Gothic Theatre

Joseph Arthur

Artist Website

Singer/songwriter Joseph Arthur was discovered by Peter Gabriel in the mid-’90s and soon signed to his Real World label. His debut, Big City Streets, was released in 1997 and practically went unnoticed. Not discouraged by industry politics, this native of Akron, OH, continued to make music and dove into his Earth-inspired abstract art.

His eclectic brooding is similar to the likes of Leonard Cohen, Joe Henry, and the late Jeff Buckley. He doesn’t stick to one sound, for his time spent with Gabriel has exposed his musical styles to more global outlets. Arthur participated in Gabriel’s annual WOMAD shows, and spent the latter part of the ’90s on the road with residency tours in the northeast and northwest, which included opening dates for labelmates Ben Harper and Gomez.

In 1999, Arthur released the seven-song EP Vacancy, in which he received a Grammy nomination for Best Recording Package thanks to his design with co-art director Zachary Larner. Following brief critical acclaim, Arthur released his sophomore effort Come to Where I’m From on Virgin a year later. This album showed Arthur’s musical fondness for basic country-rock and Americana. He spent summer 2000 headlining club dates across North America. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide

Even as you read this Joseph Arthur is making another record. Two years ago, his Come To Where I’m From lured journalists out on the limb of hyperbole. The album was named the #1 record of the year by Entertainment Weekly and prompted Alternative Press to call Arthur “one of the last true artists left in the world.”

Since then, Joseph and his ever-generous muse have kept near-daily appointments. The result, for the moment at least, is Redemption’s Son. Consistently inspired, occasionally frazzled, and often startlingly beautiful, it’s the kind of record you can build a slow sustainable love affair with. London’s Sunday Times raves, “Redemption’s Son exhibits the sure sign of a classic album…brilliant.”

JOSEPH ARTHUR TO RELEASE FIRST EVER BOOK OF ORIGINAL ART We Almost Made It – Limited Edition Run Of 5000 Copies Includes New Instrumental Album The Invisible Parade May 8, 2006 Critically acclaimed musician Joseph Arthur will release his first ever hardcover book of original art titled We Almost Made It on May 18th, 2006 through 14th Floor Publishing. Arthurs book will be a limited edition run with only 5000 copies being made available to the public. Fans can log onto beginning today for pre-sale information. A brand new 21-track mostly-instrumental album called The Invisible Parade will accompany every copy of the book. "This project started as a zine, with drawings and poems and turned into an art book with a soundtrack, Joseph commented. "Typically a package is built to support and protect the music; this was the other way around. The music was built to support and protect the package. In a digital age this could be considered a throwback to a time when the artwork was important. Arthurs original paintings have become a hot collectable for his fans. During each of his live performances he constructs a new piece of art live on stage. Arthur recently held his first ever major art show at the Vertigo Galleries in London this past February. We Almost Made It is the first time a collection of his artwork has been made available for publication. Joseph Arthur will be returning to London to perform two shows at Queen Elizabeth Hall on June 1st & 2nd. His latest studio album Our Shadows Will Remain is currently drawing rave reviews from the UK media. Arthur recently produced Greg Connors new album, Here, There And Anymore and lent his vocals to several tracks of the forthcoming Twilight Singers album Powder Burns. Currently, Arthur is putting the finishing touches on a brand new studio album expected to be released in the U.S. this fall. Details will be made available shortly.