Joshua Hyslop: Tour Tales
Joshua Hyslop is getting up close and personal as he takes his latest record on the road.
Joshua Hyslop’s last words are sung and the guitar gently rings out from the song “Wish You Well”. Not on the stereo, but in person, in your living room with twenty of your friends, hanging out, and really getting to know this talented singer/songwriter.
I think I�m always writing songs whether I know it or not
Nettwerk recording artist Joshua Hyslop has hit the road early this spring in support of his full-length debut album Where The Mountain Meets The Valley. His cross Canada ‘house tour’, Cold Roads, Warm Homes is providing a unique opportunity for him to reach out personally to fans, old and new.
Joshua explains. “I wanted to find a way to connect with people on a more personal level, than you traditionally find when you see a band at a venue. There’s always a bit of a disconnect when you go to a show. On this tour, we’re playing in peoples’ homes, having dinner with them, sleeping over, and hanging out. It’s been a bit of an experiment but I think we’re genuinely connecting with people which was the goal.”
Travel is a source of inspiration for Joshua, whether it’s an exotic location, a metropolis like Montreal or a small town in Alberta. He’s a solitary songwriter, and tries not to over think it. “It’s almost like trying to catch yourself off guard, or disarm yourself”, says Joshua. “Traveling is a great way to catch yourself off guard, at your most vulnerable.” While the current tour hasn’t provided as much time to be actively writing, as different families host him each night, he is never far from the words. “I think I’m always writing songs whether I know it or not. A word, phrase or a feeling that sticks with you may crop up on the page later on.”
What kind of song could be written from the feelings and experiences Joshua has found so far on the Cold Road, Warm Homes tour? When asked to share a tour story Joshua says, “Sure, but I won’t use names. All I’ll say is, there was a 10ft high bon fire, late night forest snowmobiling, ditch 4x4’ing, and there might have been a light brush with the police - nothing too heavy though. It was a hilarious and amazing night.”
For Joshua Hyslop, headlining his own tour has been great. “I don’t really know how to describe it other than to say it’s humbling,” he says. “Knowing that people paid to come to the show, and are taking time out of their day to come and see you, carries a certain amount of responsibility with it. It’s been wonderful and I’ve loved it.”
For more information www.joshuahyslop.com
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