Josh Taerk

When we last spoke with Pop-Culturalist fave Josh Taerk, he had just released Beautiful Tragedy. It was one of the best albums of the year, highlighting Josh’s growth as an artist and songwriter, and marked a new chapter in his career.

Since then, he’s taken the title track off Beautiful Tragedy on an impressive radio tour, finding himself sharing the charts with artists including Ariana Grande, Post Malone, and Dua Lipa. It’s everything that Josh has worked and hoped for.

Pop-Culturalist caught up with Josh to discuss this incredible milestone.

P-C: What have you been up to since we last spoke?
Josh: We went back to the U.K. in October and released Beautiful Tragedy over there. The title song instantly got put into 100+ radio stations’ playlists across the country, which was amazing. We played shows in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and a few shows in London as well to release the album. Those shows were incredible. I always love going back over to the U.K.; that’s where I got my start like nine years ago, so it’s always had a special place in my heart.

Then, we got back to the U.S. and I started touring around New York state at the end of October through the beginning of November. We did a bunch of university shows and club gigs and it was so much fun. We introduced the U.S. to the new album, Beautiful Tragedy, the new sound, and the response that we got for this record was phenomenal. People really seemed to like these songs live.

After that, we took it to the Midwest later in November: we toured through Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, and ended in Ohio, which was an amazing experience—played a big show for Ohio State. Then, we started the Top 40 campaign in the beginning of January and played a whole bunch of tour dates in California to kick off the Top 40 release.

P-C: You’re promoting “Beautiful Tragedy”, the single, right now. What was the inspiration behind that song?
Josh: It was actually really funny the way it came about. I had just gotten back from a gig in London and it was like two in the morning. I got back to my hotel room, and I was thinking to myself, “Okay, I’m really tired. I’m going to jump in the shower and go to bed. I’m done for the night.” Just as I’m about to do so, for some reason, the line comes into my head, “These days I leave the light on when I go to sleep, thinking maybe we’ll come back to what we could have been.” I stopped, and I went, “I need to write this down.” As I started writing, more lines started to come to me. The bulk of the song really took shape in that hotel room in London.

I brought the lyrics back to my two brothers, Ryan and Matt, in Toronto, and said, “Look, I’ve got this song. Let’s work on it. Let’s make this something.” The story came about thinking of love in a different way. You know there are a lot of songs out there about people that fall in love or people that are in love with each other. This one started to take shape around the idea of two people loving each other but realizing that they’re not meant to be together. It was a really cool song to write because it had a very different spin on it for me, as far as love songs go. I love the contrast of it: these heart-wrenching lyrics with this really upbeat, uptempo sound.

It was really cool: we got to record the bulk of the song in Nashville, TN at the Sound Emporium down there. Then, we brought the stuff back here so that we could record vocals and harmonies at the Orange Lounge in Toronto, which is an incredible studio in my hometown.

P-C: You’ve also released a creative, out-of-the-box lyric video for the single. How did you come up with that concept?
Josh: I really wanted to do something different with this video. I knew I didn’t want to just make another conventional performance video, I wanted to do something really creative with this. I started to think about all the tech that I use, social media, and the love-hate relationship that I have with all of that stuff. When it’s working, it’s great, but when technology isn’t working, it’s not the most fun thing in the world.

I thought more about it and I started to laugh. I went, “This could be a really cool video”—taking that experience that everybody has on a daily basis, using all of the stuff that they use, and turning it into a music/lyric video. I brainstormed all these different things that we could do with all of the different apps and websites.

Afterwards, I got in touch with a director in Nashville named Josh Lockhart and the two of us clicked instantly on the idea. He had the same sense of humor and the same kind of approach to all of these things that I did. It was amazing working on this video because it turned out really funny and refreshing. He was a pleasure to work with. Josh is a phenomenal director and was able to take the ideas that I was presenting him and build on them to turn them into exactly what we had envisioned when we were talking about it.

P-C: “Beautiful Tragedy” is making its way around the radio tour. It’s picking up momentum there and also on the charts. What has that been like for you and have you seen your fan base grow as a result?
Josh: It’s been amazing. My dream, first and foremost, is to reach as many people as I can with my stories and music, and the radio campaign has been a phenomenal way to do that. Ever since we actually started to appear in the Top 100, we found that there was a really great response on social media and Spotify; there were a lot more streams coming in, there were a lot more fans that were engaging with it.

Of course, the fans that have been with me forever were also a part of that, I love them dearly for it. They all were really excited. It was cool to see because they’ve been a part of this since the beginning. I say all the time that without fans coming to the shows, streaming the music, watching the videos online, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do what I love to do.

I can’t even describe the feeling as an artist to see my song and name among the likes of Ariana Grande, Post Malone, and Dua Lipa—they’re absolutely crushing the game right now. It’s been surreal, and the song’s still climbing! I’m really grateful that this passion that I have and the stories that I believe in are connecting with people in this incredible way.

P-C: Like you just said, seeing your name on the charts and hearing your songs on the radio have been huge milestones. As you look ahead, what are some of the other career aspirations you have?
Josh: I’m always looking to reach more people with my music. As I said before, this campaign has been an incredible way to reach new audiences, to reach new states where my music hadn’t necessarily been played in the same way before. It’s provided amazing opportunities to reach out to different venues and create touring opportunities. It’s also been a phenomenal networking opportunity, just talking to different artists and people in the industry. I’m looking at this campaign as the next step. This is just one of those things that’s going to allow me to continue doing what I love to do and to continue doing it on a much bigger scale. I’m really excited for all the opportunities that are developing because of this campaign and I’m looking forward to taking them all as far as they’ll go.

P-C: What does the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Josh: A lot of touring! I love being on the road. I’m constantly working on tour dates, playing shows, and there will definitely be new music at some point. I see living life and being on the road as the precursor to the songs and stories that I tell. The music that I write is very personal to me; it’s about experiences that I’ve gone through or that people very close to me have gone through. In my mind, you can’t write about experiences if you don’t live life. The road is an amazing opportunity for me to present stuff to my fans, see their reactions to the new songs, and try things in different ways. You inevitably collect stories and experiences when you’re on the road that make you see life differently. It gives you other perspectives on things that you never would have thought of before. Those are some of the greatest places that songs can come from.

Make sure to follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up Beautiful Tragedy on iTunes, Amazon Music, or stream it on Spotify. - Pop-Culturalist

‘Beautiful Tragedy’, out September 28, is the third release from Canadian singer songwriter Josh Taerk, and comes three years since his last album, the critically acclaimed ‘Here’s To Change’.

The eight track album contains the excellent singles, ‘Learning To Let Go’, and ‘Anywhere Love Took Us’, both of which featured on his EP, ‘Stages’, and the title track ‘Beautiful Tragedy’. It’s a hard rocking album with a Springsteen vibe but is nonetheless filled with tenderness and compassion. Taerk is a gentle man in every sense of the word, as anyone who’s met him or seen his posts on social media can attest – but when he’s behind the mic and strapped into his guitar, he gives it all he’s got with passion and soul.

Josh isn’t just the voice on this album, nor is he just the songwriter, but he’s also played a part in the production as well, co-producing with Teddy Morgan, best known for his work with Kevin Costner and Modern West, and Carl Broemel. The bones of the album were put down at Sound Emporium in Nashville, while the overall production was finished up at The Orange Lounge, back in Toronto. Speaking of the opportunity to work with Morgan, Taerk said,

“Co-producing with Teddy has helped me get to the root of what I love about the music that has inspired me. On this record we were able to blend the melodies and hooks of pop music, the energy and grit of rock and country, as well as the personal and emotional story telling of singer-songwriters.”

The album covers a vast array of emotions, from love and loss, good times and bad times, stories of happiness and tragedy. Taerk’s passion pours into his lyrics, they’re heartfelt and complex, and it’s this which makes it difficult to choose a favourite song on the album. Currently however, we’re enjoying ‘Beauty Queen’, which tells the story of what goes on in the life of a girl who’s going through life fulfilling the dreams of her mother and others; she’s not committed to it all and can’t wait to skip town as soon as she can – but in the meantime she’s going through the motions of it all and doing what she has to.

On the surface, the tracks seem to have a certain friendly familiarity about them, but lyrically there’s a darkness. The afore-mentioned ‘Beauty Queen’ is tragic in the sense that we don’t quite know what will happen next: will the girl be able to escape from the small town expectations put on her, and make a success of her life, or will she acquiesce, marry the captain of the football team, and accept her lot in life.

‘Jekyll Or Hyde’ is similarly tragic, the tale of two childhood friends, almost like brothers, whose lives took wildly different turns – “same coin two different sides/through the choices we make our future takes shape/when you see yourself what lies behind your eyes/Jekyll Or Hyde”. It’s a sobering story and a cautionary tale about being sure to make the right life decisions.

The title of the album was based on Josh’s ability to write a diverse mix of lyrics. He says the nature of his writing forms an allegory of how he sees life:

“I chose the title because I liked the contradiction. I’ve never fit into just one category, I’m influenced and inspired by a lot of different elements that sometimes seem completely opposite, and that’s what makes me, me.”

The album is indeed a very personal journey, it’s Josh taking every day as it comes. Final track, ‘Learning To Let Go’, released as a single, can be taken as a life guide on how not to take life too seriously, to know this is the only life we have, and we need to realise that it’s important to take it all in, and enjoy ourselves, and that “all we can control/is learning to let go”. Back in January I had the opportunity to speak to Josh, and I asked him, how do we learn to let go:

“See I never quite figured that out! That’s why the song’s called *Learning* to let go! It’s an ongoing process. It was a really full moment when I wrote that song, I was with my producer Teddy Morgan, in Nashville, at the time that was the first song we’d ever written, we’d just been working on ‘Here’s To Change’, we’d finished coming off the road with that record, and we wanted to do something together, so we got into the studio and we just started talking about life, and it’s one of those really cool moments where we were both in the same place mentally and emotionally, and we started talking about the idea of letting go of having to control the outcome and knowing what’s going to come next, and just live in the possibilty of right now.”

‘Beautiful Tragedy’ is out this Friday, 28 September. You can find Josh and his music online on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and his official website. - Essentially Pop

Josh Taerk returns with a new album his first since 2015′s ‘Here’s To Change’, although four of the songs on here were on last year’s ‘Stages’ EP. Teddy Morgan (Kevin Costner and Modern West, Carl Broemel) produces again, with Josh co-producing on three songs. It is a bit of a family affair at times with Ryan and Matt Taerk contributing backing vocals.

Opening with the catchy refrain of the title track, the eight songs on here are amongst his best work to date. For gentler, reflective tunes look no further than ‘Anywhere Love Took Us’ or ‘After The Fall’ – a song that is made for a film soundtrack, particularly with the strings backing and big production sound. Speaking of production, the musicianship on here is top draw, be it the organ and drums on ‘Beauty Queen’ or the sublime guitar solo on the country flavoured ’Neverland’.

‘Midnight Mustang’ shows off the rockier end of his work, as Josh himself says ‘I’ve never fit into just one category, I’m influenced and inspired by a lot of different elements’. That is one good selling point if you like that he doesn’t stick to one style or genre of music.

Josh Taerk successfully melds a memorable melody for those who love a great hook, along with thought provoking lyrics for those who like a little substance to their musical listening.

On this album Josh carries on honing his songwriting craft and deserves to gain wider recognition with this release, damn near perfect pop/rock meets country. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

We asked Josh a few questions about the album, touring the UK and more…

Could you take us through the songs on your new album ‘Beautiful Tragedy’ – story behind the songs, recording process etc.

The recording process of the album was really exciting, because it felt like I’d come full circle with my music. I co-produced the album with my friend Teddy Morgan at The Sound Emporium Studio B and Barrio East studios in Nashville TN. I then took the tracks back to my hometown of Toronto where we finished the record and recorded vocals at The Orange Lounge. It was really cool taking this album back to my hometown from Nashville. It was like bringing everything that I had become back to where it all began.

“Beautiful Tragedy,” is a story about two people who, no matter how hard they try to make it work, realize that they just aren’t meant to be together. I started writing this song after a show in London England. I got back to my hotel around 2 am, and just as I was about to go to sleep the first two lines flew into my mind. I spent the next hour or so writing the song and then brought it back home to work on the arrangement with my brothers Ryan and Matt a couple days after the tour.

“Neverland,” is about love. Love is addictive. It’s intoxicating, it’s ecstasy. Love is surrender, it’s bliss, it’s the closest thing to heaven we’ll ever experience in this life, the highest high you will ever feel, and takes you places you’ve never even dreamed were possible. I got to write this song in Nashville with my friends Teddy Morgan and Jack Williams. I had only herd stories of Jack from Teddy before this writing session, and Teddy and I were catching up after being on the road for a bit while we were waiting for Jack to get there. Suddenly, the energy in the room changed and before I knew what was going on this tall, slim, silhouette filled the doorway. Then this deep, gravely, low southern rasp came out of this figure now stepping into the light. Jack said, “You must be Josh, heard a lot about you man. I’ve been listening to your songs and I like em’ In fact, I got the perfect title for a new one. How about, You’re my Neverland.” How could I argue with that?

I wrote “Midnight Mustang,” in Denver Colorado. I was visiting a buddy of mine and he invited me to see Kings of Leon play The Red Rocks. One thing led to another and we ended up running into Nathan Followill (Kings Drummer) before the show. We hung out with him for a bit, super nice guy, and then headed to the show. That night, a huge rain storm came through Denver, the temperatures dropped to just about freezing, and Kings came out and played one of the best shows I’ve seen them play. After the show my buddies Matt, Raph and I, still so energized from the show, hung out well into the morning and pretty soon it was time for me to catch my flight. I hopped in the Uber reliving the excitement and energy of the night before. We pulled into the airport and there was this huge statue I had never seen before right as you entered the airport. It was a Mustang, powerfully rearing up as if to say, “try and soften my edges, try and tame me. I dare you.” The statue was painted midnight blue.

“After The Fall,” was the first co-write between my brother Ryan and I. Sometimes things come to an end and endings can be scary, but sometimes things end so that new things can begin.

I came up with the idea for “Beauty Queen” while my little sister was finishing her last year of high school. Just watching her and her friends navigate the giant social experiment that is high school inspired me to write a story about true beauty. This was one of the tracks I took back to The Orange Lounge in Toronto with my brothers. We literally got into the vocal booth and started trying stuff, having fun and experimenting. I still can’t help but smile when I hear those vocal tracks come on.

Jekyll or Hyde is more of a question than an answer to what I was thinking about when I wrote this song with my brother Ryan. How do we become who we are? Are we born a certain way and stuck like that for life, or do we become who we are through the choices we make?

I co-wrote “Learning To Let Go” with Teddy Morgan and it was the first song we wrote together. Every time you write with someone new, you can’t help but wonder how it’s going to go. Are your styles going to click or clash, are you going to be able to be free and create something awesome with this person? When Teddy started playing the opening riff for “Learning To Let Go,” I immediately thought of that first line, “sometimes in life you reach a point of things will never be the same.” That’s when I knew we were going to be just fine.

You co-produced a few songs on here with Teddy Morgan. Is this your first time at producing and would you be interested in producing other artists if the opportunity arose?

I actually co-produced a Christmas Single back in 2016 and loved being behind the board. This was the first time I co-produced one of my own songs, and it was such an amazing feeling.

What I love about writing songs is the freedom it gives me to find creative ways to talk about the experiences I’ve had, things I’m feeling or things people around me are going through. Producing to me is a natural extension of that creativity. The way a song sounds, the instruments used, when certain things come in or get louder or fade into the mix; all of that adds to how the story gets told and received. I loved being a part of bringing my stories to life, from start to finish, and would jump at the chance to be able to help other artists bring their stories and visions of their songs to life.

You have been playing in UK quite regularly of late. Have you seen more interest in your music and more people at your shows?

I have and I’m so grateful for it not only because more people are coming out to my shows, but also because, to me, it means that my music is reaching and speaking to more and more people. That’s why I write and why I love performing, I love connecting with people.

What have you got planned live wise for the rest of the year and into early 2019?

The rest of 2018 was awesome because it was full of a lot of touring. I played shows through New York State at the beginning of November and then capped off the year by touring through Michigan, Illinois and Ohio before the holidays.

2019 is already a big year for me because my song “Beautiful Tragedy” is going to Pop Radio in The U.S. January 14th. I’m also playing a bunch of shows in Los Angeles California starting January 22nd and have been invited to the NAMM conference starting the 24th of January.

How has the music scene changed for an artist like yourself in the past few years? Does streaming/downloads help your music get known more? Do you still rely on live shows and CD sales to fund new recording/music?

I think the ways to get your music heard have definitely changed and grown over the past few years, and I think that streaming is a massive part of how artists get discovered now. CD’s are still pretty important but more so as a memory of the concert than as a way to listen to the music itself. I find I sell tons of CD’s at my shows along with other merch items.

I don’t think the core of music has changed all that much though. The business is still built on following your dreams, doing what it takes to make your dreams come true, and being true to the kind of person you are and the stories you want to tell. That part of this business will hopefully never change.

Message for your fans…

I love you all so much! Your messages, comments, seeing you singing my lyrics back to me from the stage; you’re the reason I keep doing what I do, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with you. - Get Ready To Rock!

Trying to relive the memories of the rock 'n' roll music of his youth, Canadian-raised musician Josh Taerk, was raised on some of the best classic rock musicians to live his quest. Storytellers like musicians Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Bob Dylan and the late Tom Petty are definitely worth trying to emulate. Springsteen's own drummer, Max Weinberg, took note of Taerk's performance when he was playing a local venue in his hometown of Toronto.

Taerk has had many incredible music opportunities with renowned and popular musicians. These include touring with Robin Trower of Procol Harum, Kevin Costner & Modern West, and several headlining shows in his hometown. He was praised by critics and fans as a Top 5 Live Act in 2015, and has heard his music played in rotation on radio in the UK and internationally.

Weinberg, Springsteen's drummer, invited him on-stage to play with him onstage to pay tribute to the late Clarence Clemons at Summerfest, as noted in a recent bio. Due to his indelible talent, Taerk has been invited to play on-stage by other notable musicians like John Oates of the famed Hall & Oates, and others.

Taerk is soon-to-please again with his new EP Stages, out today. AXS is streaming the EP in its entirety, and when asked what the EP means to him, he says that "I picked the name Stages for this EP because of the different stages of my writing, the different stages of my career, the stages I get to play on night after night, and the many stages of my life so far. All of these different stages have contributed to who I am and have shaped the songs I write.” - AXS

Listen to "Rock N' Roll" here: https://soundcloud.com/joshtaerk/rock-n-roll-on/s-uL5q8Josh Taerk’s new single is an upbeat track dressed in classic rock and country influences. The soaring guitars and pumping kick drum makes anybody want to drive their car with their windows rolled down.

Josh Taerk has a young heart and an old soul. We love how he showcases his old-school inspirations - Bruce Springsteen anyone? This single is the delightful manifestation of working with musical legends like Max Weinberg and John Oates throughout the years. We can’t wait to hear what’s next for Josh Taerk. - Paste Magazine

From the moment the electric guitar comes in with its melodic hook, you’ll be hooked on “Rock N Roll On” by country-rock singer, Josh Taerk. Josh’s passion for music is amplified whenever he gets to play for an audience. Distinguished by his live performances, Josh’s goal has been to capture the energy and excitement of a live show into his recorded music.

Every lyric that Josh sings feels authentic, like he’s in the room with you. With a catchy blend of country and classic rock, this single is bound to be stuck in your head. “Rock N Roll On” wouldn’t be what it is without Josh’s incredible connection with John Oates. Because of Josh’s performance abilities, he was selected to play the 7908 John Oates Aspen Songwriters Festival, where Oates became his mentor. It’s easy to see that Josh Taerk is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to performing on stage, and he flawlessly converted his natural ability into his newest recorded single, “Rock N Roll On”. - No Depression

If you don’t know singer/songwriter Josh Taerk, you need to. This 25-year-old rising star has caught the attention of industry veterans from Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famers John Oates to Max Weinberg, the drummer for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Oates has taken the Canadian-native under his wing and connected him with producer, Teddy Morgan. Together, Taerk and Morgan hit the studio in Nashville to work on Josh’s album, which is out now.

He has toured in Canada, the UK, where he has gained a big following and here in the States. In fact, he will tour parts of the Midwest and Tennessee the remainder of the summer.

When looking to categorize Josh’s music, he truly isn’t confined to one genre. Between his creative songwriting abilities and his unique sound, Josh is carving out his own success in the music industry. Check out the EXCLUSIVE video premiere for Josh’s song “Take A Chance With Me” below: https://youtu.be/NMkepfjAGBw - We Run The Underground

History is a point in time, in which something happens to make it have a point so important it makes a mark. That is precisely what happened with Josh Taerk, a singer and songwriter that has had what he calls an amazing history. He’s been playing local venues in and around Toronto for some time, but one particular time when Bruce Springsteen’s drummer Max Weinberg had seen him play everything changed. Max went on to invite Josh to open for him at his sold out showcase in New Jersey.

Besides that he asked him to play onstage with him playing and paying a tribute to the late Clarence Clemons at the Summerfest. Max was so impressed by Josh’s creativity and music craftsmanship if you could not already tell. After those events had taken place, Josh was selected to play the 7908 John Oates Aspen Songwriters Festival, he would there met John Oates, another great mentor and now friend. But it did not end there Josh and John Oates would work together, as John would do recording of backup vocals for Josh’s album and connect him with a producer by the name of Teddy Morgan. So all was going quite well for Josh Taerk.This past year Josh would go on to play shows along with touring across the U.S. where his last single “Anywhere Love Took Us” charted the Hot AC Commercial Radio charts. Whilst on tour Josh and his band would go on to open up for blues guitarist Robin Trower of Procol Harum, Kevin Costner & Modern West, Jon McLaughlin, Austin Jones amongst others. Having played shows going from coast to coast, Josh and his band even headlined a show in his own hometown of Toronto this past March in the spring time.

But what is Josh Taerk up to as of now, well aside from the last single, he has gone on to write and record more music releasing a new single called “Your Song” which had an accompanying video to go with it. “Your Song” is an acoustic track, a cover song originally sung by Rita Ora, that has been taken from the single and made into a video, a simple one at that though. It showcases Josh performing on his acoustic guitar, singing the song, just doing a performance piece really throughout the video. The setting is not a stage set up for what appears to be a basement setting of a house hold. So Josh keeping things in a simple setting, maybe even his own living space like his child hood home perhaps.

In any case though, he is performing this particular track loud and proud. The song of course like many involves details about a love life he had experienced. Like many artists and bands, among real life individuals experience from time to time every now and again. The song expressing his feelings towards this girl. Him wanting to hear love songs, not sad or mad songs. He just wants to sing her song, thinking about falling for her, being in love with this person. So much that she means that much to him. It becomes very meaningful and relatable as you listen closely to the lyrics. The melody of the track just keeping that same steady beat, that keeps it catchy yet pleasing to the ear.

Josh’s vocalization work is well rounded, you can understand what he sings and says with his work. He has a soothing voice with such capturing melodies that his voice embraces everything coming out of his heart, mind, and soul. He is one person that is going places, with this track or his previous works, he is able to take what happens for real, making it happen in real time, in the form of his music.

Surely fans of Josh, will hear a resemblance to that of John Mayor, Gavin DeGraw, or Ed Sheeran. Josh is that pop rock icon, to become truly ironic, his works of art that is his music. He has got style, craft, and true art that shows off what he can really do with his emotions and words.

https://www.facebook.com/joshtaerk

By: Natalie Perez - Skope

Eric Alper interviews Josh Taerk on That Eric Alper Show, Siriusxm Canada Talks - August 20th 2016 - Siriusxm Canada Talks - That Eric Alper Show

Josh Taerk is back with latest single "Learning to Let Go." The follow up to his recent endeavor "Rock n' Roll On," the piece drives the classic Josh Taerk sound home. Taerk comes with quite an interesting story in hand. While playing in Toronto clubs, he met Bruce Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg, who asked Taerk to open for him on select dates. Throughout his budding career, Taerk has been playing music on his own terms, even enlisting friend and mentor John Oates to sing back-up vocals on his record. Impressive to tsay the least! Josh Taerk is a breath of fresh air on the music scene, as his prominent voice and charismatic instrumentation take the song to a whole new level. Give a listen to "Learning to Let Go," below. You won't want to miss out on this one! - Arena

Listen to “Rock N’ Roll” via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/joshtaerk/rock-n-roll-on/s-uL5q8

Josh Taerk’s new Americana track, “Rock n Roll,” is so incredibly catchy. It has fun lyrics to match the upbeat feel of the melody. It really makes me want to dance, I even found myself bobbing my head along as I was listening.

This song would totally bring a crowd to its feet and get everyone dancing. Taerk’s vocals on this track are great. His Rock/Pop vibe is so much fun to be apart of. He has a Tom Petty sound, which is always kind to the ear. Overall this track is the ultimate road trip song. - Modern Mystery

Josh Taerk does it again with another new single in tow, “Learning to Let Go.” The brilliant new single is available digitally, everywhere, which you can find, here: http://smarturl.it/LearningToLetGo

Josh has an amazing history – he was playing local venues in Toronto when Max Weinberg – drummer for Bruce Springsteen – saw him play. Max was so impressed, he invited Josh to open for him at his sold out show in New Jersey, as well as play with him onstage to pay tribute to the late Clarence Clemons at Summerfest. He was then selected to play the 7908 John Oates Aspen Songwriters Festival, where he met another great mentor and now friend, John Oates who would later record back up vocals on his album and connect him to his producer Teddy Morgan. - Modern Mystery

Josh Taerk is rising fast through the music stratosphere with his powerful voice, soulful music, and great songwriting ability.

Having played local venues in Toronto, one night Max Weinberg (drummer for Bruce Springstein) saw Taerk play and invited him to open for a sold out show in New Jersey. He also joined Max at Summerfest to pay tribute to Clarence Clemons. If that’s not enough awesomesauce for you, Josh was selected to play the 7908 John Oates Aspen Songwriters Festival which led into another valuable friendship with John Oates who recorded back up vocals on Taerk’s album and also connected him with producer Teddy Morgan.

While on tour through the U.S., Josh Taerk’s band opened for Robin Trower, Kevin Costner & Modern West, Jon McLaughlin, Austin Jones and a few more noteworthy names.

Josh’s recent Folk/Americana, acoustic guitar based cover of electro-pop artist Rita Ora’s song Your Song is a soul-infused, potent and refreshing rendition making this excellent song accessible to a wider range of music listeners.

I immediately sent the link to the video to my wife who appreciates acoustic guitar driven songs moreso than the electro pop original. Taerk’s cover is a powerful display of his creative talent and ability to adapt other genres into his own style.

I’ve been listening to this song on repeat for the past 20 minutes. It’s a great tune!

Check out Your Song (Josh Taerk’s version) on YouTube or watch below.

You can connect with Taerk on FB, Twitter or IG. - Middle Tennessee Music

Josh Taerk unveils his new single today, "Learning to Let Go." The follow up single to "Rock n' Roll On," he brings another delightful and enticing song to the mix. With elements of rock n' roll in the most nostalgic way, the new track helps to make Taerk a name to remember. Throughout this career he has had many accolades in his short time. With the high energy of his live show, Josh was named one of the “Top 5 Live Acts” of 2015 by Classic Rock Magazine; and his album “Here’s To Change” was chosen as one of the top 25 albums of the year by Rock music writer Jason Ritchie (Classic Rock Magazine, GRTR!). In May of 2015, the title track off HTC was play-listed on over 40 radio stations throughout The UK. With another impressive single in tow, "Learning to Let Go" is on its way to becoming a classic for the new ages. Find your copy and listen digitally today! http://smarturl.it/LearningToLetGo - Kurrent Music

Josh has an amazing history – he was playing local venues in Toronto when Max Weinberg – drummer for Bruce Springsteen – saw him play. Max was so impressed, he invited Josh to open for him at his sold out show in New Jersey, as well as play with him onstage to pay tribute to the late Clarence Clemons at Summerfest. He was then selected to play the 7908 John Oates Aspen Songwriters Festival, where he met another great mentor and now friend, John Oates who would later record back up vocals on his album and connect him to his producer Teddy Morgan.

This past year, Josh toured the U.S. where his latest single “Anywhere Love Took Us” charted on Hot AC Commercial Radio. On tour, Josh and his band have opened for famed blues guitarist Robin Trower (Procol Harum), Kevin Costner & Modern West, Jon McLaughlin, Austin Jones amongst others; and have played shows from coast to coast. They even headlined a show in his hometown of Toronto this past March.

Follow Josh On Socials:
Twitter – https://twitter.com/joshtaerk
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/joshtaerk/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/joshtaerk - Music Existence

Josh Taerk (pronounced Turk) was born in Toronto, Canada and raised on a healthy

diet of Rock ‘N’ Roll music. It’s clear that his upbringing has completely influenced

the artist he is today.

Josh has a synchronistic story of bumping into rock stars. A few years ago, Josh met

one of his idols, Max Weinberg (Rock & Roll Hall of Famer & Drummer for Bruce

Springsteen & The E Street Band), in Toronto and Max gave Josh the opportunity to

open for him in South Orange, New Jersey. Max calls Josh, “the most exciting new

talent I have come across in years. I’ve known, and played with, a few

singer/songwriters in my time, and I can tell you – Josh Taerk has what it takes”

Josh Taerk certainly proves that he has what it takes with his new single. “Rock n

Roll On” is an upbeat track where he showcases his old school style inspirations. The

guitars and kick drum give the song not only rock but also country feels. This is the

forthcoming single from Josh’s EP, will be coming out within the next few months. - Music Existence

Josh Taerk is an artist to watch out for. He has an amazing history playing local venues in Toronto when Max Weinberg when drummer for Bruce Springsteen – saw him play. Max was so impressed, he invited Josh to open for him at his sold out show in New Jersey, as well as play with him onstage to pay tribute to the late Clarence Clemons at Summerfest. He was then selected to play the 7908 John Oates Aspen Songwriters Festival, where he met another great mentor and now friend, John Oates who would later record back up vocals on his album and connect him to his producer Teddy Morgan.

His new single "Rock N Roll On," is the perfect song for your Summer. This past year, Josh toured the U.S. where his latest single “Anywhere Love Took Us” charted on Hot AC Commercial Radio. On tour, Josh and his band have opened for famed blues guitarist Robin Trower (Procol Harum), Kevin Costner & Modern West, Jon McLaughlin, Austin Jones amongst others; and have played shows from coast to coast. They even headlined a show in his hometown of Toronto this past March. - Kurrent Music

Newcomer Josh Taerk is Springsteen meets Neil Young meets Tom Petty, at least as he puts it on his social media pages. His brand new single "Anywhere Love Took Us" contains a sharp, throwback '90s sounds, with plenty of electric guitar to satisfy even the most diehard of music fans. As he reflects on the early days of a love gone by, he makes a declaration that he'll "fight for what we had before," including those times she "couldn't take your eyes off me." The official music video is strewn with heavy nostalgia, riding free on the highway in a red convertible, a stunning mid-day sun and sharing other intimate moments.

"Love is a journey. It’s an adventure that takes you places you never thought you’d go. 'Anywhere Love Took Us' is about that journey and looking back on the roots of what really matters in a relationship. After all, you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been," Taerk shares exclusively with AXS.com of the video -- premiering exclusively today (Nov. 4). Taerk co-wrote the song (out now on iTunes) with Jack Williams and Teddy Morgan, and it follows his last studio album, 2015's Here's to Change (produced by Morgan).

“Close your eyes and remember when we first met, passing glances in second period French. I can still hear my name whispered out of your lips," he recollects on the syrupy first verse; his voice pours it on thick but serves the story with enough romance...how could she say no? "Sneaking underneath the bleachers for our first kiss."

Then, he takes a moment to consider the future and his ambitions to reclaim that deep-seated fire: "Flashing forward, it seems so long since those days. Your life gets busy, and love gets pushed off and saved. Well, I’m sick of saving, girl, I’m all in. Let’s get it back..."

Taerk has two shows coming up next week. Those dates are:

November 10 - Soiled Dove Underground - Denver, CO

November 11 - The State Room - Salt Lake City, UT - AXS

Hard to resist country-rock from singer/songwriter Josh Taerk on his latest single “Rock N Roll On.” Built on solid, melodic hooks and big guitars – you can usually find Josh onstage rocking out like his life depends on it…from what we’ve read & what we understand about this artist…rock-music runs right through his veins and every chance & opportunity he gets to entertain, he’ll take it! He’s been opening up for some key acts lately like Robin Trower of Procol Harem, Kevin Costner & Modern West, even one of our own favorites from the pages here, Austin Jones…clearly Josh is gaining some major traction out there for his efforts! Have a listen to several reasons as to why that is below through his new song “Rock N Roll On” below! - Sleeping Bag Studios

Josh Taerk (pronounced Turk) was born in Toronto, Canada and raised on a healthy

diet of Rock ‘N’ Roll music. It’s clear that his upbringing has completely influenced

the artist he is today.

Josh has a synchronistic story of bumping into rock stars. A few years ago, Josh met

one of his idols, Max Weinberg (Rock & Roll Hall of Famer & Drummer for Bruce

Springsteen & The E Street Band), in Toronto and Max gave Josh the opportunity to

open for him in South Orange, New Jersey. Max calls Josh, “the most exciting new

talent I have come across in years. I’ve known, and played with, a few

singer/songwriters in my time, and I can tell you – Josh Taerk has what it takes”

Josh Taerk certainly proves that he has what it takes with his new single. “Rock n

Roll On” is an upbeat track where he showcases his old school style inspirations. The

guitars and kick drum give the song not only rock but also country feels. This is the

forthcoming single from Josh’s EP, will be coming out within the next few months. - Music Existence

Josh Taerk’s has recently unleashed his noteworthy single “Rock n Roll On” that blends a mix of rock and soul to entice your ears. Creating music that brings his spirit to life, “Rock n Roll On,” showcases his talents as both and songwriter and performer as h e makes his way through 2017. We had the chance to catch up with Josh Taerk for a very special Indie 5-0.

1. Congrats on releasing your new single, “Rock N’ Roll On”! Can you tell us little more about the inspiration behind this song?

Thanks, I love how it turned out and the response so far has been awesome! Rock n Roll On started while I was driving and listening to “The Load Out / Stay” by Jackson Browne, specifically the lines where he says, “And the only time that seems too short / Is the time that we get to play.” As an artist, my favorite thing to do is get up onstage, share my stories with people and I would stay up there forever if I could.

That’s what inspired this song. I was sitting there thinking about how much I love touring and playing live, and how being onstage and sharing in that moment with an audience is the driving force behind my passion for music. I brought that Idea home to my brother Ryan and, an hour later, we had Rock n Roll On.

2. You’ve toured in so many different places around the U.S, Canada, and Europe. What’s your dream for the next stop?

I’m a big fan of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, and they are a huge source of inspiration for my writing and live shows. There’s is this club in Asbury Park New Jersey called “The Stone Pony,” where Springsteen really honed his craft and performed some of his most legendary songs for the first time. I want sell out “The Stone Pony” and play on that same stage. To be able to honor my musical roots and, at the same time, etch my name in the history books of that club would be a dream come true.

3. What was it like to work with musical legends like Max Weinberg and John Oates?

I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have such amazing mentors and friends in John and Max. These guys are legends, and I grew up on listing to their music. Now, we keep in touch all the time and hang out whenever we’re in the same city. It’s very cool to say the very least.

Max Weinberg is one of the nicest people I’ve met. When he asked me to open for him in South Orange New Jersey, that was one of the single greatest days of my life. I mean, I was opening for The Mighty Max, what could be better?

Even though it was Max’s show, he made sure that I was comfortable, I had time to sound check, I met his band and got to hang out with everyone backstage. He made me feel a part of the show and even asked me for a bio so he could introduce me to the crowd personally.

Later the following year he invited me to join him onstage at Summerfest and pay tribute to the late Clarence Clemons. Max was as excited to jam backstage and play the song as I was. That’s what music is supposed to be about, the sheer love of it.

John Oates is the most genuine person I’ve ever met. He has this pure, deep rooted love for music and after talking to him for 5 minutes you wouldn’t know that he’s had all these number one singles nor countless awards and honors under his belt. He’s so willing to give advice and help out where he can. If this guy can be that humble and that generous, there really is no excuse for anyone else.

John really took me under his wing and introduced me to producer Teddy Morgan, a friend of his who wrote and produced one of the songs on John’s Good Road To Follow album. John then sang background vocals on 2 of the songs off of my second album Here’s To Change.

That was coolest experience ever, sitting in the control room listening to John sing words that I wrote to one of my songs and then have him ask me, “how was that? What did you think?” He respects artists and their vision and to this day is one of the most supportive people I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling a friend.

4. Jumping off of our last question, who is another musical idol of yours that you would want to work with and why?

I would love to work with Ed Sheeran. I love how unique a performer and songwriter Ed is, especially considering the range of styles and influences he puts into his music. He is redefining what it means to be a singer / songwriter in a way that exceeds a specific sound or genre and, in my opinion, embodies what that title really means, someone who writes all kinds of different songs and performs them for people.

I also really admire his storytelling abilities. He writes incredibly catchy songs and his stories are about real experiences, real emotions, things that people can relate to.

5. Can you name us an artist and one of their songs that you think everyone should listen to? We wanna know what’s been on your playlist!

I can give you two! I’ve been listening to the band Walking On Cars a lot lately and love their song “Two Stones.” I’d also highly recommend listening to “Overnight” by The Wild Feathers. - Independent Artist Buz

Josh Taerk has an amazing history - he was playing local venues in Toronto when Max Weinberg - drummer for Bruce Springsteen – saw him play. Max was so impressed, he invited Josh to open for him at his sold out show in New Jersey, as well as play with him onstage to pay tribute to the late Clarence Clemons at Summerfest. He was then selected to play the 7908 John Oates Aspen Songwriters Festival, where he met another great mentor and now friend, John Oates who would later record back up vocals on his album and connect him to his producer Teddy Morgan.

Listen to “Rock N Roll On” Here: https://soundcloud.com/joshtaerk/rock-n-roll-on/s-uL5q8

This past year, Josh toured the U.S. where his latest single “Anywhere Love Took Us” charted on Hot AC Commercial Radio. On tour, Josh and his band have opened for famed blues guitarist Robin Trower (Procol Harum), Kevin Costner & Modern West, Jon McLaughlin, Austin Jones amongst others; and have played shows from coast to coast. They even headlined a show in his hometown of Toronto this past March. - ethnocloud

Josh Taerk is breaking molds within the music industry! From his sound to his looks and his songwriting abilities, you can’t just stick him in one category or the other. And that’s what makes him great and got him noticed by industry veterans and Hall-of-Famers John Oates and Max Weinberg.

Josh has toured Canada, where he is from, the U.K. and the U.S. He is getting ready to release new music. To learn more about this talented artist, check out our interview below!

1. How would you describe your sound to new listeners?

My sound really comes from my attachment to storytelling. Whatever story I’m telling, wherever the song wants to take me; that dictates how I sing and structure the chords and melody. When I perform my songs live I always want to paint as full a picture as possible for my listeners to interpret and the emotions that come up contribute to how loud my voice gets, how deep and strong I sing; and how hard and fast I play the guitar.

As far as where I fall genre wise, I leave that up to my audience. I believe music is meant to be experienced, and I want my listeners to be able to take my stories and apply them to their own lives. So, I am whatever they need me to be at that moment.

2. What inspired you to write “Take A Chance With Me?”

This one was such a fun song to write! I had just got home from touring through The UK and before my bags hit my bedroom floor my brother runs in and says, “I’ve got this idea for a song.” So Ryan and I are sitting there trading ideas back and forth, catching up, and eventually we start talking about girls. Take A Chance With Me is about that moment when you just can’t hide how you feel anymore. When you just want to stand under her window and scream, “How about it? Take A Chance With Me!”

3. You filmed the video in Nashville – can you tell us about that?

We got to film the music video at Santa’s Pub and I loved every minute of it! There is no place like Santa’s, it’s just so vibey and cool, and Santa himself is such an awesome guy, he’s actually got a cameo in the video. It’s a one of a kind place, and as soon as I saw it I knew we had to shoot the video there.

I was also really fortunate to be able to work with David Ogle and his team on the video! They are so good at what they do, so creative, and they hooked us up with some phenomenal local actors for the video. What made it even better was that my brother Ryan got to be the lead in the music video, which was just awesome because it was kind of like art imitating life.

4. Who are your biggest musical inspirations? How have they shaped your sound?

I am a huge Bruce Springsteen fan and I’ve never seen a performer put so much energy and emotion into their live shows. He gives 150% in every song, at every show, and you can see that he genuinely wants to be there up onstage performing for his audience.

He tells stories about his experiences growing up and living life; and, because he is so attached to his experiences, and the stories they create, I believe people can feel his music even if they can’t directly relate to the experience he’s describing. When I write songs, I want people to be able to take my stories and apply those stories to their own lives and experiences. My favorite songs have always been the ones where I can relate to the emotion, circumstance and or experience they describe. That’s what I want people to take away from my songs.

5. What’s your favorite song that you’ve written so far and why?

Man, that’s like asking a parent to choose their favorite kid! To be honest, every song I write is a completely unique experience for me and I never write a song in the same way, or even approach a song from the same place twice.

That being said, Take A Chance With Me is one of my favorites because it was so much fun to write and it rocks with the full band behind it live! Stay is another favorite because of how intimate and vulnerable the song is. I think the way we approached Stay on the Here’s To Change album really captures the essence of the story. The last one I’ll mention is Tomorrow’s Man, because every time I play it, that song reminds me of the person that I want to be.

6. Is there any new music ahead?

I’ve got new songs and a few things up my sleeve for the near future. On top of those songs, I’m always writing. My brain is constantly going, and I am always finding inspiration for new ideas, melodies, and lyrics.

7. What’s one interesting thing our readers should know about you?

Something a lot of people may not know about me is that I love downhill skiing. I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was about 2 years old and love to ski. I try and make it out to the mountains every once in a while.

8. If you had to listen to one artists for the rest of your life, who would it be and why?

That’s a tough question to answer. I know If I had to listen to one artist for the rest of my life that I probably wouldn’t be able to write music like I do. I believe that in music, and life, what you put in is what you get out. So if you limit yourself to one experience or one genre what you get is only one shade of what could be an incredibly brilliant and inspiring picture. However, if I had to pick one artist to listen to for the rest of my life it would have to be Counting Crows because their lyrics are just heady enough that I could reinterpret them for years. - Nashville Dialed

Josh Taerk has given Classic Rock an exclusive stream of his new album, Here's To Change, the follow-up to 2013's self-titled Josh.

“I wanted the feel of the record, the tempo, the rhythm, the starts and stops in each song to feel more alive," says Taerk, inspired by the 70s and 80s recordings go artists like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Neil Young. "I wanted a more human sound. I am so excited for people to hear this!’”

The album was recorded in Nashville with producer Teddy Morgan, who's worked on actor Kevin Costner's music and on two albums by Hall & Oates guitarist John Oates, Good Road to Follow and Stand Strong. Oates adds backing vocals to the title track and to Wise Man, and says "I've enjoyed getting to know Josh Taerk and his music over the last few years, and knew that Nashville would be the place where he could make this album really come alive. Josh and my friend Teddy Morgan did a great job and I think it is Josh's best work to date."

Taerk also has a fan in Bruce Springsteen's drummer Max Weinberg, who says, "I've known, and played with, a few singer/songwriters in my time, and I can tell you — Josh Taerk has what it takes."

Here's To Change is released on July 20, and the title track will be available as a single on June 8.

Live Dates

Jun 3: London, 12 Bar
Jun 4: Balham, The Bedford
Jun 5: London, Islington O2 Academy2 - Classic Rock Magazine

Canadian singer/songwriter Josh Taerk was playing last of three London gigs tied in to promote his upcoming new album ‘Here’s To Change’. Joining him were guitarist Teddy Morgan (who produced the new album and is also in Kevin Costner’s band), drummer Richard Medek and Carl Holt on bass.

It was only a short set, just over half an hour, and like the previous gigs it was being streamed live. An excellent idea for an up and coming artist as often fans are all over the world and many cannot get along to gigs.

Starting the set with ‘The Mirror’ of his new album, was a good choice and all bar one song of his six song set were off the new album. The exception was ‘Casie’ from his debut album and still one of his best songs to date in my humble opinion.

Despite the bass player being drafted in for the live dates, the band’s sound was very tight and Josh kept the onstage banter to a minimum due to time constraints. ‘After The Fall’ and the title track off the new album both sounded good live. Shame he couldn’t have a longer time to play in order to fit in a couple more of the new album like the excellent ‘Me Myself & I’ or ‘Stay’.

Josh is an emerging talent, onto his second album and he is only 24, yet if you like the music of Bruce Springsteen and catchy rock that is easy on the ear, he is one to keep an eye on.

He shows he can perform just as well live as on record. Hopefully his tireless gigging of the UK will pay dividends for him and go see live when he returns to these shores in the early autumn.

Setlist:
The Mirror/ Wise Man/ Casie/ Take A Chance With Me/ After The Fall/ Here’s To Change

Review by Jason Ritchie - Get Ready To Rock!

Josh Taerk shortly releases his debut album.. He provides the latest Track Of The Day. Check out all Tracks Of The Day here.

From Canada, Taerk can already boast a big fan in drummer Mark Wienberg of the E Street Band. His debut album, Never Look Back, is released in October, and it’s been produced by the celebrated Terry Brown of Rush fame. He says of this 20-year-old talent:

“I started working with Josh Taerk because of his ability to write very strong melodies and compelling lyrics. Josh also possesses another unique asset, his voice. When he sings you know it’s him instantly.”

Now you can download the song Virginia for free right here.

Find out more at www.joshtaerk.com - Classic Rock - Malcolm Dome

Misty Creek Records [Release date 20.07.15]

Josh Taerk is back with his second album, after good reviews for his 2013 debut album. This time he has upped the ante by recording in Nashville, joined by bassist Park Chisholm and drummer Richard Medek. The sound is a lot richer and fuller than on the debut which was much more acoustic based.

Lead song is the excellent ‘Here’s To Change’, an instant hit on the ears and it features a guest vocal from John Oates (who also appears on ‘Wise Man’). One of those songs that you want to keep playing over and over. His Springsteen influences come out on the rousing ‘The Mirror’, a song made for the big stages.

‘After The Fall’ nicely bridges his debut album’s acoustic sound with a bigger production as the strings come swopping in on the choruses. This song and the title track really show how Josh Taerk is progressing as an artist (and he is only 24!). Keeping with the slower paced songs ‘Stay’ features a melancholy fiddle and lyrics that have universal appeal, based on romance.

‘Take A Chance With Me’ is another catchy uptempo number and reminded me of the Hold Steady, albeit not quite as frantic. This song also features a tasty guitar solo and piano.

I really hope this album breaks Josh as he has put the hours in touring and certainly put a lot of effort into this album. He set out to make an album that was in tune with the artists that inspired him like Springsteen and Tom Petty, job done and then some. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie - Get Ready To Rock!

Premiere: Canadian singer-songwriter releases John Oates-assisted album next month

Josh Taerk has given Classic Rock an exclusive stream of his new album, Here's To Change, the follow-up to 2013's self-titled Josh.

“I wanted the feel of the record, the tempo, the rhythm, the starts and stops in each song to feel more alive," says Taerk, inspired by the 70s and 80s recordings go artists like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Neil Young. "I wanted a more human sound. I am so excited for people to hear this!’”

The album was recorded in Nashville with producer Teddy Morgan, who's worked on actor Kevin Costner's music and on two albums by Hall & Oates guitarist John Oates, Good Road to Follow and Stand Strong. Oates adds backing vocals to the title track and to Wise Man, and says "I've enjoyed getting to know Josh Taerk and his music over the last few years, and knew that Nashville would be the place where he could make this album really come alive. Josh and my friend Teddy Morgan did a great job and I think it is Josh's best work to date."

Taerk also has a fan in Bruce Springsteen's drummer Max Weinberg, who says, "I've known, and played with, a few singer/songwriters in my time, and I can tell you — Josh Taerk has what it takes."

Here's To Change is released on July 20, and the title track will be available as a single on June 8.

Live Dates

Jun 3: London, 12 Bar
Jun 4: Balham, The Bedford
Jun 5: London, Islington O2 Academy2 - Classic Rock Magazine

Josh Taerk releases his new album ‘Here’s To Change’ in July and has just completed a run of UK shows. We catch-up with Josh who tells us more about the album, and how the recent UK dates went. Over to Josh…

What have you got planned for the next few months e.g. recording, touring, etc.

So far June has been a great month. June 9th I graduated from the University of Toronto with an honors degree in English Literature. I’m also playing two shows at the Toronto Wine and Spirit Festival, June 18th & 19th, with my brother Ryan Taerk.

Aside from that, I’m always writing and I’m heading back to Nashville to write with Teddy Morgan, Park Chisolm and a few others in the near future. I am also in talks with people in the US to do some touring more regularly in the states. July, we’re releasing my new record ‘Here’s To Change’ and planning on heading back to the UK in early fall to do some more touring.

Could you please take us through the songs on the excellent new album ‘Here’s To Change’? (e.g. song writing process, stories behind the songs etc.)

Absolutely. I want to preface this by saying that one of the things I love about art is that you can’t have art without the artist, but once that art is created it takes on the interpretations of others and in so doing a whole new life of its own.

All of these interpretations are valid and that’s what’s so inspiring about art, it’s all based on perception. So while these are my initial thoughts about my songs, this is in no way the definitive answer as to what they are about because I don’t believe just one definition exists.

The cool thing about this album is that, while all of the songs take on their own individual lives and stories, the songs also all have this underlying theme of change running through them.

Whether it’s sudden change, change that you would have preferred not to have happened, change for the better, change that is thrust upon you, or even change that we actively choose to make; the whole album embraces this idea of change and shows how empowering change can be. If nothing is written in stone in life, you can always change for the better. There is always change and therefore always hope.

Here’s To Change

For me, this song is about embracing the idea that the only constant in life is that everything can, must, and does change but also about opening our eyes to the freeing nature of this cycle.

Nothing is ever unchangeable, unmovable and as forever as it appears to you at that moment. Everything changes, and if that’s the case then it’s never too late to change from the person you are to the person you want to be, to change your path, your dream, even change your mind.

When I had originally written the lyrics for ‘Here’s To Change’ I didn’t have a melody that fit with the lyrics. A little while later I’m in Worthing on tour with The Soldiers in August of 2012 and Nick Van Eede of Cutting Crew was in the audience that night. I had been speaking back and forth with him for a about a year through my producer at the time Terry Brown (Rush, Klaatu, Cutting Crew, amongst others).

Nick and I hung out backstage after the show; he is an amazing singer/songwriter and a terrific guy. Finally before he left he told me that if I ever had any lyrics kicking around to send them to him and see what we could come up with. I get back home from the tour and realize that I have these lyrics but no melody for the song. So, I send the lyrics over to Nick and about a week later Nick sends me the melody for what is now ‘Here’s To Change’ and it felt so good with the lyrics.

When we were recording the song in the studio we were going through it in a very acoustic, bluesy kind of way and I felt like there was this rock anthem waiting to come out of the track. So Teddy Morgan, Park Chisolm, Richard Medek and I sat down and I told them about my idea. The one thing I love about working with Teddy and the guys is that they are always up for trying something different, always willing to listen to new ideas and build off of them. We started again keeping that Rock anthem feel in mind, and that’s the version of the song we have on the record.

The Mirror

The Mirror, for me, is a reminder to honor, respect and listen to the only person that you truly have to answer to, yourself. As many people as there are in the world, that’s how many theories about what the “right” thing to do, say, and be are in existence. If you try and please everyone, you end up loosing sight of who you are and what’s important to you. Stay true to yourself, listen to the person in the mirror and remember they’re called theories because there’s no ultimate truth about how to live your life.

‘Take A Chance With Me’ and ‘After The Fall’ I actually co-wrote with my brother Ryan Taerk and that’s been an amazing experience. I come from a very close and supportive family and all of my siblings are very creative people.

After The Fall

I was sitting at the house working on what would become “After The Fall” and Ryan sat down beside me and started playing his guitar along with me. Ryan said, “try this,” and started playing the chords we ended up using for the bridge. They fit perfectly, felt really good, lifted the song and really added to the overall story.

After The Fall was an incredible experience to write. I had just ended a pretty serious relationship and I wanted to write a song that put it all into perspective. What I ended up writing about was perspective itself.

The song is about falling in love, falling out of love, falling from grace but also about how wonderful those experiences can truly be. In life, moments like these shape the person you are into the person you’re meant to be. You learn not only about who you are, who you are willing to be, but yet you get a little bit closer to understanding that which is so crucial to life and yet completely defies any solid definition, love.

Take A Chance With Me

‘Take A Chance With Me’ was written the day I got back from being on tour in The UK in the summer of 2014. I got home, had just brought my guitars back into the house when Ryan said, “I’ve got to play you something.” As soon as he started, lyrics just started pouring out of me and before we knew it we had come up with this amazing melody to go along with the lyrics and the chords.

Take A Chance With Me is a fun track! It’s about being in love, ceasing the moment and not letting fear get in the way. As NHL legend Wayne Gretzky said, “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

How did you get to record the new album in Nashville? Also John Oates guests on two songs on the album, how did he become involved?

This record would not have been possible without all of the amazing people that worked on it with me, and I’m so grateful for all of their contributions because this record exceeded all of my wildest dreams. However, the one person without whom none of this would have been possible, was John Oates (Rock‘n’Roll Hall of Fame and founding member of Hall and Oates).

In April of 2011, I was selected to play a songwriters festival in Colorado produced by John. From the start, John treated everyone that came to play the festival so well, invited all the performers backstage and to the after parties every night. That’s where I first met John, at the festival closing party. John and I talked about the festival, about songwriting and my hometown, Toronto Canada.

It turned out that Hall and Oates were coming to Toronto that summer, so he told me to get in touch with him and we would meet up. At first I thought John was just being polite, but after getting to know him a little bit I realized that he is the most honest and genuine guy you will ever meet.

The day of the show I got in touch with John, we hung out backstage and talked more about songwriting and touring, it was great to be able to have that time speaking to him and getting his insights. Since then, we’ve kept in touch, and have met up in Toronto and Nashville many times.

I’m very grateful to be able to call John Oates a friend and mentor. He’s a fantastic musician/singer/songwriter and an outstanding person. John has been so supportive since 2011 to the point where, when I was looking to produce the new record, I asked him if he knew anyone that could fit the feel and sound that I wanted to achieve. That’s when John introduced me to his friend Teddy Morgan.

I went down to Nashville early August of 2014 to meet with Teddy and we started talking about the recording process and feel I was going for on this new album. From the start I wanted to record live off the floor, with everyone playing together, in the same room, feeding off of each other; I wanted to make a band record.

Teddy knew exactly what I meant, introduced me to Park Chisolm who played bass, Richard Medek who played drums, Teddy even had the perfect studio to record the album in. Teddy Works out of two studios in Nashville, Barrio East and The Creative Workshop, which features a 24-track analog tape desk that we used to make this record.

After Teddy, Park, Rich and I had laid down the base tracks for this new album; I was hanging out with John in Nashville, talking about the sessions and he asked if he could listen to the songs, and potentially sing on one or two of them. I was so excited that he wanted to be on the album especially considering how key he was to making this record possible.

So, I sent him a couple songs to choose from and he picked ‘Here’s To Change’ and ‘Wise Man’. Teddy, John and I hit the studio a little while later and the parts that John laid down were amazing. After hearing them on the tracks, we could instantly tell that they were meant to be there. Getting to watch John work in the studio was like taking a master class. He put so much thought into the parts he was singing and they fit the tracks so well. What was also great to see was that he truly loves making music, and it really came across in the harmonies he sang.

A couple of your songs on the new album, ‘Me Myself & I’ and ‘The Flood’, feature various Biblical references in the lyrics. Was this a conscious decision or more that the phrases fitted the song’s lyrics?

This was a very conscious decision when I was writing these songs. With ‘Me, Myself & I’ I wanted to convey a sense of desperation in the choruses when the main character says “God almighty anybody please give me a sign.”

A lot of people in their time of need will turn to God for answers (God meaning whatever higher power you believe in personally) and I wanted to push that a little further and take the main character to the point in which he feels so lost, so out of place that he isn’t just looking to God for the answers but anyone who could offer him some kind of guidance.

“Waiting For The Flood” as a whole was a very conscious reference to The Book of Genesis, the story of Noah’s Ark and The Flood. I wanted to write a song that was a call to action for my generation to take a good look at the world we are living in, the fear, the chaos, the daily destruction happening all over, and ask ourselves if this is the legacy and the world we want to leave to the next generation. If we keep going down this path, we know how the story’s going to end.

How did the recent UK shows go? Have you seen more interest in your music this time back in the UK?

The recent shows were amazing! I love performing, I love the one on one connection that it offers me with the audience watching, and when I’m onstage there is nowhere I’d rather be. These recent shows though stood out because of a lot of factors. This was the first time Teddy and Rich had ever played in The UK and getting up onstage every night, playing the songs we all took part in making what they are was so fulfilling.

The crowds were also unreal every night. We had amazing response to the live show and so many people saying how much the new material was resonating with them, as a writer there is no better feeling then knowing your words are connecting with people. We had a terrific crowd to our show at The O2 Academy2 in Islington.

We’ve also had some pretty significant radio play; over 18 regional stations have play listed the track along with over 40 specialist stations. I also had the privilege to do an interview and live acoustic performance of ‘Here’s To Change’ on BBC Manchester with Becky Want. I’m very touched and very grateful for how my new album is being embraced in The UK.

In your native Canada is there much opportunity to play live and get your music heard on the radio?

Canada is a great country for music, and there are a lot of really talented artists coming out of Canada. While there is a lot of support and interest in music, the country’s population is so small, less than the population of the state of California, and living in such a vast landmass; it can be difficult touring through Canada simply because of the transit time you’re looking at. The radio here in Canada does a lot to promote local talent as well and there are Canadian content rules that help enhance the awareness toward local talent. This allows Canadian artists a chance to be seen and get heard across their home country.

What has been your favourite live show to date and why?

Getting to play shows in Canada, the US, and tour through the UK over the past three years has been amazing. I’ve seen places and met people that I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to otherwise. I’m very grateful. My favorite live show to date was when I opened for Max Weinberg (Rock‘n’Roll Hall Of Fame, drummer for Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band) at the South Orange Performing Arts Centre (SOPAC).

First, let me just say that I am a huge Bruce Springsteen fan and so is my Dad. My Dad was a drummer in a Springsteen cover band all through high school and into University. He also played periodically when I was really young. He was the one that turned me onto Springsteen from a very early age and we’ve shared that love of his music ever since. I got to meet Max in my hometown, Toronto, at a charity event he was playing and built up the courage to go over and talk to him.

We talked about music, he asked me what I was taking in university and I asked him if he wouldn’t mind taking a listen to a demo I had made in a friend’s basement. He took the demo and I didn’t expect it to go past that, I was just really happy he took it. About a week later I got an email from him and his manager saying that they really liked what they heard and that they wanted to talk to me about opening up for Max in his hometown, South Orange, New Jersey.

Next thing I know I’m in a dressing room in South Orange with my Dad, both of us having a complete out of body experience, and we hear a knock on the door. Max then walks into the room and tells us he’s going to introduce me to the audience tonight, himself. It was one of the coolest moments of my entire life, and the fact that I got to share it with my dad made it that much more special. It’s easy to say that I will remember that night for the rest of my life.

Outside of music what do you enjoy doing?

I really love the outdoors, and living in Canada there are a lot of opportunities to explore some beautiful terrain. I really enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing in the summer months and skiing in the winter months. I’ve been skiing since I was about two and a half years old and I hit the slopes whenever I can.

Aside from that, I’ve been working on an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature at the University of Toronto and am very happy to say that I just recently graduated on June 9th. With that in mind, it’s safe to say that I really enjoy reading as well. I love the imaginative space and the inspiration that reading provides me.

Message for you fans…

Thank you! Without you listening to my songs, watching the videos I post on YouTube and coming out / streaming the live shows; I wouldn’t be able to do what I love to do. I really appreciate all of your support and all of you reaching out, posting on Facebook, commenting on Instagram and sending me Tweets. Keep sending me stuff and I’ll keep writing back. - Get Ready To Rock!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZjyvhVJ5Xo

On the 8th of June Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Taerk releases the first track from his new album ‘Here’s To Change’. The single – the album’s title track – reinvigorates the 70s and 80s rock music that has inspired him, his major influences including Rock & Roll icons Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Neil Young and Bob Dylan.

‘Here’s To Change’ is an upbeat anthem about celebrating and embracing life’s changes. Josh explains, “For me, this single is about embracing the idea that there are no guarantees in life. Nothing is ever unchangeable, unmovable and as forever as it appears to you at that moment. Everything changes, and if that’s the case then it’s never too late to change from the person you are to the person you want to be, to change your path, your dream, even change your mind.”

The single also features guest vocals from Josh’s mentor and friend, Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer John Oates, who was excited to be involved, “I’ve enjoyed getting to know Josh Taerk and his music over the last few years…I think it is Josh’s best work to date.”

‘Here’s To Change’ wonderfully demonstrates the unity between Josh and his core band – Nashville based producer and lead guitarist Teddy Morgan (Kevin Costner & Modern West), bass guitarist Park Chisolm (Kevin Costner & Modern West) and drummer Richard Medek – who all shared Josh’s vision for this album. With ‘Here’s To Change’ Josh “wanted to capture the emotional quality that can only come from a group of musicians playing off each other, feeding off each other. I wanted the feel of the record, the tempo, the rhythm, the starts and stops in each song to feel more alive, I wanted a more human sound.”

Josh may only be 24 but he is already able to look back on many successes. His debut 2013 album ‘Josh’, for which he was commended for his intelligent and poignant song writing, showcased a maturity beyond his years. On the live scene he toured through Canada, the US and the UK, reached the semi-finals of Indie Week Canada, built a worldwide fan base and impressed industry peers like John Oates and fellow Rock-‘n’-Roll-Hall-of-Famer Max Weinberg (Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band) – whom he supported in New Jersey.

The new album ‘Here’s To Change’ released in July marks a huge development in the creative process for Josh, taking a more traditional Rock ’n’ Roll approach and adding his own modern twists – the outcome is something he is enormously proud of. Josh exclaims, ‘I am so excited for people to hear this!’

Article by: RJ Frometa - VENTS Magazine

Hailing from Canada, Josh Taerk has been embraced by the home of country music and has worked with a string of big artists to produce a melodic, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable piece of work. There are elements of household names such as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Neil Young woven through the tracks but the artist has achieved a unique sound of his own, which deserves to be widely played.

Maj Euan Mathieson, Yorks

Verdict: Delightfully capturing the zeitgeist ***** - Soldier Magazine

An eight-sided celebration

We join the build-up to the weekend's big fight with eight heavyweights of our own, all punching above their weight. Ding ding! Seconds out, round one...

Josh Taerk - Here's To Change
This song is a by a nice young chap who looks a bit like early Kevin Keegan. We can't vouch for his footballing ability, but Here's To Change is a thumping chunk of radio-friendly AOR featuring the legendary John Oates on backing vocals, and is as smooth as a freshly-shorn ewe. - Classic Rock Magazine

Album released July 20th 2015

via Misty Creek Records

Single ‘Here’s To Change’ released June 8th 2015

Live shows in London June 2015

Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Taerk returns with his second album ‘Here’s To Change’. Recorded over a few months in Nashville with producer and lead guitarist Teddy Morgan (Kevin Costner & Modern West) - to whom he was introduced by Rock-‘n’-Roll-Hall-of-Famerand friend John Oates - Josh was able to soak up the creative atmosphere of ‘Music City’ and make the album he has always dreamed of.

Josh wanted to make an evocative album in tune with 70s and 80s rock music and the artists that have inspired him to play and write music - Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Neil Young – whose influences are implicative with a vision of producing an album in a studio with a band and playing those songs live. Josh explains, “I wanted the feel of the record, the tempo, the rhythm, the starts and stops in each song to feel more alive, I wanted a more human sound.”

The record also includes guest vocals from John Oates on the title track ‘Here’s To Change’ and song ‘Wise Man’. Oates was excited to be involved, "I've enjoyed getting to know Josh Taerk and his music over the last few years and knew that Nashville would be the place where he could make this album really come alive. Josh and my friend Teddy Morgan did a great job and I think it is Josh's best work to date."

Josh soon found musical support in Nashville from bass guitarist Park Chisolm (Kevin Costner & Modern West) and drummer Richard Medek who shared Josh’s vision for the record. When they first played a session together Josh felt, ‘as if every molecule in the room aligned’.

Josh may only be 24 but he is already able to look back on many successes. His debut 2013 album ‘Josh’, for which he was commended for his intelligent and poignant song writing, showcased a maturity beyond his years. On the live scene he toured through Canada, the US and the UK, reached the semi-finals of Indie Week Canada, built a worldwide fan base and impressed industry peers like John Oates and fellow Rock-‘n’-Roll-Hall-of-Famer Max Weinberg (Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band) – whom he supported in New Jersey.

‘Here’s To Change’ marks a huge development in the creative process for Josh, taking a more traditional Rock ’n’ Roll approach and adding his own modern twists – the outcome is something he is enormously proud of. Josh exclaims, ‘I am so excited for people to hear this!’

Tracklisting

Here’s To Change

The Mirror

After The Fall

Wise Man

Take A Chance With Me

Stay

Me Myself & I

Waiting For The Flood

Tomorrow’s Man

This Life Is Yours

Upcoming Live dates – Summer 2015

London, central - June 3rd - 12 Bar

Balham, London - June 4th - The Bedford

Islington, London - June 5th - O2 Academy2 - EntsWeb

Entertainment Focus shared the Official Music Video for my new song "Here's To Change." - Entertainment Focus

Misty Creek Records [Release Date 9.12.13]

We live in the age of the self expressive singer songwriter, whose hegemony of the air waves must make the more enduring folkies wryly smile.

Songwriting has moved centre stage again and now that rock has worked out its anger and frustration, we’re back in the bed sitter dealing with introspective, confessional songs that deal with relationship, moods, feelings and melodies.

Canadian singer songwriter and storyteller Josh Taerk perfectly fills the mould. Together with former Rush and Blue Rodeo producer Terry Brown, he’s conjured up a potential radio friendly song with a memorable signature vocal and a catchy chorus.

His mellifluous voice evokes just enough yearning to draw you in and the subtle emphasis on melodic flow perfectly evokes his heartfelt lyrics. The song’s uplifting chorus is voiced over a gentle ascending wall of sound that gives the song an epic feel.

‘Casie’ is a crossover song on which the verses flow into the chorus as Josh emotes his feelings with some Jackson Brown style phrasing over a gentle acoustic wash: ‘Casie please wait for me, baby baby, don’t give up the fight, if I could choose my faith, we’d be together tonight’.

He perfectly balances his heartfelt songwriting with the kind of emotional delivery that gives the song its depth. Already championed by the likes of John Oates and The E Street Band’s Max Weinberg, this might just be the single that makes things happen for him. ****½ - Get Ready To ROCK!

We wouldn’t judge you for not knowing about the 22-Year-Old Canadian Singer-Songwriter Josh Taerk, but he certainly has the credentials to be a big name in coming years. He released his single ‘Smell the Roses’ on May 6th on Misty Creek Records Inc. from the album entitled ‘Josh’, on the success of both US and UK tours and previous songs such as ‘Start Again and ‘People in the Room’. His work with British producer Terry Brown means he definitely has the backing to go global.

Check out his website and Soundcloud here…

http://www.joshtaerk.com/

https://soundcloud.com/joshtaerk

The ‘Smell the Roses’ single very much reflects his Counting Crows influence in terms of the vocals and guitar. The lyrics come across intimate and poignant with evidence of a young Springsteen lyrical influence. The song begins softly but brings a heavy beat alongside the acoustic guitar in to the chorus, which builds the layers and produces a memorable and rocky chorus. This is the kind of layout Counting Crows have made their money from and it works just as well for Josh. Taerk clearly demonstrates a contemporary look on the Americana rock genre, arguably moving away from the roots that began the genre such as bluegrass, country, and blues and rhythm, and relying more on the folk, rock and acoustic aspects which create a more atmospheric and lyric-dominated sound that brings Americana in line with contemporary music. This movement away from the country and western style underlying many of his influences makes him accessible to a much wider audience, especially in Britain with the rapidly growing support for genres like folk rock which is demonstrated in the success of artists like Johnny Flynn, Mumford and Sons and Ben Howard. Many of his songs work well on a smaller scale with just acoustic guitar to accentuate his vocals but with his full band he is able to create elegant and gently layered radio friendly contemporary rock, well demonstrated in this single.

People in the Room YouTube Video

He certainly has the gift of unique vocals. Whilst he doesn’t have the vocal range of someone like Adam Duritz (Counting Crows) he creates a more emotive atmosphere, less upbeat than Duritz but consequently producing a distinctive and unique tone. The more upbeat sound of Americana, more dominant in this single than his others, moves him away from the haunting and distant vocals of Mumford or Bon Iver but his lyrics dominate and should connect on a similar level. The meaningful and thought-provoking themes chronicle a young man’s life and at only 22 he is already showing great writing prowess. Channeling the same poignant story-telling lyricism of Springsteen, he portrays a journey through youth with optimism and hope as key themes, and connects with the listener through the delicate and warm melodies. Anyone who appreciates contemporary country, American rock, and folk rock should definitely get him in their playlists. Having completed his 3rd UK tour in February he is clearly getting the exposure and following he deserves here in the UK.

‘Start Again’ YouTube Video

Everything about him indicates a contemporary and fresh outlook on his genre, from his overall image (including some big hair); his work with producer Terry Brown, to his tone and lyricism, and proves he is going to be big very soon. Look out for his next UK tour! - StArt Magazine

Josh Taerk has recently released a very accomplished album 'Never Look Back' and he recently played a couple of UK dates back in November. Definitely an artist to look out for in the coming months and years…


1. What are you currently up to?

I’m always writing new songs, I consider myself a writer before anything else, and I have been having a blast recording new tracks with my friend and Producer, Terry Brown. Playing in the UK has been amazing, and I’ve recently been given the opportunity to open for The Soldiers on 12 dates during their upcoming tour in the New Year.

2. A brief history of your musical career to date for those new to your music…

It all started when I was about 14 and working as a counselor trainee at a summer camp. I started playing around one day in between sessions and another trainee came over and she asked what I was playing. I told her, “Wonder Wall by Oasis.” She said, “I can’t follow the song unless you sing it.”

Singing was the last thing on my mind up until that time; I wanted to be the next Slash. However, I started the song from the beginning and sang it this time. I finished the song, and looked up, she just stared at me and said, “I didn’t know you were a singer” and I answered, “neither did I.”

That started me off. I started taking vocal lessons, guitar lessons, and then started writing my own songs. I’ll never forget the night that I wrote my first song, “Smell The Roses.” I felt so alive, and I’ve been writing ever since.

3. Could you take us through the new album 'Never Look Back'?

The album is really a collection of things that I, or the people close to me, have gone through. I called it Never Look Back because all of the stories that make up the album are about the journey, and always moving forward. Each song has it’s own feel and tells it’s own story.

Casie is about that first love, that really innocent love, but also a love that we both knew could never be.

Virginia is about those moments in life when you wake up one morning, look at the person you’re with, and say, “maybe I don’t know you as well as I thought I did; at least not as well as my roommate knows you.”

And Start Again was written during my first year of university, about living life to the fullest. It was also about how I’d wake up on Sunday mornings trying to remember just how much of life I’d lived the night before. Most importantly though, it’s about remembering that no matter how crazy life gets, you can always pick yourself up, dust yourself off and Start Again.

4. How did the recent UK showcase gigs go? Any plans to follow it up with a longer tour next year?

I love the crowds in the UK. Every show I played the vibe from the audience was amazing. I had the greatest time playing The 12 Bar Club and LUV Camden, and I’m definitely looking forward to coming back in the New Year on The Soldiers’ Tour.

5. How did you hook-up with producer Terry Brown? Also how did Lawrence Gowan of Styx fame come to play on 'Smell The Roses'?

It’s a funny story actually. I was playing at an event in Toronto and someone approached me after my set and said, “Hey, I really like your stuff. Do you have a demo I could have?” I had a couple recordings I did in a friend’s basement, and so I gave him a copy.

A couple weeks later he calls me and says, “I hope you don’t mind, I played your demo for a friend of mine. He really liked it and wants to meet you.” At no point did he ever tell me who this guy was, but I was on cloud nine that he was so excited about this demo, so I agreed to meet him.

The next thing I know I’m having coffee with this guy and his friend. I meet “Terry Brown”. He said, “I like your songs, would you like to go into studio and record?” I was very excited; I mean it was Terry Brown.

So I’m tuning my guitar in his studio and I look up and see pictures of Rush, album covers of Cutting Crew, It blew me away. We’ve been recording ever since, and I’m so grateful for our working relationship and friendship.

The Larry Gowan story is also pretty cool. While we were working on the first album, “Never Look Back,” Terry sends me over a mix of the song “Smell The Roses,” and says in the email. “My friend Larry Gowan was in the studio and played the piano part on this track. He really liked your song.” It took me a couple minutes for my head to stop spinning and to read the email again.

6. In an ideal world which bands/artists would you like to tour with?

I love music that tells a story, and my favorite storytellers are definitely Bruce Springsteen and Adam Duritz. The two also put on some of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. Adam Duritz puts so much emotion into his music and performance that you can’t help but feel something when you watch him. The messages in Bruce’s music always come out when you see him live, especially because the energy and emotion in his songs are only second to the energy and emotion he brings to the stage. Getting the opportunity to open for either Bruce or Adam Duritz would be a dream come true.

7. What are the big differences between the UK and Canadian music scenes for a newer artist like yourself trying to get yourself established? Are there many chances to tour as support for other bands in Canada? Here in the UK it can be hard for newer bands to get a support slot unless they have some record label backing or a contact with the headlining act.

I’m a firm believer in doing what you love to do. I believe that, no matter what your passion, that passion is there for a reason. In saying that, anything worth achieving almost never comes easy, and to do anything well you need to put in your 10,000 hours. Music is that driving force in my life, it is what I’ve always wanted to do.

I’m unbelievably grateful for the amazing opportunities that I’ve had to play in the UK as well as the opportunities I’ve had in North America. I would say that the biggest difference would just be population density. Canada has a lot of support for artists. However, the population is so spread out it can be challenging to reach out to new audiences across the country. The UK, in my opinion, is a great place to play live because there is a bigger population in a smaller area, so there is a greater opportunity to be able to have your songs heard by a different crowd each night.

8. Have you been approached to front a band at all or do you prefer the freedom you get as a solo artist?

Through high school I played in a couple different bands. The first one really only lasted for about 3 seconds because everyone wanted to play leads, so you can imagine how that would have been difficult. However, from the time I started singing I really wanted to write original material, and in that way it can be difficult to be apart of a band if everyone doesn’t want to collaborate and play original material. So after a while, I decided to go out on my own. I’ve always felt that everything happens for a reason, whether we know it right away or not.

9. Any good rock ‘n’ roll tales to tell…

I get an email at the beginning of last June from Max Weinberg’s manager saying, “Josh, Max is playing a show at Summerfest in Milwaukee, and wanted to invite you and your family to come to the show.” So my family and I fly down June 29th, the same night Max is playing the festival. We arrive in Milwaukee an hour or so before the show, meet up with Max and his manager says, “We’ve got a surprise for you. Max is paying a tribute to Clarence Clemons and wants you to come onstage and play, ‘Ramrod,” with him and the band.” Now, I knew the song but had no idea how to play it, so half an hour before the show I find myself sitting on a couch with Max, and Bill Champlin, from the band Chicago, going over the chords. The show was amazing, the band sounded so tight, and, “Ramrod,” was so much fun! That whole night was one of those experiences I will never forget.

10. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from music?

Ever since I was three I’ve been skiing. I was practically raised on the mountain, and it’s one of my favorite things to do in the winter months. My entire family is very close and we all ski, so it’s been great growing into some of the harder terrain with my younger siblings right beside me.

I love to read as well. I’m an English Major and love writers that tell a very compelling story. It’s also a great source of inspiration for me, reading through other writer’s work and discovering different ways of conveying emotion and meaning within the given text.

Anything else to add and a message for your fans…

Thank you so much for taking the time to ask me these questions Jason, and to my fans; thank you so much for all your support. You guys are the best.

Stay in touch by checking out my fan page on Facebook, go on Twitter, or become a member of my mailing list. Go to the contact section of www.joshtaerk.com to sign up. I love all of your comments and emails and I try to get back to everyone who takes the time to send me a message. - Get Ready To Rock- Reviews/ Interviews/ Blog

Absolute [Release date 14.10.13]

The latest release by young Canadian singer/songwriter Josh Taerk is something of a throwback. Even his mop of curls shouts ‘1980s’, although I’m guessing it’s not a perm!

The opening number – ‘I’ll Live For You’ – sets the tone sounding like an acoustic guitar armed Bruce Hornsby backed by a laid back Toto, with some of the rhythm guitar lines echoing Kim Carnes’ Betty Davis Eyes.

It’s little wonder therefore that on the other side of the pond Josh’s brand of melodic rock has attracted the support of fellow musicians like the E Street Band’s Max Weinberg (who invited him to open his own set), John Oates (who booked him for a songwriters festival) and producer Terry Brown.

Following extensive touring across Canada and North America, he’s serving a long apprenticeship in the UK with three national support tours, a run of headline dates in October, and a November/December Coffee House Session tour of University campus cafes.

In many ways, Josh’s easy on the ear material – that would sit happily next to masters of the genre like Andrew Gold, Don McLlean and Stephen Bishop - is the perfect accompaniment for a Frappuccino or Espresso, and ideally with a muffin on the side while sporting a loose fitting pair of corduroy slacks and a comfy pair of brogues.

Yes, there may be no ‘edge’ or ‘attitude’ here, but the froth on your latte will be safe with this supremely well crafted, radio friendly set. So if AOR is your bag, Josh Taerk may well be your man. *** - Get Ready To ROCK!

Having just embarked upon his 4th UK tour, Josh Taerk is due to release his latest album Josh later on this year. There is a certain state which appears to be perfect to be listening to Josh. World off, drink in hand, staring at the sky. The smooth melodic vocals strung through the 10 track collection, backed by soft, rhythmic acoustic create the perfect ambiance for doing nothing at all. Unlike a lot of the albums you may across today, ‘Josh’ offers a poignant, wholly personal edge, each song serving as an intimate window into the 22 year old’s life.

I’ll live For You launches into the Springsteen- esque Americana rock that Taerk has become so well known for. Drifting into an upbeat, harmonious riff, the track is instantly uplifting and provides an excellent starting point for the rest of the album. It is here that you can begin to understand just why this young artist has become so acclaimed, gaining fans worldwide, as well as a few well- known faces, such as E Street Band drummer, Max Weinberg.

Start Again begins with a country feel to it. Like I’ll Live For You, it’s another one of those songs where it leaves you feeling a little more optimistic about the world; however, it doesn’t come across as cheesy. Instead, you get a genuine portrayal of an honest, confident artist who knows exactly what he wants from the world, and he knows exactly how to go about getting it. If anything, listening to this song only once is enough to put you in a better mood than you were beforehand.

After this, we come to Casie. A slow, sad ode to a far- away love; it seems an extremely personal insight into the life of Taerk. Out of them all, Casie is one of the more emotional, heartfelt tracks on the record, and probably one which listeners can relate to most. We’ve all been there, and this song portrays those exact feelings perfectly.

People In The Room exhibits the same raw emotion previously heard in Casie, but with a different message completely. Layered on-top of an electric guitar to compliment the familiar acoustic, the whole song feels more edgy than the rest. Sentimental and poignant, it’s a welcoming addition to the 10 track record.

My Angel kicks in with the similar style, but quickly reverts back to the same acoustic we have become so familiar with. Another melody to a lost love, it evokes the same emotion initially exposed in Casie.

Smell The Roses offers up a sincere portrayal of the world that we live in; the world that moves too fast and expects too much from one person. With the maturity expressed through this song, it’s often easy to forget that Josh is only 22.

As we are introduced to Grace, we are greeted by another song of another love. A sweet, charming mix of fervent lyrics and dreamy guitars, it offers up another intimate observation into Taerk’s mind. Similar to this, both Hopelessly and Virginia provide more melodic vocals and acoustics, with that added country- western edge.

Figure This Out rounds off the whole album well. It provides a passionate message and ends the album on a high. Overall, it shows exactly why Josh Taerk is one of the most talked about up and coming musicians of this year. His maturity, talent and devotion have led him to some impressive places, and it sounds like things are only going to get better from here. - Big Mouth Music Blog

Josh Taerk is a singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada whose listed influences include storytellers and songwriters like Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, and Adam Duritz of Counting Crows.

It's the Springsteen connection we should take note on, as not only is the E Street Band's Max Weinberg a fan, but he also invited Taerk to open for The Max Weinberg Big Band at the sold out South Orange Performing Arts Centre, in Weinberg's hometown, New Jersey. More locally Taerk has just completed a Coffee House Session tour in London, UK, where the cosmopolitan crowds are reportedly his favourite.

The single 'Casie' from Taerk's album 'Josh' (out now on Misty Creek Records), is a heartfelt plea to a lost love separated by time and distance. Produced by Terry Brown (Rush, Blue Rodeo, and Cutting Crew) the smooth professional production adds well-rounded colour to an already inspiring performance. Its refreshing approach bridges the gap between pop and country without falling into what could be termed as "hot country" that pertains to much of the americana in the US charts. I like this retro edge and I can see why Taerk is one of the most talked about up and coming new talents.

It would be a cliche to say I'd be keen for this to come on the radio during a long drive but it's true, and I'd probably be singing along while tapping in time on the steering wheel. More of the same please Mr. Taerk. - New Music News.com

How time flies. After two months of harmonicas, loop pedals, and tiny giraffe suitcases, the final Coffee House Session of the term is upon us. This time, it’s Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Taerk’s turn to play an acoustic set to a crowded Curiositea. He’s come a long way on his travels from Toronto to Coventry, taking time after the gig to tell Boar Music about his journey so far.

Talking about his musical tastes as a kid, Taerk says that he “got really into the boy band thing” at a young age, and it isn’t entirely without shame that he discusses the fashion choices that followed. “It was the baggy pants and short hair for me,” he says, which is somewhat surprising given the immense mass of curly hair which sits atop his head now. As it turns out, it was a chance encounter with an AC/DC song at the age of 13 that inspired him to give up the Backstreet Boys look: “I went home, started growing my hair, and listened to nothing but rock music for a year.”

From there, Taerk’s taste developed into more standard rock fare: of all the artists he listens to, he gives Bruce Springsteen, Adam Duritz (of American alt-rock band Counting Crows) and Jackson Browne particular prominence in influencing him as a musician. When asked what links the three and why he singles out those artists in particular, he says “I gravitate towards artists that I think tell stories in their work.” This response is unsurprising, given the content of the tracks he performs during his set. Many of his songs seem to be at least partly autobiographical; of the eight or so he plays in Curiositea, three – ‘Casie’, ‘Grace’, and ‘Virginia’ – were named after girls and, if the lyrics are to be believed, the failed relationships surrounding them. Of the latter, Taerk tells the audience that the song is about not knowing someone as well as you initially thought you did – ”or not as well as my roommate did, anyway.”

As the only musician from across the pond to play a Session this year, it seemed natural to ask Taerk whether he felt like his music was distinctly North American. “I think Americana would be the best way to describe my music,” he says, “because it’s got a little classic rock in there, a little singer-songwriter, and a little country.” True to his word, there’s a definite Southern twang to tracks like ‘Smell the Roses’ that places him alongside American country-influenced radio mainstays such as the Dave Matthews Band, Matchbox 20, and the aforementioned Counting Crows. He’s emphatic to note, though, that he doesn’t necessarily feel bound by any particular approach: “I typically let the song breathe – it creates its own life-force,” he says, going on to add that “every song should be treated differently, and every song has its own unique story.”

“Of the eight or so songs Taerk plays in Curiositea, three are named after girls and, if the lyrics are to be believed, the failed relationships surrounding them.”

His choice of covers for the Session are certainly evidence of this open-mindedness, as Avicii’s ‘Wake Me Up’ and Bastille’s ‘Pompeii’ hardly seem like choices that are particularly inspired by the folk-rock stylings of Crosby, Stills and Nash. Again, it’s the storytelling found in both tracks that drew Taerk towards them. Of the former, he’s impressed by the way Bastille “took this really disastrous historic event, the destruction of Pompeii, and turned it into this really intimate story about a guy trying to find a connection with someone.” Finding connections, interestingly, seems to be one of the prominent themes of the afternoon, and so the draw of the song seems evident. He also mentions the “drive” and “energy” of ‘Wake Me Up’, which may reference Avicii’s confessional lyricism that seems to permeate Taerk’s music as well.

Despite this clear love and appreciation of music, Taerk may not have been sitting in Curiositea this afternoon were it not for a chance encounter with Max Weinberg, drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. ”I tell this story to everyone,” he says unapologetically – and to his credit, it’s a brilliant one, as the singer becomes noticeably animated at the recollection of befriending and playing with one of his musical heroes. “You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take,” Taerk says when recounting the moment he approached Weinberg at an event in Toronto. Clearly impressed, Weinberg invited him to play twice: once in New Jersey, and once at “The World’s Largest Music Festival” Summerfest. After that, a four o’clock gig in Curiositea seems incredibly low key. “I really liked it, the vibe in Curiositea is really great,” Taerk assures us. “Every place is unique and every experience is unique for that reason. So I really like the vibe in here.”

Midway through two-week stint on the UK university circuit after having just released a self-titled album earlier this year, Taerk doesn’t have any definite plans for the future. He is restlessly creative though – “I’m always writing, always coming up with new material” – and so he hints at “some stuff in the near future.” Given the trajectory of his career so far, it would be surprising if we didn’t hear from him again very soon. - The Boar

Casie is the first UK single from Canadian singer songwriter Josh Taerk. The 22 year old from Toronto takes his rock influences and creates melodic and gentle tales, lyrical songs in the true story telling tradition. His acoustic songs and constant touring have gained him considerable attention, and he can count Max Weinberg, long time drummer with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band amongst his fans.

Casie is a love song, a tale of young love that just doesn’t work out. Taerk’s melodic vocals are soft yet passionate and the emotion is clear in his delivery. The chorus soars with yearning for his lost love in fine style. The overall effect is gentle yet there is no doubting the intensity behind the lyrics.

Josh Taerk is clearly a talented young man with a big future. - Glasswerk Magazine

Review by Steve Boniface

21 year old singer-songwriter Josh Taerk (pronounced Turk) was brought up on a steady diet of storytelling based music from the likes of Bruce Springsteen. With his album 'Never Look Back' he looks to start telling his own tales.

The 11 track album will appeal to fans of the Americana sound of soft rock with a pinch of country thrown in for good measure, all clocking in at just over 45 minutes. All in all it's a solid LP, with strong production bringing all the musical elements together smoothly in the deceptively complex mix. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect running through the album is the refreshing, unfussy vocal - Taerk getting his ideas across with a rich, clear tone that services the lyrics excellently.

In terms of the tracks, highlights include 'Grace' (track 5) which has a reggae feel, a paradoxically upbeat song about being in love with somone . Opener 'Hopelessly' is another high point, an excellent introduction to the sound Taerk is aiming for throughout the rest of the release.

There are slight mis-steps here and there, but nothing to write home about - 'Never Look Back' is an excellent debut from a young artist who, judging by this album, is going to have plenty to offer as time goes on.

Review by Steve Boniface

Want to know more about Josh Taerk? Visit http://www.joshtaerk.com/
Or hear/read our interview with the man himself!
Listen here: http://labelledindependent.podbean.com/2012/08/19/interview-josh-taerk/
Or read it here: http://www.mydadrocks.co.uk/indie-music-news/3135-interview-josh-taerk-canadian-singer-songwriter-touring-the-uk.html

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By: Bree Hoskin

Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Taerk talks to us about his debut album Never Look Back, the moment he discovered that he could really sing and his guiltiest musical pleasures.

Do you remember your first ever gig? What happened?
My first gig was 18 August 2007. I will never forget that night. A friend asked if I would fill a spot in a show he was putting on and I had never gotten up in front of a crowd before. The place was packed with about 200 people and by the time I was finished, everyone was out of their seats clapping. I was addicted.

So, what's in store for the crowd at one of your gigs?
I love playing live and my shows are definitely all about that. When people come to see me play they can expect some great music, good stories and a great time.

"I finished the song and, when I looked up, she just stared at me and said, 'I didn’t know you were a singer', and I answered, 'Neither did I'."

Tell us a bit about your album Never Look Back - what can we expect?
The album is really a collection of things that I, or the people close to me, have gone through. I called it Never Look Back because all of the stories that make up the album are all about the journey and always moving forward.

What are you most proud of about the album?
I love that every song on the album has its own life. Each one has its own feel and tells its own story. I have to thank my producer and good friend Terry Brown for that as well. He has an unbelievable ear for music and always matches the production to the specific message of the song.

What was it like to record?
It was an unbelievable feeling. I’m so grateful to be able to say that I get to do what I love to do. The coolest part for me was taking the songs from words in my head and watching them come to life. I’ll never forget the first time I came home from a recording session with Terry. I felt so alive.

So, when did you first realise you had musical talent?
It’s actually a funny story. I was about 14 and working as a counsellor in training at a summer camp. I picked up my guitar, in between training sessions, and started playing the chords that I had learnt in my lessons that week. Another trainee came over and she asked me what I was playing. I told her, “'Wonder Wall' by Oasis,” and started playing the chords from the beginning. She stopped me and said, and I’ll never forget this, “I can’t follow the song unless you sing it.”

Singing was the last thing on my mind at the time - I wanted to be the next Slash. However, I started the song from the beginning and sang it this time too. I finished the song and, when I looked up, she just stared at me and said, “I didn’t know you were a singer”, and I answered, “Neither did I.”

"I love that every song on the album has its own life. Each one has its own feel and tells its own story."

Who were your childhood musical heroes?
I listened to a very wide range of music when I was younger. The first musical heroes I had were probably N Sync. The harmonies they produced were amazing. The boy band phase for me lasted until I was 12 or 13 and then I heard ACDC’s 'Shook Me All Night Long', at a friend’s party. My entire world changed after that. He introduced me to one of his favourite bands Nirvana, which then lead me to find Green Day, probably my second childhood musical heroes. Finally my dad took me to a Springsteen concert when I was about 15 or 16 and he’s been a huge influence for me ever since.

What's the guiltiest pleasure on your iPod?
A couple years ago my family and I went to Disneyworld and saw their fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom called 'Wishes'. I have the song for that show on my iPod and I listen to it whenever I want to smile. Disney just has so many good memories for me and I keep that song on my iPod to remind me of those great times.

Finish the sentence: A good night out starts with...
Good food. I’m a food nut, especially for pizza and pasta.

It ends with...
Hanging out with friends, jamming and listening to music. I’m a pretty low-key kind of guy.

It's our round - what are you having?
I’m a beer drinker and really like trying different kinds of beer. So, no matter if it’s a bottle or on tap, I’m good.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
“Have fun, joy is contagious.”

Anything to add?
Thank you so much for taking the time to ask me these questions and, to those of you reading, thank you for reading. Check me out on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, or become a member of my mailing list by going to the contact section of www.joshtaerk.com. I love hearing your thoughts and I try to get back to everyone.


Never Look Back, the new album from Josh Taerk, is out now. Find out more at www.joshtaerk.com. - Gaydar Radio

By Kerry Doole

JOSH TAERK: The recent Orbit Room showcase by this fast-rising young Toronto singer/songwriter doubled as a benefit for the Daily Bread Food Bank. That sense of compassion and social conscience is also reflected in Taerk’s songs, as heard on his debut CD, Never Look Back. His first few songs here were performed solo, and showed he has really grown as a vocalist, while the addition of a band demonstrated the melodic strength of his material. The capacity crowd in the club included famed rock producer TERRY BROWN (BLUE RODEO, RUSH), who produced Taerk’s album. - Tandem - Online Magazine

Young Canadian singer/songwriter Josh Taerk has just released debut album 'Never Look Back' and this is a three song sampler from the album. He is already creating a buzz as Terry Brown of Rush fame is the producer and Styx's Lawerence Gowan guests on one song on the album.

'Start Again' is a blissful radio friendly rocker, not a million miles away from John Meyer or latter day Live in sound. 'Cassie' and 'Hopelessly' are more reflective number and shows Josh Taerk's vocals off to good effect. He has rich vocal and certainly knows how to pen a decent melody. A definate talent and one to watch, all this talent in someone so young!

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Jason Ritchie - Written by: Jason Ritchie

We caught up with Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Taerk during his recent UK dates to talk about his album Never Look Back and the future.

-You played the BBC Club last night - how was it?
It was fantastic. I had heard so much about it going into it. I was so excited to be there, and be at the epicentre of BBC radio. I think it went really well. I played a full set and everybody that was there seemed very receptive.

-How does it feel to come over here and get that kind of reaction then?
You know what, it's been phenomenal. I'm very humbled and very grateful at how people in the UK, both within the industry and people outside of it, have been taking the record and relating to the music.

-How is it comparing to the reaction you're getting back in Canada?
It's a very different kind of reaction at home. Canada does a terrific job of making sure that there's enough homegrown talent and content to balance out with a lot of the other content that's available.

The thing about Europe, and especially the UK, is there are a lot more people in a small amount of space, whereas Canada's much more spread out.

It can be challenging, to a certain extent, to reach a lot of people at one time in Canada. The reaction back home is terrific - I'm always very grateful for my hometown fans, and all the support I get there.

-What do you bring to your live show then? That enthusiasm and love for it?
Yeah. It's one of the parts of this business that enjoy - probably the one that I enjoy the most. I mean, all of it is fantastic - the recording, doing what we're doing right now, but there's something about getting up in front of people and feeling the audience, knowing they're getting something out of your songs.

-The immediate reaction.
Absolutely. One of my heroes is Bruce Springsteen. Whenever I see him live, and whenever I've seen clips of him, he always brings a level of passion and emotion to his live performance. It's definitely something that I've tried to continue through my live performance.

-Is that something that's helped with these club shows, with their intimacy?
For sure, absolutely. I love doing the acoustic sets as well, because it definitely brings that more intimate singer-to-audience connection. That connection and that intimacy - I feel it brings a different life into the songs I'm singing.

-You mentioned Springsteen - you've had the likes of Max Weinberg praise your music. How does that feel?
It's something that I'm still trying to wrap my head around to this day. It's been phenomenal. Max is incredibly supportive, and such a phenomenal person. Aside from being incredibly talented, he is very down to earth and very supportive of music in general.

So, to have somebody who is that accomplished, and that experienced, being so supportive and so helpful with my career...it's an experience I can't really do justice to. It's amazing - I'm grateful for it every single day.

-When we spoke over the summer, it was just before the full release of Never Look Back. How does it feel to finally get it out there?
I'm very excited to have it fully released. We were really excited going into the process of recording, me and Terry. To actually have it released in the UK is an incredible milestone in itself.

At the time of writing the album, I wasn't necessarily writing the songs specifically for that reason. It was just a way for me to express the experiences that I had, or that people close to me had had. The fact that it's now become a record, and is now available not only in Canada but the UK...it's a really unbelievable feeling.

Comment on this Article

-How was it working with Terry on the record?
Terry's a one of a kind person. He's absolutely amazing. I've never met anybody that has that same kind of drive and passion for music. He's very humble, very down to earth.

Going into the recording sessions, he was always trying to balance his understanding of the music, and his interpretation of what I was doing, with what I was hoping to get out of the songs.

He's always been very open and always wants to know what I think about each song. That back and forth process has developed a really great friendship, as well as a really great working relationship.

-You've been able to retain a good amount of control, more of a collaboration?
Absolutely, since day one Terry seemed very adamant about making it a collaboration. I really appreciate that, especially as it was my first real experience being in a studio and recording with a producer. For that, he's really helped me develop my career, and definitely been a huge mentor for me as well as a friend.

-I'd assume you'll be starting to work with him on the follow-up?
Absolutely - we're actually seven songs into the second record. I can't give too much away yet, but both me and Terry are very excited about it.

-Is it hard balancing the work for the second record, whilst you're promoting the first?
You know what, it's definitely a balancing act, but it's a fun process at the same time. I never really consider any of the music aspect of my life to be work, really, because I enjoy it so much.

With concerns to writing the songs for the second album, it's a process that is very organic - specifically for myself, I can't speak for other writers, obviously. It's something that I can't necessarily time out - when inspiration comes, whether it's a certain chord progression, or a couple of lines in a song, I just completely get enveloped in that world and that song.

The second record started to almost come out in segments ever since the end of the summer, really. Whenever there's a couple of minutes where I can sit down, take that inspiration and turn it into something, I definitely do.

-How did you find it coming through in Canada then? Was it a case of a lot of open mic nights, acoustic shows, building your way up?
Basically, yes. The first gig I ever played was actually an event that a friend of mine was hosting. At the time, I wasn't really thinking about performing so much - hadn't done a lot of it, and he asked me as a favour.

I'll never forget the date - it was August 18th 2007. I got up for the first time, and he was able to bring out about 200 people to this event. I sang my first song, and when I was done, everyone in the audience stood up and started clapping. I was completely addicted at that point.

From there, it was a series of events - singer-songwriter nights, I played a lot of Open Mics. I really do enjoy that experience still. Don't get me wrong - being able to play at places like the South Orange Performing Arts Centre where I opened up for Max is a phenomenal experience.

I'll never forget that date too, for different reasons, but those intimate gigs, like you said before...there's no replacing that feeling.

-Does coming through that way make you appreciate where you are now, rather than if you'd gone through something like The X Factor? Has it been more beneficial to you?
You know, it's an interesting question. It was something that I never really considered fully, to be honest, for no other reason than the way that I perceived the music industry.

The way that I always heard my heroes went through the music industry was getting out there, playing those gigs - putting your teeth to the grindstone, doing your 10,000 hours that way. I'm a very firm believer that in order to do anything really well, you need to put in that time and effort to do it.

So, to be honest with you, it's a phenomenal experience for anyone who gets that opportunity, and has that ability to go up there week after week and perform in front of those judges.

It's a phenomenal experience, and I would definitely suggest it. It wasn't necessarily a route that I'd considered taking - I can't comment on it too much, about what that would've been like.

-Looking past these UK shows, what do you have planned looking ahead to 2012?
Well, I'm actually very excited to say that on top of doing a couple of gigs, and speaking with a couple of people from media and radio stations, we also came over to discuss some touring opportunities for the New Year.

I can't really, at this moment, say who - I'm not at liberty necessarily to say that, but we're talking to a couple of people that are doing some major tours in the New Year. I'm very excited, very grateful for those opportunities.

Female First - Alistair McGeorge (Follow me on Twitter @AlistairMcG)

We caught up with Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Taerk during his recent UK dates to talk about his album Never Look Back and the future.

-You played the BBC Club last night - how was it?
It was fantastic. I had heard so much about it going into it. I was so excited to be there, and be at the epicentre of BBC radio. I think it went really well. I played a full set and everybody that was there seemed very receptive.

-How does it feel to come over here and get that kind of reaction then?
You know what, it's been phenomenal. I'm very humbled and very grateful at how people in the UK, both within the industry and people outside of it, have been taking the record and relating to the music.

-How is it comparing to the reaction you're getting back in Canada?
It's a very different kind of reaction at home. Canada does a terrific job of making sure that there's enough homegrown talent and content to balance out with a lot of the other content that's available.

The thing about Europe, and especially the UK, is there are a lot more people in a small amount of space, whereas Canada's much more spread out.

It can be challenging, to a certain extent, to reach a lot of people at one time in Canada. The reaction back home is terrific - I'm always very grateful for my hometown fans, and all the support I get there.

-What do you bring to your live show then? That enthusiasm and love for it?
Yeah. It's one of the parts of this business that enjoy - probably the one that I enjoy the most. I mean, all of it is fantastic - the recording, doing what we're doing right now, but there's something about getting up in front of people and feeling the audience, knowing they're getting something out of your songs.

-The immediate reaction.
Absolutely. One of my heroes is Bruce Springsteen. Whenever I see him live, and whenever I've seen clips of him, he always brings a level of passion and emotion to his live performance. It's definitely something that I've tried to continue through my live performance.

-Is that something that's helped with these club shows, with their intimacy?
For sure, absolutely. I love doing the acoustic sets as well, because it definitely brings that more intimate singer-to-audience connection. That connection and that intimacy - I feel it brings a different life into the songs I'm singing.

-You mentioned Springsteen - you've had the likes of Max Weinberg praise your music. How does that feel?
It's something that I'm still trying to wrap my head around to this day. It's been phenomenal. Max is incredibly supportive, and such a phenomenal person. Aside from being incredibly talented, he is very down to earth and very supportive of music in general.

So, to have somebody who is that accomplished, and that experienced, being so supportive and so helpful with my career...it's an experience I can't really do justice to. It's amazing - I'm grateful for it every single day.

-When we spoke over the summer, it was just before the full release of Never Look Back. How does it feel to finally get it out there?
I'm very excited to have it fully released. We were really excited going into the process of recording, me and Terry. To actually have it released in the UK is an incredible milestone in itself.

At the time of writing the album, I wasn't necessarily writing the songs specifically for that reason. It was just a way for me to express the experiences that I had, or that people close to me had had. The fact that it's now become a record, and is now available not only in Canada but the UK...it's a really unbelievable feeling.

-How was it working with Terry on the record?
Terry's a one of a kind person. He's absolutely amazing. I've never met anybody that has that same kind of drive and passion for music. He's very humble, very down to earth.

Going into the recording sessions, he was always trying to balance his understanding of the music, and his interpretation of what I was doing, with what I was hoping to get out of the songs.

He's always been very open and always wants to know what I think about each song. That back and forth process has developed a really great friendship, as well as a really great working relationship.

-You've been able to retain a good amount of control, more of a collaboration?
Absolutely, since day one Terry seemed very adamant about making it a collaboration. I really appreciate that, especially as it was my first real experience being in a studio and recording with a producer. For that, he's really helped me develop my career, and definitely been a huge mentor for me as well as a friend. - Female First - Alistair McGeorge

Canadian-born singer-songwriter Josh Taerk is starting to make a name for himself in the North American and UK music scenes, receiving praise from the likes of Max Weinberg (a member of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band).

Only 20 years old, his new album Never Look Back is available now on iTunes, and is the culmination of almost four years hard work from the singer.

We chatted to him ahead of the album release about the record, his live shows and what the future holds.

-Are you excited for the full release of Never Look Back?
Absolutely, it’s very exciting; especially because, at the time, I wasn’t writing the songs for an album. Writing was a way for me to express the things I was feeling.

I wanted to write songs that spoke to people, and let them know that others were experiencing these things, feeling these things.

Recording, and producing, a record was a completely different world at the time, and so I’m very grateful and excited for the release of the album.

Comment on this Article

-How would you describe the album?
The album is really a collection of things that I, or the people close to me, have gone through. I called it Never Look Back because all of the stories that make up the album are about the journey. You can’t change the past, learn from it, and move on.

-Who are you influenced by?
The songwriters that have influenced me the most are classic story-tellers. Bruce Springsteen, Adam Duritz, Jackson Browne, they all write about life, and do it in a way that makes everyone feel a part of the story. They describe things in a way that everyone can relate to.

-How does it feel to have the likes of Max Weinberg praising your music?
I’m a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street Band, so as a fan it was incredible to meet Max. He's so talented and such a great person.

To have him become so supportive of my music is insane. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. I mean, he’s “The Mighty Max.”

-How was it working with Terry Brown on the album?
Terry Brown is a one of a kind person. He's a very accomplished producer, working with some of the most famous bands on many of their greatest hits.

Terry is also very humble, and really loves what he's doing, so being able to work with someone who has the passion that Terry does, there's just no describing it.

From the start of the project, Terry always wanted my input on the album and more than that, always wanted to find the right balance between his vision and mine. I'm very grateful for our friendship.

-Have you had much feedback from the album yet?
I'm really excited and humbled by my fans' reactions to the album. The emails and comments have been awesome. It feels incredible to know that others relate to my songs.

-You've performed at the Canadian Music Fest last year. How was it being part of their first acoustic showcase?
It was very cool being apart of the first acoustic night. The crowd was really receptive and gave an incredible vibe to the place. It was a great show.

-What can people expect from your life show?
I love performing, and I think my live show reflects that. As far as what people can expect, I love what I do. So when you come out and see me live expect some good stories, and great music.

-Do you have any plans for a follow-up?
Absolutely, writing is my passion, it's what I do. Terry and I are already midway through my second album and having a blast. I don't want to give anything away just yet, but we're both very excited.

-What does the rest of 2011 hold for Josh Taerk?
A lot more writing, recording, of course I love performing. - Female First - Alistair McGeorge

Singer/songwriters are ten a penny nowadays, each trying to tell their story and put their unique stamp on the world as illustratively as they can. Some succeed, some loose, but Josh Taerk is definitely on to a winner.

Josh's first full-length album, "Never Look Back" is a smooth showcase for this up and coming young star. Hailing from Toronto, Josh has recently been delighting British audiences, opening for The Soldiers on their UK tour, and deservedly so.


His opener and instant favourite of mine, Hopelessly, is a beautifully mature track, with Josh instantly opening his heart to the listener, and most definitely sets the tone for the rest of the album. It certainly stops you in your tracks. This is not what you would expect to be offered from a twenty-year old on his debut album. Smooth and controlled, relaxed and confident, Josh's music articulates the emotions in his song excellently, with the wisdom and foresight of a man in much older shoes.

Josh's vocal also holds true as one much older, and is rich with tone, emotion and serenity. All of his melodic tracks will have your foot tapping, with the band arrangement just-so as to not overpower, but complement, Josh as an individual. On the whole I would liken him to one of my favourite artists, John Mayer, while another of my favourites, My Angel, reminds me distinctively of the Crowded House boys, combining upbeat rhythms to drive the song without being hectic.

Josh Taerk is certainly on to watch, and I envisage many a young lady soon wishing they were the Casie in Josh's world.

Download Josh Taerk's album today from iTunes via: www.joshtaerk.com or check him out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/joshtaerk/. - Keely Anne Hill, Writer & Editor Fit4Talent

Next up, was special guest Josh Taerk. Hailing from Toronto, Taerk has captured and sealed in a bottle the art of brooding acoustic playing, that and technical brilliance. With the face of Spiderman star Andrew Garfield and the hair of Brian May, he's visually striking and has a sound wise beyond its years, somewhere between early REM and Neil Young. Combine this with a strong and commanding set that both soothed and excited; one filled with introspection through audience interaction, as well as a variety of tone through tales of lost love and living life to the full, as well as a fantastic cover of Elton John's "Rocket Man", and you have all the ticks in all the boxes. So, don't worry if you haven't heard of him yet, you will! No doubt his will be the songs playing in the movies during the romantic scenes and humorous cock-ups. - James Sheppard of Listed Magazine

Josh Taerk (pronounced Turk) was born in Toronto, Canada and raised on a healthy diet of Rock ‘N’ Roll music; Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Tom Petty & Bob Dylan just to name a few.
In 2016 Josh toured the U.S. where his latest single “Anywhere Love Took Us” was play-listed on Hot AC Commercial Radio in The U.S. and his Christmas single was play-listed on Retail Radio debuting at #10 on the Indie Top 50 charts. On tour, Josh and his band have opened for famed blues guitarist Robin Trower (Procol Harum), Kevin Costner & Modern West, Jon McLaughlin, Austin Jones amongst others; and have played shows in Nashville TN, Indianapolis, IN, Columbus, Akron and Cleveland OH, Jackson MS, Birmingham AL, El Dorado AR, Paducah and Louisville KY, Atlanta and Macon GA, Huntsville AL, Franklin TN, Midland TX, Salt Lake City UT, and Denver CO. They even headlined a show in Taerk’s hometown of Toronto this past March. - The Loudini Rock 'n' Roll Circus

Josh Taerk does it again with another new single in tow, “Learning to Let Go.” The brilliant new single is available digitally, everywhere, which you can find, here: http://smarturl.it/LearningToLetGo

Josh has an amazing history – he was playing local venues in Toronto when Max Weinberg – drummer for Bruce Springsteen – saw him play. Max was so impressed, he invited Josh to open for him at his sold out show in New Jersey, as well as play with him onstage to pay tribute to the late Clarence Clemons at Summerfest. He was then selected to play the 7908 John Oates Aspen Songwriters Festival, where he met another great mentor and now friend, John Oates who would later record back up vocals on his album and connect him to his producer Teddy Morgan. - Modern Mystery Blog

Josh Taerk unveils his new single today, "Learning to Let Go." The follow up single to "Rock n' Roll On," he brings another delightful and enticing song to the mix. With elements of rock n' roll in the most nostalgic way, the new track helps to make Taerk a name to remember. Throughout this career he has had many accolades in his short time. With the high energy of his live show, Josh was named one of the “Top 5 Live Acts” of 2015 by Classic Rock Magazine; and his album “Here’s To Change” was chosen as one of the top 25 albums of the year by Rock music writer Jason Ritchie (Classic Rock Magazine, GRTR!). In May of 2015, the title track off HTC was play-listed on over 40 radio stations throughout The UK. With another impressive single in tow, "Learning to Let Go" is on its way to becoming a classic for the new ages. Find your copy and listen digitally today! http://smarturl.it/LearningToLetGo - Kurrent Music

Sometimes you read an artists bio and think, “Hmm, this is more about what they want to sound like than what actually do.” You know the ones, rock bands who claim to be influenced by the Clash and The Foo Fighters and actually sound like the two worst songs on a Bon Jovi out takes compilation. Or a band whose references suggest the future of indie music but who sound like the songs the original Oasis drummer got the sack for writing. So when I read Josh Taerk’s genre described as a clash of Ed Sheeran hooks and Bruce Springsteen energy, I thought that if this were true, I’d eat my hat.

So, one hat later and I’m happy to admit that this time around my cynical view on modern music has been well and truly kicked to the kerb. The description on his bio is actually perfect for the vibrant blend of pop aware infectiousness and anthemic heartland rock. And if that sounds like a balancing act that would pull both down to a lowest common denominator, I am also happy to report that the opposite is true. Modern pop with a gym membership? Stadium rock for the young and hip? Why not?

What Josh seems expert at, and this is also based on listening to a few of his other songs too, is taking that bombastic nature out of the big rock machine, placing some grit and drive into pop and then lacing the two together via lyrical poeticism and deft dynamics. If pop and rock have often been at odds during their long careers then Josh is just the man to build a bridge between the two. Okay the candy-pop dance set might not like it and the army of plaid shirted blue collar rockers might not be dissuade from their singular point of view, but for music which, when done properly, reminds us that the two camps really aren’t that far apart then Josh Taerk is your go to guy.

(note to self: more seasoning when eating hats!) - Dancing About Architecture

Josh Taerk is back with his new video in tow for "Learning To Let Go." The charming piece features appearances from players of the Nashville Sound baseball team, which makes the video extra special. Throughout the video we see a young man growing from a child to an adult while pursuing his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. Within the video, the storyline works closely with the lyrics of "Learning To Let Go." With the main character taking a chance with a bit of faith and support, he comes to terms that life is not a destination, but a journey.

Josh Taerk shared some insight regarding the song, stating: "This was the first song I wrote with my producer and good friend Teddy Morgan who I was introduced to by John Oates (Hall and Oates). Teddy and I wrote it in Teddy's studio in Berry Hill, Tennessee and recorded it at Buzz Cason’s studio, The Creative Workshop. Cason was a backing singer for Elvis Presley and Kenny Rogers. In 1970, he founded 'Creative Workshop', a recording studio, where Dolly Parton, Jerry Reed, Merle Haggard, The Judds, The Doobie Brothers, Emmylou Harris and Olivia Newton-John recorded material." Josh Taerk's new video for "Learning To Let Go," will have you head over heels for the artist. He's won our hearts. - No Depression

Trying to relive the memories of the rock 'n' roll music of his youth, Canadian-raised musician Josh Taerk, was raised on some of the best classic rock musicians to live his quest. Storytellers like musicians Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Bob Dylan and the late Tom Petty are definitely worth trying to emulate. Springsteen's own drummer, Max Weinberg, took note of Taerk's performance when he was playing a local venue in his hometown of Toronto.

Taerk has had many incredible music opportunities with renowned and popular musicians. These include touring with Robin Trower of Procol Harum, Kevin Costner & Modern West, and several headlining shows in his hometown. He was praised by critics and fans as a Top 5 Live Act in 2015, and has heard his music played in rotation on radio in the UK and internationally.

Weinberg, Springsteen's drummer, invited him on-stage to play with him onstage to pay tribute to the late Clarence Clemons at Summerfest, as noted in a recent bio. Due to his indelible talent, Taerk has been invited to play on-stage by other notable musicians like John Oates of the famed Hall & Oates, and others.

Taerk is soon-to-please again with his new EP Stages, out today. AXS is streaming the EP in its entirety, and when asked what the EP means to him, he says that "I picked the name Stages for this EP because of the different stages of my writing, the different stages of my career, the stages I get to play on night after night, and the many stages of my life so far. All of these different stages have contributed to who I am and have shaped the songs I write.” - AXS

Apple Music [Release date 02.02.18]

Josh Taerk has long been a favourite here at Ritchie towers and he is now back with a new five song EP, although one song ‘After The Fall’ is lifted from his last album ‘Here’s To Change’.

For his young years Josh has a knack for penning lyrics that are though provoking and inspiring at the same time. ‘Learning To Let Go’ is a prime example, carried along by a melodic refrain and Josh’s easy on the ear vocals. The only thing we can control is learning to let go, the song nails it on the head and again the guitar creates a perfect foil for Josh’s impassioned vocal. ’Jekyll Or Hyde’ is a chance to highlight his singing – loving the vocals on this and the guitar solo.

‘Neverland’ would sit nicely on a love songs compilation, not that it is cheesy, more that is the best way sometimes to get that next break out in popularity.

Josh Taerk keeps honing his song writing craft with another EP chock full of memorable songs. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

We caught up with Josh on his recent UK tour and asked about the ‘Stages’ EP, future musical plans and more…

On your new EP ‘Stages’ you have again produced some very heartfelt lyrics backed by a catchy melody. Where do your song ideas come from? Are they always based on personal experiences and do you find your song writing grows stronger the more experiences you have lived through?

Thank you. Whenever I think of songs that mean something to me, they are songs where the writer put a piece of themselves into the story they were telling. That made those songs relatable and that experience, those feelings more real to me. The most important thing for me as a writer is being able to write songs that people can connect with and relate to their own experiences, thoughts and feelings. Music is about connecting with people, sharing stories, and I can’t expect people to connect with my songs if I’m not putting my heart and soul into the stories I’m telling.

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ has one of your best singing performances to date. How do you keep your voice in such good shape?

Someone said to me once, “you get praised in public for what you practice in private” and I’ve really taken that to heart. My voice is a muscle and in order to build strength and endurance I train my voice by doing vocal exercises regularly and keep it healthy by eating right as much as possible, especially when I’m not on the road trying to find food after a gig.

I’ve had some amazing vocal coaches in my life, Micah Barnes in Toronto and Brett Manning in Nashville. Both these guys continue to push me and give me different exercises to help me grow as a singer. I also have fun with it, and love testing my voice and experimenting with different textures to see what happens when I sing in different registers or in different ways. I find out so much about what my voice is capable of doing just by trying stuff.

How do you keep your positive side to your songs, as although they can deal with life changing events, there is always a sense of hope contained in the songs?

That’s a huge compliment. I wouldn’t be doing what I do if it wasn’t for hope and faith. There have been many times that I’ve come up against what seems like a concrete wall, people telling me that I won’t succeed and that I should stop trying. Faith in myself, my choices, what I feel is right and the hope of that faith taking me where I want to go is what keeps me reaching for the bigger and brighter. That’s probably where that thread of hope comes through in my music. I write songs based on my story, hope and faith are a big part of that story.

You play four UK dates, including two in London. Do you plan more UK and European dates later this year? Have you seen interest grow in your music over here in the UK since your last visit?

I have the best fans in the world. Throughout the time I wasn’t here, my fans stayed connected with me and my music on social media. When I announced that I was playing these shows, I got so many RSVPs and messages from them and it was the greatest feeling seeing them at the shows.

One of the things I love about social media is that you can be a musician from anywhere and still make that instant and direct connection with people everywhere. I had so many people come up to me at my shows and say, “I saw your videos on YouTube” or “I’ve been listening to your new EP on Spotify and had to come and see you live!” That’s such a great feeling knowing the content you’re putting out there, music or otherwise, is connecting with people.

After being back in the UK this past week and playing those amazing shows, you couldn’t keep me away for that long again if you tried. I’m working on more UK shows for the spring/summer as we speak.

What’s next after the ‘Stages’ EP? In the current musical climate will you focus on EP’s/single song releases or are you planning a full album release at some point?

I’m always writing and I’m looking forward to going back to the studio and really bringing this batch of songs to life. As far as whether it’s going to be a single, an EP or an album, I don’t really know until we get close to being done production. For me, it’s all about how each song and story connect with each other that leads me to releasing them all together or one at a time.

Message for your fans…

You rock, thank you for being on this journey with me. It’s been one hell of a ride so far and I can’t wait to see what happens next! - Get Ready To ROCK!

Canadian singer / song-writer Josh Taerk begins 2018 in the right way with a tour in the UK. Lyrically-Speaking reviews his performance at The Bedford, London.

Josh Taerk is no stranger to touring in the UK, now that 2018 has fallen upon us, he begins his New Year performing at The Bedford. Before beginning his tour, Josh said; “It’s like coming home. The UK was where I cut my teeth as an artist and performer. It’s where I developed my sound and learned what it meant to put on a show. My live show is what it is today in large part because of my experiences in the UK, and I can’t wait to be back.”

Opening the show, the audience could feel the passion and enthusiasm that Josh puts into his music. Beaming from ear to ear, he is introduced to the crowd and you can instantly tell that he has a large and confident presence on stage. His first song, ‘The Mirror’ which was released on his debut album, Here’s To Change, starts the night with a rocky, toe-tapping beat. Josh provides us with strong vocals and shows that he is just as great when he is performing live.

Cranking up the tempo, we move into Josh’s single ‘Rock N Roll On’ which has a country-rock vibe. This is a fun track and the lyrics seem to accurately describe Josh’s love of music. It is clear that he just enjoys performing. The Bedford is an intimate venue and Josh uses this to his advantage by making eye-contact with the audience and making it personalised.

The next two songs that Josh performs are from his new EP Stages. The first he performs is ‘Neverland’ which is a lot slower than Josh’s usual tracks but it works well. This is one of Lyrically-Speaking’s favourite songs as his voice is impeccable over a smooth beat. It shows a different side to Josh and what he is capable of. The second song from Stages that is performed is ‘Learning To Let Go’. The vocals on this track are on another level and there is no way to describe them. To see what we mean, give the song a listen!

Ending the night on a high, Josh sings his ‘Take A Chance On Me’. Throughout the whole show, Josh gives it his all, particularly on this last track. He takes over the stage and keeps the audience on their toes by effectively switching the tone between mellow and upbeat.

What an incredible performance! We are left eagerly awaiting what Josh Taerk will bring to the table next. - Lyrically Speaking Magazine