Interview: Josh Pyke

By Lisa Dib
Interview with Singer / Songwriter Josh Pyke

Josh Pyke loves his 'art'

"I was reading a lot of nautical books, whaling in the 18th century, East of Eden, On The Road, Henry Miller. I like the sense of exploring language, it really inspires me to push my imagery".

Let's face it, Josh Pyke is a regular feast for the creative mind...

You may know Josh Pyke as the beard behind such songs as Middle of the Hill, Memories and Dust, Private Education and Fed and Watered.

Or you may know him better as the ARIA-award winning singer/songwriter who has been warming the collective heart of all Australians.

Josh waxes lyrical about the creation of the record while promoting his difficult second album (also known as 'The Ricky Gervais Syndrome') "Chimneys Afire". Though Pyke fans might find the 'difficult' tag somewhat hard to accept, as the album has been widely accepted as Josh Pyke atypical work of high regard.

"It came from an organic place, from my own experience. I can't just make shit up and write about it. I was writing a lot on the road, writing seemed to be easier when I was emotionally fraught, tired or super happy or homesick, or lonely". 

"Emotional fragility is really helpful; all these songs are written from the road. They are mostly from my actual life, but I read a lot, and I can reflect on what books I'd read".

With The Lighthouse Tour done and dusted, what is Josh's aim when conducting a live show, considering the close-knit nature of his music?

"It has always been about the lyrics. I like to bring intimate feelings and intimacy on a large scale to the shows".

As a musician, do you go to see any bands? Who d'ya like then?

"I do get to see a fair few bands; I love Dappled Cities, Augie March, Whitley and Jackson McLaren - I took him on the road with me...".

A question that is so often posed but does indeed need to be addressed is the issue of the Internet. Or, more specifically, its impact on both the physical CD market and the live music scene.

Josh's retort to my seemingly innocuous query lends a new murk to the conversation...

"In some ways I think the net is partially responsible. MySpace is alright, if you like them you can go to the show. It would break my heart if people started downloading my music for free; it's disrespectful to my effort".

"I figure with technology you kinda have to jump on the train or you will suffer, though. I do worry that people expecting to get entertainment for free will somewhat devalue art".

Having been in bands since he was twelve and having such a deep regard for his art, I can see where the man is coming from.

"Chimneys Afire" is out now.