Josh Needs Releases New Single "Fault Line"
Sydney-sider and multi instrumentalist Josh Needs, blesses us with his evocative new track “Fault Line”, the lead single off his soon to be released EP later this year. His melodic and dreamy approach to the song draws inspiration from Adam Granduciel (War on Drugs), incorporating a “flailing cry” feel on the guitar, overdrive and reverb pedals, a heavy vibrato hanging on each note as they too “break-up” with crackly amp sounds.
Josh describes his timeline of crafting Fault Line as encompassing frustration and emotion after an end to his relationship, having contributed to the birth of the overwhelmingly powerful track. The song was produced during lockdown in 2021 after Josh moved back home and lived above his dad’s pharmacy, and began reconnecting with his family and his coastal roots. Josh Needs takes influence from multiple artists and bands including Powderfinger, Ocean Alley, Death Cab, Black Keys, The War on Drugs and Dope Lemon, with these influences noticeably scattered throughout Josh’s upcoming EP and in the EP’s lead single, “Fault Line.”
Needs’ music is crafted meticulously and focuses on the finer details that results in an astonishing track both melodically and lyrically. It takes the audience on a progressively emotional journey, combining the acoustic guitar with electric resonance and husky vocals as we’re embarked on a magical journey through intertwining sounds. The song reaches its pinnacle towards the bridge, transcending into energetic waters. Powerful drums dominate Fault Line, giving it that extra kick. Josh revealed his intention to maintain the visual of “Natural Disaster'' throughout writing and producing the single, and his track “Rumbly” had further influence in the song-making process, retaining a “quaky feel to it.” The track blesses the audience by burying a thunder sample in the bridge, symbolising worlds colliding.
The EP was mixed by Callum Howell (Ocean Alley, LeShiv, Tori Forsyth), at Forbes St Studios, as Josh and his brother are big fans of the sonic elements Cal brings into Ocean Alley’s recordings. Rob Calder from Angus & Julia Stone, Dope Lemon, and Passenger, joined the track by playing the bass guitar.
Regarding the writing process during lockdown, Josh Needs said, “The lyrics changed so much throughout the course of the year. I tend to sit with what I write for long periods of time, switching out lines, looking for better rhymes, trying different phrasing, cutting the fat, improving on the story til it eventually clicks. Similarly with the music, I must’ve recorded 5 or more different versions of the demo. Trying it up a semitone, down a step, exploring the right tempo to play it at. Having the time to patiently let the song breath and write itself really helped me to process everything I was feeling. Whenever I’d feel a wave coming on I’d mess around with the song and see what comes out.”
Josh Needs career highlights have already included collaborations with some of the greatest names in Australian music. Bringing his stage presence to such festivals as Australia’s Woodford, Blues On Broadbeach, Airlie Beach Music Festival, Tamworth and an appearance at the Sydney Opera House. Josh has also toured and shared the stage with the likes of Diesel, Russell Morris, Jon Stevens, Tommy & Phil Emmanuel, Kevin Borich and recently supported Ian Moss and The Animals (UK).
Josh prides himself on his authentic approach to songwriting, as reflected in his brooding sound. As we experience the deep layers unfolding on the track's listening journey, it drives as a catalyst for the stunning and dynamic music we can expect to hear from the gifted musician.
We can’t wait to see where Josh takes us in 2022!
