A one-man show with a difference
At the show, Batten’s set will feature his original songs performed on acoustic guitar with lead vocals and live looping.
Dedicated to the quintessential popular instrument – the guitar – the Melbourne Guitar Show (MGS) was first conceived in 1992. And while it took a break during COVID, it has been running ever since.
During the show, more that 60 exhibitors will present hundreds of products and services to guitar aficionados, with a blend of both international and local instruments and technology, providing a hands-on opportunity to see, hear and play a broad range of the world’s favourite brands. There are also dozens of performers to enjoy.
One of the performers is roots-rock singer-songwriter-guitarist and Bialik alumnus, Joshua Batten.
At the show, Batten’s set will feature his original songs performed on acoustic guitar with lead vocals and live looping. This allows the one-man show to also feature guitar solos and vocal harmonies. It will, of course, showcase his latest album, Learn to Live Again.
“My latest album has been a major milestone in my personal journey, as the 14-track song cycle deals specifically with accepting my own neurodiversity against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Batten told The AJN. “As the topic of mental health in the arts is becoming more and more prevalent, I think there’s a lot of insight contained within my songs that people can relate to, giving them alternate perspectives on universal issues.”
It’s Batten’s debut this year, and he said he’s incredibly honoured to be performing after having visited the show the past few years as a punter.
“The MGS has always attracted many stalwarts of Melbourne’s music scene both onstage and off, and is an incredible opportunity for networking and socialising in an environment where everyone is there for the same reason – they love guitar-based music and use their passion as the groundwork for making connections to other people, either through playing or listening,” Batten explained, before continuing to describe his set as an emotionally charged performance.
“Being on the autism spectrum means that I have difficulty keeping focus and communicating in social situations, but through music I can share my innermost thoughts and perspectives. I hope that people walk away from a Joshua Batten gig feeling inspired and mesmerised, with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for life.”
The Melbourne Guitar Show is at the Caulfield Racecourse, March 4-5. For more, visit melbourneguitarshow.com.au
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