Josh Dance might be a familiar face and after busking and performing around Geelong and surrounds for around 10 years now, chances are that’s why. We had a chat with the bluesy rocker ahead of his performance at Saints & Sailors in Portarlington.
Hi Josh, thanks for taking the time out to chat with Forte, how are you and what are you up to right now?
Hi guys, I’m doing pretty well thanks. I’ve just moved house andI feel very happy with the move, though my dog Jeffrey doesn’t. He misses his neighbours and is actually a bit depressed, do they make anti depressants for dogs I wonder?
I know you’ve been playing around Geelong and Victoria for around 10 years now, what’s been the most memorable gig for you over the decade?
I played the Espy front bar a couple of years ago with a three-piece band I had and that was great. Really good sound and ambience.
You also do a little bit of busking, what is it that you love about performing on the street? And do you think it’s important for all musicians to have a try at busking?
Busking can be great fun, but it can be pretty demoralising too! I only busk if the sun is out, and it’s the weekend. I really enjoy the cross section of people, from tiny tots to old codgers and everyone inbetween. Busking is going to work for some musicians and not others, but I find it a fairly interesting experience.
Many will probably think your name is a stage name, but it’s actually not, did you grow up in a musical household? Was music the obvious career path for you?
Both my parents are lovers of music, real music appreciators, though neither played musical instruments. I reckon my dad’s got a really good voice, and would’ve made a good frontman playing in a blues band. I’ve told him that too. I started playing violin at nine, but wished it was a guitar. Then I was given my first guitar at age 12.
I always wanted music to be my profession, and to make a living from it, I still do.
What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a musician?
If I wasn’t a musician I’d probably be a tram driver. Or a psychologist. One or the other. Hang on…maybe I’d be a crime fiction writer in the style of Peter Temple.
You’ve got a few shows coming up at Saints & Sailors, what’s the venue and crowd like down there?
Saints and Sailors is a great venue in Portarlington. For some reason (I don’t know why) it reminds me of a the kind of funky bar/restaurant that they might have in Austin Texas. The people who run it are ace, and they support and encourage local musicians and music. They’re open minded folks, the best kind, in my mind. Nat Depalma is gonna help out on drums – if we ever get a chance to practice that is. Nat’s a very busy man, too busy if you ask me. Chill out Nat!
Is there another release on the horizon?
I’ve been writing a few songs lately, so releasing something again soon would be good. Maybe not something as quiet and low key as the last one either. A bit more rock n roll man.
Thanks again for taking the time out, is there anything you’d like to add before we finish up?
Please check out my website joshdance.com.au for any more info. Also come along to my Saints and Sailors gigs for some funky, folky, bluesy and rocky tunes.
When&Where: Saints & Sailors, Portarlington – December 21