PORT Macquarie may be only a small regional venue when it comes to music gigs – but one of Australia’s most loved singers-cum-songwriters has promised to give his performance here his all.
Josh Pyke said he tried to think of every show the same and do his absolute best.
“I try and think of every show as a conversation between me and the crowd, regardless of whether it is large or small,” he said.
Pyke’s solo regional tour of smaller venues follows a successful national tour.
You’ll hear about 24 songs, ranging from his earliest works to his most recent.
He hates pigeon-holing himself by picking a particular genre, saying it ranges from rock “right through”.
“I’m lucky in that my music appeals to a broad demographic,” he said. “At some shows people even bring their kids.”
He says doing the solo show lets him re-imagine his songs.
“They get a pretty different treatment, so they turn out quite different. Fantastic, but slightly different.”
Unlike some musos, Pyke also loves touring and is looking forward to the seeing the different places his regional tour takes him.
“I enjoy touring and I actually I end up writing a lot of songs on the road,” he said.
If Port Macquarie fans are lucky, they will also have the opportunity to buy his latest DVD, which features all the songs he played on the first leg of his national tour. Pyke is releasing a limited edition boxed set, but only 1000 will be made, and once they are gone, they’re gone.
Known for his ability to weave intelligent lyrics with warm melodies and quirky song structures, Pyke has an almost cult-like following.
His breakthrough single was Middle of the Hill, which made it to number 19 on Triple J’s 2005 Hottest 100 countdown and appeared on his debut release, a mini album entitled Feeding The Wolves. He followed this up with his debut album, Memories and Dust, followed soon by another album, Chimney’s Afire, which debuted at number three on the ARIA chart.
Last July saw the release of Josh’s fourth studio album, The Beginning And The End Of Everything, a record that explores ideas of desire, death and legacy. Featuring singles Leeward Side and Warm in Winter, the album debuted at number seven on the ARIA albums chart, making it the singer’s fourth top-10 ARIA album in a row.
His national tour has been extremely well received, selling-out venues across every major city.
Supporting Pyke on his regional tour is Jack Carty, who just four years ago took a leap of faith to answer the voices in his gut. The short time since has seen the release of two albums, two EPs, extensive touring nationally and internationally, songs on soundtracks and duets with idols from his teen-hood.
Pyke and Carty will be performing at Panthers on Thursday 26 June. To book visit portmacquarie.panthers.com.au
