Celebrated songwriter to play solo show in April

AUSTRALIAN singer-songwriter Josh Pyke will head to Geelong next year as part of an expanded run of his Feeding the Wolves and Other Stories tour.

The tour marks the 20th anniversary of Pyke’s breakthrough 2005 EP, Feeding With Wolves, which introduced audiences to now-fan favourite hit, Middle of the Hill.

“21 years ago, I was working in a record store, chipping away at demos for a solo project, and dreaming of being a full-time musician,” Pyke said. “One year later I signed with Ivy Records, released Feeding With Wolves, and my entire life changed.

“I remember playing the Sydney leg of the Big Day Out in 2005 and seeing the crowd trickle in during my set until it was at capacity by the end.

“The same day, Middle of the Hill entered the Hottest 100 at number 19, and I pretty much hit the road touring and never stopped.”

The EP debuted on the ARIA Albums Chats in early 2006, peaking at number 64, and was nominated for best pop release at the ARIA Music Awards that same year.

“I feel like it’s only now that I can reflect on it with a bit of distance,” Pyke said. “This 20-year period has been the craziest whirlwind and the biggest adventure I could have ever imagined.

“I can’t wait to play the songs and tell the stories that kicked that adventure off [and] to celebrate a career that I’m immensely grateful for, and incredibly proud of.”

Now recognised as one of Australia’s most established contemporary songwriters, Pyke has built a two-decade career that has seen all seven of his studio albums debut in the ARIA Top 10.

He has received four ARIA Awards, eleven nominations, and an APRA Award for film composition.

He has released seven studio albums, each of which debuted in the ARIA Top 10, and earned four ARIA Awards and an APRA Award for film composition.

Pyke will arrive in Geelong on April 10, performing an intimate solo set that focuses on storytelling and the origins of the songs – like The Summer and The Lighthouse Song – that shaped his early career.

For tickets, visit geelongartscentre.org.au