FREE ENTRY! Every Wednesday, 6.00pm!
Coffee House Sessions is a music platform, launched in September 2013 with Huw Stephens from Radio 1, allowing you to see the very best breaking acts performing live for free in intimate venues. Here at Student Central (formerly ULU) you will be able to see the next big thing, all from the comfort of The Library Bar.
Each week a new act will perform fantastic music – all you have to do is turn up!
This week we are joined by Josh Taerk! Touring throughout Canada, the US and the UK, including Coffee House Sessions, Josh has built a worldwide fan base. Along the way, he has gained support from the likes of Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famers, John Oates and Max Weinberg. After the success of his 2013, self-titled debut album, Josh now looks forward to launching second album ‘Here’s To Change’.
Back in 2010, the Canadian singer-songwriter was playing local venues in his hometown of Toronto when Max Weinberg – Bruce Springsteen’s drummer, who just happens to be one of Josh’s biggest influences – saw him play. “He blew me away with his presentation and song writing abilities,” said Weinberg, after inviting Josh to play support at his sold out show in New Jersey.
In 2011, Josh was selected to play the 7908 John Oates Aspen Songwriters Festival, where he met his mentor, and now friend, John Oates. Returning to Max Weinberg’s side, 2011 also so Josh perform at Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a tribute to the late Clarence Clemons.
2012 saw Josh play at the prestigious Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival before heading over to the UK for his first tour, supporting The Soldiers. After finishing his support slot in April 2013 and with a new, loyal fan base across Britain, Josh hit the road with Coffee House Sessions and completed his time in the UK with a 65 date solo tour throughout England and Scotland. 2013 also saw the release of his first album, ‘Josh’. Music blog Renowned For Sound praised Josh, commenting the album showed a “maturity beyond his years in his vocal ability and song writing… all signs to a bright future ahead”.
Upon returning from a triumphant week at Indie Week Canada, where Josh secured a Semi-Finals slot in the festival’s showcase, Josh headed back into studio. Josh was joined on the album by friend John Oates, music legend Nick Van Eede of Cutting Crew, Luke Bulla, John Coleman and Jason Mowery, who has played with greats such as Shania Twain, Keith Urban and John Fogerty.
Ahead of the summer release of ‘Here’s To Change’, Josh is returning to the UK and to Coffee House Sessions in March 2015.