Sydney-based artist JOSHUA has been making an impact over the last five years with his unique blend of dark pop, combining heartfelt songwriting with infectious beats that have struck a chord with a growing global audience. A former art teacher turned musician, JOSHUA has quickly established himself as a compelling voice in the modern music scene of Australia and beyond.
Since his debut single “Circles” in 2019, he’s consistently delivered tracks that showcase his ability to stitch personal experiences into his music, much like the artists he admires such as Lorde, Banks and Flume. With his latest release, “Artificial Flavour,” JOSHUA takes another bold step forward, both musically and personally, offering a track that’s as meaningful as it is catchy.
“Artificial Flavour” is the latest addition to JOSHUA’s impressive discography, following the success of his debut EP Albany in 2021 and a string of singles that have raised his presence in the alternative pop landscape. This new single is a moody and dark electronic pop track that draws comparisons to the works of Troye Sivan and Charlie Puth, yet it remains distinctly JOSHUA.
The song was written in response to a challenge to his artistic integrity and despite being penned three years ago, it finds new significance as JOSHUA embraces his bisexuality, adding fresh context to an already rich composition. Written, performed and produced entirely by JOSHUA himself, “Artificial Flavour” sees him continues to make artistic strides by layering by his vocals and making synth tones out of his voice.
Brought in by the haunting hum of instrumental vocal shots, pitched textures are capped by his smooth R&B-tinged vocal leads. Driven by the punch of a snapping beat, he crafts a sound that’s at once minimalistic and immersive while threading instantly catchy melodic lines above.
Paired with the single are two alternative versions, an instrumental and an a cappella take, revealing more insight into the production and construction of the track. As he continues to go from strength to strength as a songwriter and producer, JOSHUA delivers another three minute dose of his highly original and thoroughly enjoyable alternative pop sound.
Listen to Artificial Flavour below
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