Joshua Batten is a modern-day troubadour, using music as his language to connect with his audience. Drawing on personal experience, his music provides both an escape and perspective in a complex world. Based in Melbourne, Joshua's personal brand of Alternative Roots Rock is characterised by passionate vocals, accomplished guitar playing, layered arrangements and insightful lyrics.

Joshua’s songs strive to ‘know thyself’, by exploring genuine reflections of life’s most introspective moments, and then humbly offering them up as common and universal experiences. “I believe, whether we like it or not, we all live in our own bubble,” explains Joshua. “It’s up to us to decide how much of the outside world we let in. I spend a lot of time observing the city of Melbourne and the people who live in it, never really feeling like I belong to any particular group or clique. Music is my emotional haven, and it has given me a voice to try and break through the noise that constantly surrounds me.”

Whether layering intricate loops in his solo acoustic show or ripping it up on electric guitar with a backing band, Joshua's live sets have resonated with audiences and made him a festival favourite, with appearances at Geelong Nightjar, Newstead Live, Echuca Winter Blues, Bendigo Blues & Roots, Cronulla Jazz & Blues, Frankston Waterfront, Melbourne Fringe and the Melbourne Guitar Show. His other achievements include reaching the Semi-Finals of the Melbourne Blues Challenge (2018), performing live on The Friday Revue for ABC Radio Melbourne, and opening for world-renowned artists including Russell Morris, Irish Mythen (CAN) and Neal Morse (USA).

Joshua’s debut EP Searching For Answers was released in 2017. Reaching the top 20 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Chart, the record garnered critical acclaim and attention from radio, journalists and music fans across the world. Following the EP’s release, Joshua performed extensively across Victoria, with upwards of 100 shows per year.

Following the singles 'Hollywood Blues' and 'At the End of The Day' (the latter reaching #10 on the Australian Country Radio Chart), Joshua’s debut full-length album The City Within was released in April 2020. Despite COVID-19 halting touring plans for the album, Joshua maintained connection with his audience through weekly live-streamed concerts on Facebook. Over 35 consecutive weeks, Joshua played nearly 50 'Quaranstreams', with each show bringing in new followers from across the world.

With his latest album Learn To Live Again, Joshua has made the album he’s always wanted to make – and an important one. The sprawling 14-track album is an eclectic mix of songs that tell a cohesive story about the challenges and acceptance of mental health and neurodiversity, set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The story chronicles Joshua’s experience as a working musician on the Autism Spectrum, and how the pandemic forced him to revaluate his priorities and ambitions, to a point where he could be more independent and forgiving of himself. Throughout the journey, Joshua confronts the various aspects of his condition to reach a state of self-acceptance, with a more mindful and positive attitude going forward. It's Joshua’s journey, but one which resonates far and wide beyond the personal. 

Released exactly one week before World Mental Health Day, Learn To Live Again is available now to purchase, stream and download.

"Joshua places his heart and soul into his performances." - Greg Phillips (Australian Musician)

“An exceptionally talented musician & performer. His soulful insightful songs reflect everyday issues he shares with his audiences, connecting with them in a special way.” - Billy Pinnell (Broadcaster/Writer)

“Joshua’s music captures the depth of feeling of a whole young generation and engages the listener with great sensitivity, intelligence, and appreciation of the nuance of mental health issues.” - Dr. Grant Blashki (Lead Clinical Advisor, Beyond Blue)