Canadian-born singer-songwriter Josh Taerk is starting to make a name for himself in the North American and UK music scenes, receiving praise from the likes of Max Weinberg (a member of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band).
Only 20 years old, his new album Never Look Back is available now on iTunes, and is the culmination of almost four years hard work from the singer.
We chatted to him ahead of the album release about the record, his live shows and what the future holds.
-Are you excited for the full release of Never Look Back?
Absolutely, it’s very exciting; especially because, at the time, I wasn’t writing the songs for an album. Writing was a way for me to express the things I was feeling.
I wanted to write songs that spoke to people, and let them know that others were experiencing these things, feeling these things.
Recording, and producing, a record was a completely different world at the time, and so I’m very grateful and excited for the release of the album.
-How would you describe the album?
The album is really a collection of things that I, or the people close to me, have gone through. I called it Never Look Back because all of the stories that make up the album are about the journey. You can’t change the past, learn from it, and move on.
-Who are you influenced by?
The songwriters that have influenced me the most are classic story-tellers. Bruce Springsteen, Adam Duritz, Jackson Browne, they all write about life, and do it in a way that makes everyone feel a part of the story. They describe things in a way that everyone can relate to.
-How does it feel to have the likes of Max Weinberg praising your music?
I’m a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street Band, so as a fan it was incredible to meet Max. He's so talented and such a great person.
To have him become so supportive of my music is insane. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. I mean, he’s “The Mighty Max.”
-How was it working with Terry Brown on the album?
Terry Brown is a one of a kind person. He's a very accomplished producer, working with some of the most famous bands on many of their greatest hits.
Terry is also very humble, and really loves what he's doing, so being able to work with someone who has the passion that Terry does, there's just no describing it.
From the start of the project, Terry always wanted my input on the album and more than that, always wanted to find the right balance between his vision and mine. I'm very grateful for our friendship.
-Have you had much feedback from the album yet?
I'm really excited and humbled by my fans' reactions to the album. The emails and comments have been awesome. It feels incredible to know that others relate to my songs.
-You've performed at the Canadian Music Fest last year. How was it being part of their first acoustic showcase?
It was very cool being apart of the first acoustic night. The crowd was really receptive and gave an incredible vibe to the place. It was a great show.
-What can people expect from your life show?
I love performing, and I think my live show reflects that. As far as what people can expect, I love what I do. So when you come out and see me live expect some good stories, and great music.
-Do you have any plans for a follow-up?
Absolutely, writing is my passion, it's what I do. Terry and I are already midway through my second album and having a blast. I don't want to give anything away just yet, but we're both very excited.
-What does the rest of 2011 hold for Josh Taerk?
A lot more writing, recording, of course I love performing.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge