Confident: Josh Pyke is on the way to Geelong to perform songs from his latest album, Only Sparrows.
ERIN PEARSON
A NEW album has renewed the enthusiasm of Australian balladeer Josh Pyke.
The singer/songwriter revealed that he went soul-searching after losing his confidence while recording Only Sparrows.
“Half way through I lost sight a bit because everything in my life was changing,” Pyke told the Independent.
“I was trying to write songs I loved and felt strongly about but didn’t know whether they’d get radio play.
“I had to really reflect on what I wanted to do as a musician and realised it’s not about being on the radio, it’s about staying true and writing what I love.
“I feel like I’ve matured as a person and a song writer in this album and this is reflected lyrically.”
Pyke said touring remained the highlight of his career as a full-time musician.
“I heard Tim Freedmen refer to touring once as enforced leisure time and it’s exactly that,” he laughed.
“Playing live is one time when you can appreciate what you’ve got. I’m thankful and fortunate that the shows are selling really well.”
Pyke, juggling his music with first-time fatherhood, said he remained humble despite the fame and fortune that rocked his world.
He still recalled the moment fans first sang back his lyrics.
“The first time it happened was a few years ago after Middle of the Hill came out and I was playing Sydney Big Day Out. As I played that song everyone began singing along and I was blown away.
“My career really kicked off from there.”
After a year-long sabbatical, Pyke said he hoped to feel the same achievement when performing in Geelong then at the region’s fastest-selling music festival in December.
“I’m really looking forward to Falls Festival. I did it three years ago and had a blast.
“That’s how I met Katie Steele and I’ve since got her to record with me on this latest album.”
Josh Pyke will perform at Bended Elbow on September 17 before Lorne’s Falls Festival in December.
