Local artist profile: Josh Rankin

THIS week we finish up our series profiling local hard rockers Two Steps Forward by chatting with lead guitarist Josh Rankin, who said playing at this year’s Bendigo Show is definitely up there with his favourite performances so far.

What motivated you to take up lead guitar?

I’d been playing guitar for a long time when I joined Two Steps Forward. I hadn’t had much experience playing lead but it was what the band needed, (so) I practiced a lot and got up to standard. I loved the idea of being able to play what I was listening to and being able to create my own music, which required me to be able to play more lead parts.

Overall I was motivated because I wanted to be a better guitarist and musician and I wanted to be able to play solos and other parts which automatically put me in the position to play lead guitar in the band.

How would you describe your style?

I like to play different genres, going through the heavier music as well as softer songs.

I’m diverse in my playing style – the way I developed (it) was listening to lots of different music, covering genres like Metal, Nu Metal, Alternative Rock, Pop Rock, Rap, some Country and Pop.

Which other lead guitarists inspire you?

Aaron Marshall, who is the writer for the instrumental progressive rock band Intervals.

I love how he knows so many instruments and is a one-man band.

His music pushes me to play better and he’s very talented.

Will Miller from The Unknown, he’s my friend and inspires me because he has a strong practice ethic and loves what he does.

He’s also a great guy and he helps me become better.

Brad Delson, the lead guitarist from Linkin Park, because I love listening to them and I’m inspired by his attitude and how much work he puts into the band.

I consistently push myself to (learn) his songs that have more challenging guitar parts and solos.

Have you had any mentors over your career so far?

Jarrod Meadows, one of my old guitar teachers who pushed me hard as a guitarist and I love his style of playing.

Even when I didn’t believe in myself, he believed in me.

What are some highlights you have from your time as a lead guitarist so far?

Playing at the Bendigo Show 2025 will definitely be up there with my favourite performances so far.

Also the Rock the Vine Part 3 because we released our first original songs there.

I also love the days where we get together as a band to practice or write music.

I love how we get to laugh and have silly moments with each other – it makes me realise how much younger me dreamed of doing what I’m doing now.

How can people check out your work online?

My Instagram page is @that_2sf_muso and the band’s is @twostepsforwardband_

What are you working on right now?

(We’re) currently working on a few new songs as a band and I’m slowly doing some original writing.

What would you say to young regional aspiring lead guitarists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Make connections, as many as you possibly can, practice hard, but also just enjoy it.

Learn what you want to learn and push yourself.

Don’t let other people decide what kind of guitarist you’ll be.

Love what you do, do it with passion and bring some friends along to do it with you.