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Experimental Folk Singer Joshua Burnside Picks Five Albums which Changed His Life

Experimental folk singer Joshua Burnside takes us back to the five albums which changed his life. Read his choices here.

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After the time spent touring his award-winning debut album Ephrata around the UK and Ireland, experimental folk singer Joshua Burnside returned home to experiment in his studio. Joshua used post-punk and electronic recording methods to push the boundaries of his beloved folk music and make a sound unique to the 21st century, one that echos the uncertainty and humanity of the times on his newest record Into The Depths Of Hell. Lauded by critics and fans alike, Into The Depths Of Hell was released in September 2020.

In November, Joshua will be taking to the road to promote the record playing six dates which kick off on November 24th in Newcastle. The folk singer spoke to us recently to tell us about five albums that changed his life.

1. The Books – The Lemon of Pink (2003, Tomlab)

“This album changed what I thought music could be. The way it’s produced, cut up and arranged was so unconventional to me at the time, and so inspiring. I love everything Nick Zammuto has done but this album was the first thing that drew me in.”

2. The Gloaming – The Gloaming (2014, Real World Records)

“This is really the album that made me want to learn the fiddle. The Gloaming are a dream team band, and every element compliments the other. The first time I heard ‘Allistrum’s March’, it was like hearing Irish Traditional music with new ears. It actually felt like some mystical force was in my soul was being stirred awake.”

3. Joanna Newsom – Ys (2006, Drag City)

“All of my favourite music is tied up with the strongest and often fondest memories. Context is everything really. I first heard Joanna Newsom in a record shop in Sterling, whilst visiting my sister. The memory of travelling back to Manchester on the train, listening to this album with the rolling hills and heathered mountains on either side, that will stay with me forever.”

4. Paul Simon – The Rhythm of the Saints (1990, Warner Bros)

“I had this on cassette in my first car. I must have listened to it over a thousand times. I love the sound of it, the use of space, reverb, the textures, and of course the rhythms. I love all of Paul Simon’s albums but for some reason this one has an undefinable magic to it that I can’t quite explain. It belongs so perfectly to the time it was created, and makes me feel nostalgic for that time, even though I was only two years old when it was released. ‘ The Obvious Child’ has to be up there with one of the best pieces of song-writing ever.”

5. Nick Drake – Pink Moon (1972, Island Records)

“I discovered Nick Drake when I was at university, and this album helped me get through some difficult times. He has such kind and soft presence. With this album especially, it feels like it’s just you Nick in a room, and you’re both working out something together. Or that’s how it feels to me anyway.”

Upcoming Tour Dates:

11/24 – Think Tank, Newcastle
11/25 – Nice ’N’ Sleazy, Glasgow
11/26 – The Grand, Clitheroe
11/27 – The Met, Bury
11/28 – Jimmy’s, Liverpool
11/29 – Pin Ups, London

Artwork for ‘Into The Depths of Hell’ by Joshua Burnside

I have an unhealthy obsession with bad horror movies, the song Wanted Dead Or Alive and crap British game shows. I do this not because of the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll lifestyle it affords me but more because it gives me an excuse to listen to bands that sound like hippos mating.

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