwriter Josh Pyke locks in four Tasmanian shows on national tour
The seasoned singer-songwriter says he is bringing an experimental new sound to Tasmania on his national tour. Tickets + more info.
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When Covid left a “huge gap” in Josh Pyke’s creative life, the four-time ARIA award winner went to work composing what he says is his best record yet.
Pyke’s seventh studio album, To Find Happiness, will fuel a mega 30-date regional tour which includes November shows in Ulverstone, Launceston, Hobart and Franklin.
The New South Welshman said he was thrilled to be returning to Tasmania, where the natural beauty “slaps you in the face every time you get off the plane”.
“I feel a strong connection to Tasmania – the pristine beauty of the place just blows my mind,” Pyke said.
“I love it, I’ve got friends that live down there, I’ve got fans that have come to every show and it’s always lovely to see them.
“I’m just looking forward to experiencing that pristine, clean air after being in Sydney city for so long.”
The 44-year-old folk pop troubadour, whose latest record closely followed his 2020 album, Rome, said he had produced some of his best music amid the disappointment of being unable to tour during the pandemic.
“Taking that touring element out of my life definitely was a blessing in some ways because it meant I was at home to homeschool the kids during the pandemic period,” Pyke said.
“But I felt this sort of bubbling, pent-up energy that needed to go somewhere – making To Find Happiness was the outlet for that.
“You’ve got to look for the silver linings in these things and I think this was my best record – I think it was a bit of a blessing in disguise.”
Pyke said his music was constantly changing and in his view, improving.
“I always think every album of mine is really different from the previous one,” he said.
“For me I see this one as very different – it’s a lot more experimental for me in terms of production.”
It was exciting to tour the country with The Jezabels lead vocalist Hayley Mary as his opening act, Pyke said.
“Hayley is a legend … we toured together years ago when the Jezabels supported me on one of my first national tours,” he said.
“When you’re doing these sorts of long tours it’s important that you get along with and like the music of the person supporting you!”
Pyke’s cover of The Jezabel’s hit Endless Summer was a YouTube phenomenon, and he said he was eager to reprise the Aussie classic with Mary.
“We’ve definitely spoken about doing it, although I kind of feel it should be in her set, it’s her song!”
JOSH PYKE’S TASMANIAN SHOWS
Gnomon Room, Ulverstone (all ages), Thursday November 17
Clarendon Arms, Evandale (adults only), Friday November 18
The Longhouse, Hobart (adults only), Saturday November 19
Palais Theatre, Franklin (all ages), Sunday November 20
Tickets available via Moshtix
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Originally published as Acclaimed singer-songwriter Josh Pyke locks in four Tasmanian shows on national tour
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