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Taking her inspirations all the way from hard rock to the new wave of solo acoustic artists, Josie is first and foremost a songwriter. She has a unique, low register voice and a fierce stage presence that belies her normally calm and understated exterior. One glimpse of her live on stage with her full band should convince any viewer that there is way more going on here than a folk artist strumming an acoustic guitar.
Josie released her debut album in 2006, entitled Mercury, the abum sold in excess of 7000 units across South Africa, an astounding achievement for a debut album by an unknown artist. The first single off her debut album was Every Now And Then, featured in the Mediaguide National airplay chart which tracks airplay across all stations in the country, peaking at number 43. Her second single, 10 Years went all the way to 31 on the Mediaguide National airplay charts.
The videos that went with these songs also did well, with heavy rotation on SABC 3 and MK. The video for 10 Years was nominated for an MK Video award in the Female Vocal category.
But Josie field is no manufactured, one-hit pop wonder. Her second album Leyland which was released in September 2008, shows the depth and beauty of her talent. With a range of songs written over a short period of time, that reflect the state of mind of a young, angry and intelligent woman living in 21st Century Africa, the album is what Mercury was and more. Without dropping the lyrical hooks and catchy songwriting of the debut album, Leyland which was recorded at Darkstar Studio in Newtown, packs more of a punch and shows sides of Josie that the radio listening audience may not yet be acquatined with. Kevin Leicher who produced Mercury was once again behind the desk and on guitar at Darkstar studios, their continued collaboration with the involvement of her live band reveals the steel behind the beautiful façade. Leyland, since it’s release in late 2008, has already sold over 5 000 units in SA alone, as well as garneing airplay hits in the form of Hey Man and single and video, Law Of Attraction.
April 2009 saw Josie nominated for two South African music awards in the following catigories, Best Female and Best Adult Contemporarty in English. Kevin Leicher also picked up a nomination for Best Producer for Leyland by Josie Field.
Josie Field has always been more about recording and performing the songs than about radio play and album sales. A dynamic and aggressive live performer, she was on the road for two years touring Mercury, and has been touring Leyland since it’s release date in 2008. She is no studio diva and can deliver her songs note for note, pitch perfect on stage everytime. She also plays a versatile series of sets being able to appear alone on accoustic guitar, with one backing guitarist or in full band mode. This versatility has seen appear at indie rock festivals and all the major music festivals in South Africa. Field supported James Blunt on his first tour to South Africa in May 2008 as well as showcased her new album live at the South African music awards in May 2009.
November 2009 saw Josie perform in Dubai and the UK for a mini international tour at three renowned venues and was very well received. On the strength of her performances abroad, she will be invited back to the UK and Dubai for a more extensive tour.
Josie Field kicked off 2010 with a bang, performing at the renound Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town with Farryl Purkiss and Dan Patlansky. The three did a collaboration show that won the hearts of the 2500 plus who attended the concert. All three artist sold out of albums on the day.
2010 appears to be a great year for Field as she has been nominated for another MK award for Best Solo artist for the video Law of Attraction. Josie field keeps going from strength to stengh and there is no doubt that she is an artist that we will around for a long time. The joy of the Josie Field experience is that she is a seasoned campaigner who is not afraid to stand up and do her thing, and who believes in the power of her music, be it on stage or on record.
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