Photo by Citizen Kane Wayne

Well, Australia’s loss was certainly Nashville’s gain.  Josh Rennie-Hynes, now a naturalized Americana singer-songwriter and one of the finest melodic guitarists I’ve heard in some time, is a keeper. Josh has just released “Caught in a Dream” from his new LP “Patterns” which we will all get to possess come September 27.

After two acclaimed solo albums back in Oz, Josh received acclaim with partner Steve Grady as folk duo, The Ahern Brothers. After winning the award he tells us about below, Josh was looking for a change in both musical direction and in location. Says Josh, “When I moved to Nashville, I think I knew one or two people. It was all quite unknown to me but that’s what I loved about it. Artistically and personally, I was ready for something new.”

Well folks, put your headphones on and enjoy “Caught in a Dream” and the four other fine singles he’s released so far in 2019. Like me, you should be sorry you missed Josh’s shows at The 5 Spot back in July. It’s just been announced that Josh will be doing a record release show on Sunday night October 6^th at the High Watt. See you there! I really don’t think he’ll be playing venues that small for long.

Thanks, Josh, for your music and answers!

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I’m from a small town in Australia called Woodford which is in the state of Queensland on the east coast. I moved to Nashville just over a year ago on the back of being awarded what’s called the “Nashville Songwriters Residency” from the Australian Arts Council. It’s awarded to one Australian songwriter a year, and it allowed me to move here and focus solely on making this record.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

I’m going to be the worst musician right now and say that I don’t really buy records or CDs anymore. Honestly, I do most of my listening digitally. I understand the pros and cons and some people think it’s the Antichrist, but whatever. I think it’s an amazing platform for what it is with the ease and accessibility of it. Don’t get me wrong though, I love listening to vinyl. I just don’t really buy it. I’ve been listening to a lot of random things lately, mainly this band from Mongolia/Russia called Huun-Huur-tu. I’ve been painting to it and enjoying the fact that I’m not really focused on the lyrics or structure, just the movement of the music. The first CD I can remember buying was Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette. You live, you learn.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

First concert memory was Midnight Oil at the Woodford Folk Festival in my hometown in Oz. I was a kid and remember watching Peter Garrett thrash and dance around all over the stage. He blew me away. And the last show was here in Nashville at The 5 Spot when my friend Lydia Luce was playing.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Mine. Can I say that? Fuck it, too late!

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

For coffee I go to Bongo or Portland Brew. They’re both good for a cup of old Joe. For pizza it’s gotta be Five Points. Two Boots is pretty good, too. Sometimes I wish we were like cows and could just eat one meal for every single meal forever more. Mine would be pizza.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

Dang, good question. I’m going to say Comes a Time by Neil Young. I’s a beautiful record and was partially recorded at Woodland Sound Studios. Now that’s a studio I want to see inside of. It seems mysterious since I’ve never seen anyone coming or going. What happens in there? Anyway, I love that album. It’s timeless, peaceful and full of sunlight.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Five Points Pizza! Or the Mexican place right next to Marathon in East Nash. I think their green sauce is very delicious with a good amount of chili-kick. Frankly, I want a burrito right now.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Jordie Lane, Erin Rae and Liz Cooper. All wonderful songwriters

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

I love The 5 Spot. It’s like the spiritual center of the East Nashville community, and it always sounds great in there.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?

I’d like to see my friend Caitlin Harnett move here from Oz. She’s a great songwriter and singer currently based in Sydney. Do it, Caitlin!

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

I’m releasing my third solo album Patterns this fall! It comes out on September 27th through Soundly Music. Then, I’m going to tour on it a whole lot with my band and get the dang thing heard. I’ve not toured a great deal in the U.S., and I look forward to getting out there and checking this land out. Then just tour some more and keep making the records I want to make and that’s basically my plan for the rest of my life.