Joshua Hedley was featured on last week’s episode of “Walking The Floor with Chris Shiflett” podcast. Listen to the full interview here.
He makes beautifully crafted country music…it really nails a vibe without being a period piece.” The interview celebrates the release of Hedley’s critically acclaimed new album, Mr. Jukebox, which is out now on Third Man Records, Shiflett praises of Hedley and the new album.
In support of the album, Hedley will tour internationally throughout 2018 including headline shows at Philadelphia’s Johnny Brenda’s, Brooklyn’s Rough Trade, Washington D.C.’s Union Stage, Seattle’s Tractor Tavern, Dallas’s Kessler Theater and Los Angeles’ Moroccan Lounge among many others.
In addition to the headline dates, Hedley will also join Old Crow Medicine Show on a series of dates this summer.
Last month, Hedley was featured on WXPN’s “World Café”. Hosted by NPR’s Ann Powers, the performance and interview were recorded live from Nashville’s Sound Stage Studios and features songs from Hedley’s “Mr. Jukebox”.
His trademark tenor emerged clean, warm, and on point, rounding out each note beautifully within his classic country songs…Hedley infuses his classic arrangements with deep personal feeling; his songs feel likes confidences, not costume dramas,” World Café declares of the set.
Produced by Skylar Wilson and Jordan Lehning, the 10-track album features nine original songs as well as a version of “When You Wish Upon A Star.” In addition to Hedley on vocals and fiddle, the album features Eddie Lange on steel guitar/guitar, Jeremy Fetzer from Steelism on guitar/baritone guitar, Michael Rinne on bass, Jon Radford on drums/percussion and Micah Hulscher on piano/organ.
It’s not a throwback. It sounds new because it is new, and it sounds the way it sounds because it’s the only thing I know how to do. I can’t write a song that sounds different. Classic country is like a suit. Nothing about a men’s suit has changed in like 100 years. Classic never goes out of style. Something can’t be a throwback if it’s never been out of style.” He continues, “I just want people to remember they have feelings, and that they’re valid. Not everything is Coors Light and tailgates. There are other aspects of life that aren’t so great that people experience. They’re part of life, part of what shapes people. And that’s worth noting,” Hedley comments of the album.
“MR. JUKEBOX” COMPLETE TRACK LIST: 
- Counting All My Tears
- Mr. Jukebox
- Weird Thought Thinker
- Let’s Take A Vacation
- These Walls
- I Never (Shed A Tear)
- This Time
- Don’t Waste Your Tears
- Let Them Talk
- When You Wish Upon A Star
A Florida native, Hedley felt inexplicably drawn toward the fiddle as a child. He first asked for one at age 3. His mom listened to Neil Diamond and his dad listened to Otis Redding…they didn’t see the request coming…but when he asked again five years later, they were struck by the longing’s staying power and, at 8 years-old, he finally got his hands on his very own instrument. He went on to perform at the local VFW and American Legion and, at 12, joined his first band. His bandmates were in their 40s. Around the same time, Hedley visited Nashville with his parents and immediately knew that he belonged.
At 19, he made the move and began sneaking into Robert’s Western World…too young to drink legally and too wild to care. Hedley went on to become a featured performer and in-demand sideman at the now legendary spot and, ultimately, a well-respected frontman. Armed with an easy croon and prodigious fiddle playing, he became known by peers as the Mayor of Lower Broad. In the years since, he’s performed with artists including Jonny Fritz, Justin Townes Earle and more and was featured prominently in the 2015 documentary, “Heartworn Highways Revisited”.
For a complete list of tour dates and more information on Joshua Hedley, visit his website at www.joshuahedley.com.
