Artist To Know: Josh Pyke

Josh Pyke is no newcomer in the world of music, but he may be an artist who has yet to make his debut onto your personal music scene. If this is the case, please read on! Through extensive research (i.e. talking with many friends and music fans and finding not even one other person who has heard of him), I have concluded that he is essentially unknown in America. Why this is – I do not know. So read on, take it in, and most importantly – listen up to one of Australia’s best kept secrets!


Josh Pyke hails from Australia, where he has been writing and performing his own songs for quite some time now. Each of his CDs and EPs is completely listenable front-to-back, as each song is fantastic in its own right. He presents warm, consuming melodies that will remind you why you love music to begin with. Remember that simple, childlike expectation of love that you once held, that has along the way become diluted and assumingly unattainable? We go dancing at night to conjured Top 40 hits, in hopes that we claim reclaim these feelings, even if only for five minutes. Josh Pyke takes us a step farther. On songs like “Make You Happy,” “Forever Song,” and “Sew My Name,” Josh sings with such a genuine spirit that he re-inspires the notion altogether! Yet don’t expect all unicorns and rainbows, because Josh doesn’t shy away from tackling tougher issues. “The Summer” (a personal favorite of mine, even two years later) is reminiscent of love lost, while “Our House Breathing” realizes the challenges of love while on the road. With the risk of sounding cheesy, I’ll say that Josh succeeds in inspiring us in many ways – he inspires emotion, faith, and living in general.

Josh Pyke is truly a master of his own domain and fits nicely into the group of male singer/songwriters who have become popular and established in today’s society. You know the guys I’m referring to. Girls listen to their songs and wish that these guys were singing to them. Guys roll their eyes at the aforementioned girls but still appreciate the music nonetheless (while secretly wishing that they had written the song first so they could win the girl). Examples: John Mayer is the leader in his fields – acoustic guitar (previously) and blues-y electric guitar (currently). Jack Johnson dominates the surfer guitar music. Mason Jennings has established a sound within the folk-sy guitar genre, just as Dave Matthews has in his own eclectic version of jam music. There are many other leading male artists out there who may also fit this bill – especially once we expand our lineup to include men who are creative leaders of bands instead of just through solo efforts (I’m thinking Ben Gibbard, James Mercer, Kevin Barnes, Julian Casablancas?). Most importantly, these many artists all share a similar crown. Regardless of whether their music receives radio airplay and is recognized by the Grammy committee, or instead is appreciated by a loyal band of ‘underground’ listeners – these artists all stand out. A new artist on the scene wants to be the next Dave, or John, or whomever. These men can truly be looked to as the current day leaders within each of their respected genres.


So now let me proclaim it again: Josh Pyke is truly a master of his own domain and fits nicely into this category of popular and established-sounding male singer/songwriters. What exactly would his sound be labeled as? I am not exactly sure. Pop-rock? Beachy? Singer-songwriter? Though I personally struggle to define his genre, I can say that his music is enjoyable music. But do not just take my word for it – listen for yourself to arrive at your own conclusions.

Additionally, if you do decide to check him out, please do not brush him off immediately if he does not meet your high standards for musical genius. Sure, he does not stand out as a cutting-edge creative musical innovator, like Animal Collective. Nor will he go down in history as a prophetic lyricist like Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen. He is a bit safe. Yet just when you may write him off for sounding familiar, you’ll stumble across a more revealing moment. Perhaps this is best exemplified in his song “Middle of the Hill,” from his debut album Memories & Dust. The song starts as a sentimental tale remembering childhood; it comes off as a bit commonplace and trite. But at the very end of the song, Josh reveals what it all means when he begins to recite the song’s thesis: “I don’t pay enough attention to the good things when I’ve got them.” And suddenly, it all makes sense.

Day-to-day, Josh Pyke’s music pleases, so live in the moment. Check him out before another day goes by. He is a nice homebody from Australia and truly is representative of what a strong singer-songwriter. Josh Pyke rocks!


Live on radio - (song starts around 2:15) - "Our House Breathing"
Music Video - "The Summer"
Live at the Powerhouse in Brisbane - "Make You Happy"
Music Video - "Memories & Dust"
Live at Fly By Night - "Beg Your Pardon"