Joshua hyslop biography

Joshua Hyslop is on his way to Alberta for three concerts. The Saskatoon-born singer and songwriter, who now makes his home in Victoria, spoke with us about his music, sad-happy songs, and why playing small venues is just fine with him.

Hyslop describes his most recent album, Westward, as a bit of a departure from his earlier work. He collaborated with longtime friend and producer John Raham in Vancouver, and says, “We wanted to do something different, so there are some alternate guitar tunings on this album. I was trying to find new ways to play this instrument that I have played since I was sixteen. We approached the songs as malleable, and that was tricky, but also good.”

The result is eleven songs that have strong acoustic instrumentation — and heartfelt lyrics. Known for quiet songs that explore tough topics, including loss, Hyslop doesn’t mind it when joy and sorrow wind up in the same song. “I try to blend different emotions,” he says. “Sometimes my stuff can be dark, but I don’t want people to be hopeless. As someone who deals with anxiety and depression, I appreciate it when someone articulates that you are not alone, and this is a rough spot. To hear that can be hopeful. When I encounter that in music, it helps me, so tha