Josh Pyke brings ‘Middle of the Hill’ to the front of the orchestra
Singer Josh Pyke says audiences will be taken on a “dynamic journey” when he takes to the stage with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in a special performance celebrating the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough release, Feeding the Wolves.
How did this Adelaide Symphony Orchestra concert come about ?
I’d been exploring doing another orchestra show ever since I worked with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2016, so when the opportunity to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of my first album with the ASO, I just jumped at it straight away. I’m super excited.
What can audiences expect to hear ?
The arrangements are just spectacular. The original recorded versions are traditional pop/rock productions, but these ASO versions bring them into a totally new world. They explore the full range of the orchestra and really take you on a dynamic journey.
Why did Feeding the Wolves resonate with fans so much?
I don’t know! I’m very grateful that it did though! It’s a very personal record, so maybe it resonated because people found it quite authentic at a time when other music was very shiny and over produced, and perhaps this sounded different to that?
Josh says hearing his songs arranged with the ASO is “wild”. Photo: Michelle Pitiris / Supplied
What did it mean to you personally and how do you reflect on it 20 years later?
For me it was the beginning of everything I’d worked towards for the previous ten years. I’d been trying to be a profession musician since leaving high school, and finally at that point I’d signed a record deal, had songs on the radio and could see a path where this could be my actual career. The fact that success came based on songs that meant so much to me was extra special. I love all the songs just as much today, particularly as they really reference the beginning of my relationship with my now-wife. So the album and my relationship are intrinsically linked.
Feeding the Wolves included your breakthrough hit ‘Middle of the Hill’. What’s your favourite song? Is that allowed?
I don’t have a favourite, honestly. I do really enjoy playing ‘Private Education’ with the new ASO arrangement, but the songs are all so different, it’s impossible to choose!
How does it feel to hear your songs arranged with an orchestra?
It’s an absolute dream come true. The arrangements take the songs into a totally different realm, and singing with that weight of musicianship behind you is both intimidating and inspiring. It’s pretty surreal as a musician who is not formally trained to be part of that world.
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Can you give us an insight into the process of turning this album into a night with the ASO?
I really believe in trusting the process and taking a step back when it comes to these kinds of collaborations. I can’t read or write music so handing the baton to Alex Turney who did the arrangements for a lot of these songs was a leap of faith that really paid off. Alex is not with the ASO, but he does regularly arrange works for the state orchestras, including the ASO. From there I’ve been rehearsing to digital renderings of the arrangements, which are pretty sophisticated these days, but nothing can compare to when you step into the concert hall for rehearsal with the full orchestra. It’s wild.
What do you hope people will take away from this experience?
I just really hope they’re transported for an evening. That’s all. It’s an incredibly stressful period in history, and music can be a salve for that, so I just want people to have a holiday from the daily stress for a few hours and experience these awesome arrangements and incredible ASO musicians.
What’s next for you ?
It’s a busy year for me! After the ASO I head to the UK and Europe for a tour celebrating Feeding The Wolves’s 20-year anniversary and then head back to Australia for more shows and a few other launches, such as a couple more kids books, and a new podcast. Stay tuned!
Josh Pyke and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra perform Thursday April 24, at the Festival Theatre.