VANCE JOY

Vance Joy has a lot to sing about. In a short span of time, the Melbourne-based muso has released an EP, announced a national tour and snagged a support gig with Australian rock royalty, Bernard Fanning.

Yet, the singer-songwriter seems humble about his talent and current success, despite playing the guitar since he was 14 years old.

“I started watching people who were really good and thought maybe I could do that,” says Joy.

“I still look at people and go, I wish I could play like that.”

It’s a humble attitude that reflects in his approach to writing music. While the melody comes first, he looks for lyrics “that hit the spot. I wait around for the right ones to come by”.

Joy also hopes to find a story, with enough detail to create images in the mind.

Kicking off this month, his Riptide tour will feature songs from the EP, God Loves When You’re Dancing, along with new and also older material. Each gig will showcase the soulful tunes of support act, Fraser A. Gorman, who Joy describes as a “cool guy”.

“We’re going to have fun,” Joy says.

“We’re all getting to know each other.” (MP)

Aug 30, Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. $16.50, 1300 438 849, moshtix.com.au