INTERVIEW: JOSHUA HYSLOP

Joshua Hyslop is an up and coming singer-songwriter based out of Abbotsford, BC who has gained our attention here at SCENE IN THE DARK due to his wonderful folksy style and soothing voice. With the release of his first EP, Cold Wind, he has already been compared to such artists as Iron and Wine, Damien Rice, Ryan Adams, and Sufjan Stevens. He was able to answer some of our questions even amongst his busy schedule (this guy is getting married in a few days!)

SCENE (Arabelle Lim): You must be excited about the recent release of your EP (Cold Wind). How long did it take you to make it and what did you learn along the way to making your first record? Is there anything you would do differently for your next one?

Joshua Hyslop: I don’t know if I can fully explain how excited I am to have my own album out. It’s an incredible feeling and I couldn’t be happier or more thankful, but at the same time it can be a bit nerve-wracking. When you realize that more than just your family and friends are listening to this one you can feel a bit more pressure. I started recording Cold Wind last year around January. My producer and I worked really hard on it for about three months. I wrote some of the songs on the album while we were recording, so we were constantly revising the overall theme of the album. I went traveling in April 2010 for four and a half months to India and South East Asia, so we put everything on hold and finished it when I got home. This was my first studio album so I learned a lot about the process of making a record as well as what it feels like to be in an actual studio. Other than leaving in the middle of recording for 4 1/2 months, I don’t think I’d change too much about my process. I really loved recording and I can’t wait to get back in the studio!

SCENE: You’re based in Abbotsford and are signed to Nettwerk, a record label that has managed artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Avril Lavigne, and Sum 41. Was it difficult finding a label or did you know right away that you wanted to go with Nettwerk?

Joshua: I’m really humbled to be on Nettwerk’s label. I never thought that I

would actually get to be so involved with music in my life. When you’re not signed it can feel impossible to attract attention from any label. There are so many great musicians out there, it can feel a bit like being a small fish in the ocean. I never really approached my music or my shows with the idea that I would get signed. I never researched labels or sent in demos or anything like that. I just love to play. So when Nettwerk approached me I actually had to google them to find out who they were and what they are about, and then I was blown away. Since I’ve signed with them it has been amazing. I can’t imagine being on a different label. They’re like family now.

SCENE: You’ve been compared to Iron and Wine, Damien Rice, and Sufjan Stevens. Is there any artist who has influenced you the most? Who is your favourite band or artist at the moment?

Joshua: I’ve been quite influenced by each of those artists as well as Ryan

Adams, Ray Lamontagne, William Fitzsimmons, Jordan West, Paul Simon, and many others. My favorite artist at the moment is probably Bon Iver. I’ve been a massive fan of his since ‘For Emma’, and I just got the new album and it’s incredible. Plus I saw an interview with him where he talks about his studio, april base and that was rad! He’s really an inspiring musician.

SCENE: You have a great voice. Did you ever take music lessons as a child? Can you tell us how you started your career in music?

Joshua: Thank you! No, I never took music lessons. I mean, we had a music class in my elementary school where I got to play the xylophone a lot, and one of my moms friends from her church taught me piano lessons out of one of those old school books for a year or two, but nothing really legitimate. I learned mostly by ear. I started playing guitar when I was 15-16 and got hooked and would play everyday for like 6 to 9 hours. In the last year or so I’ve started experimenting with banjo and mandolin as well as piano. I just love music. I’ve been playing shows locally for about 8 years but I’ve only played Vancouver a handful of times.

SCENE: Do you have any tour dates lined up? Are you going to be playing any shows in Vancouver that our readers can check out?

Joshua: I’m actually getting married in 9 days, so that’s mostly what’s on my mind these days. I know we’re putting together some dates for September-November which will definitely include Vancouver. You can find me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/joshuahyslop. I’ll be posting all live dates up there.

SCENE: What are your plans for the future?

Joshua: My plans for the future are basically to take each day as it comes. I’ll be writing, recording and touring like mad, which is awesome. I plan to keep on doing that for as long as I have something to sing about. I don’t want to repeat myself or become stale, so as long as it’s inspired and fresh I want to keep playing and recording.

Thanks for the interview, Joshua! Congratulations on your upcoming marriage and good luck with your musical endeavors. We can’t wait to see you perform in Vancouver!