Josh Kempen
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Established. Jan 01, 2015 | MAJOR
Music
Press
"Indie balladeer Josh Kempen and his three-piece act prove the power of doing simple things well – his raspy vocals make many onlookers weak at the knees and when he sings a song in Italian, well, that’s just not fair." - Texx & the City
Freshly signed to Warner Music South Africa, Joshua Kempen is swiftly skipping up through the ranks with his growling acoustic ballads and intricate musings. The Johannesburg-hailing singer-songwriter has just dropped his latest piece of work, ‘The River’, which neatly and tastefully, epitomises Kempen’s characteristic sound.
Opening on a low key acoustic guitar progression, the heady, rolling introductory bars step neatly down a rung or two as Kempen’s vocals take to the vanguard. His voice is rough and husky, yet perfectly suited to the style he has taken up, and the stark simplicity holds just the right touch to keep the listeners’ ears pricked. True to its implicit word, a curious whining warns of a drop into rather more electronic-orientated territories – and then, just to mess with us, the track slips easily into a creamed, ever-so-slightly muffled synth progression. - Texx & the City
Josh Kempen has just recently joined Warner Music South Africa team and on Friday released his debut single The River, which is such an awesome song! - Lucky Pony
"8. Joshua Kempen – Midnight Ship EP. Consisting of a wholly unrefined sound, stripped and unpolished, giving the EP a very fresh, openly acoustic feel, it’s a tender collection of tracks" - Texx & the City
His music is so different to anything on the radio these days. A fellow Aussie based in South Africa, Joshua’s music is 1950’s cool. He was also just picked up by Thor Rixon who will be recording his EP over the next few weeks. If you’re ever in an underground bar, smoking a cigarette and you feel like you need some beats to better set the scene then Josh has got you covered. - Howl & Echoes
"Josh Kempen has the makings of a true heartbreaker in the music industry. And it’s not only his good looks that will peak the hormones off pubescent girls. His music is equally charming, emotionally mature and symbolises the coming of a new generation. So flawless and fused with sub-genres, he makes for a great poster child of contemporary folk blues flavour for the existing soulful South African scene." - The Fuss
"I’m not sure how to describe Joshua Kempen. Take a great head of hair, add an English/Australian accent, give it a suit, an electric guitar and a tambourine, and there you have him… But with an edge… Kind of like an acoustic Mick Jagger?" - Love SA Music
The title track, ‘Midnight Ship’, is nothing short of hauntingly beautiful. Laced with birdcalls, running water and sighing harmonies, this track slows the pace right down. Delicate tinkling guitar-work lends this track to any calm playlist out there. The Italian lyrics during the first half only add to the evocative intrigue of the song. He lapses back into English for the duration of the second half of the song, clearing up some of the unanswered questions with husky, symphonic storytelling. - Texx & The City
Discography
The Midnight Ship EP- 2015
Photos
Bio
"Impassioned, gravelly, and brimming with urgency, the voice of Josh Kempen can instantly disarm its listener (Apple Music Editor)". A SAMRO songwriter of the year nominee, his singular voice, compelling songwriting, and penchant for unforgettable performances marks Josh Kempen's considerable potential for the coming years. A recent Warner Music signee, his debut album, 'the Morning Show', is described by Apple Music's editor as "an album rich with narrative lyricism and sincere, hard won perspective". 'The Morning Show' charted at number 3 on the iTunes album chart and he has been picked as Apple Music's 'Artist Of The Month'. Both singles, 'the River' and 'Pistol' have been on high rotation nation wide and the latter peaked at number 2 on Jacaranda FM's international chart. His new single 'Leave Me If You Can' has already been picked up by the countries biggest radio stations and looks to do even more.
Band Members
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