Josh Island’s international upbringing has formed his craft for songwriting and performing. Born an hour outside of London to Dutch parents, he moved to several countries before eventually settling in the picturesque Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Here he started out his career in the local music scene aged 15, touring the bar and open-mic circuits on weekends while building a following with his versatile vocals, soulful guitar playing and entertaining showmanship.
His sound has been likened to that of John Mayer, Lianne La Havas and Jamie Cullum, combining folk-pop, groovy soul-blues and a touch of jazz. By asking audiences in student towns to invite him over for personal living room concerts, he steadily grew a loyal fanbase with acoustic pop-up shows. This DIY approach led him to open up for international acts including James Morrison, Charlie Cunningham, Alex Vargas, Leif Vollebekk and the Mighty Oaks. With his dynamic stage presence and captivating storytelling he is selling out venues both at home and abroad.
To date he has performed nearly 200 shows throughout Europe, with showcases at Liverpool Sound City, Popronde and Sonic Visions and regular airplay in Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Germany. Upon special request he has performed for the three royal families of the Benelux states, and established himself as a prominent figure within the European Union to promote its shared values and opportunities through musical performance.
"Josh relied on nothing but his vocals and guitars to play an incredible opening set with a mixture of musical styles and plenty of audience participation." - Luxembourg Times
"A great voice." - John Butler
"His sympathetic personality, combined with the technically perfect guitar playing and warm vocals, makes the audience hold their breath. Josh could fit into the trend and success of singer-songwriters." - 3Voor12Limburg