Indie-folk artist Joshu returns with way back home, a soul-stirring five-track EP out today, January 22nd. Rooted in themes of belonging, identity, and human connection, the project emerges from a profound personal journey—both literal and emotional. After a painful breakup, Joshu set sail across the Atlantic Ocean, retracing a path from his birthplace in southern England to Antigua, the island where he was raised. This voyage became the crucible for his latest record, a deeply introspective exploration of what it means to belong.
The EP’s title track, “way back home”, serves as the emotional centerpiece, encapsulating Joshu’s reflections on place and identity. Written amidst the vast expanse of the mid-Atlantic, the song captures the disorientation of navigating both physical and emotional seas. Its tender lyrics and evolving melody evoke a yearning for connection, grounded by Joshu’s signature delicate vocals and lush, minimal instrumentation.
"Home isn’t just a physical place—it’s about the relationships we build: with each other, the land, and the non-human beings around us."
The production on way back home highlights Joshu’s artistic evolution. Written and recorded in makeshift spaces across Antigua in 2024, the EP showcases his skills as a producer and mixer, crafting an intimate soundscape that pairs acoustic warmth with subtle, atmospheric flourishes. Each track feels like a conversation, inviting listeners into Joshu’s most vulnerable moments.
Beyond its personal narrative, the EP resonates as a meditation on our collective relationship with nature and community. Joshu’s thoughtful lyricism grapples with questions of identity and belonging, particularly as a second-generation white man in the Caribbean. Tracks like “way back home” and others explore the quiet tension of living between cultures and the challenge of cultivating a sense of belonging.
“This record acknowledges the grief of disconnection from place and nature but also calls us to reimagine belonging “It’s about finding our way back—not just to physical homes, but to the relationships and responsibilities that define us.”
With way back home, Joshu offers a heartfelt journey through loss, healing, and the enduring search for connection. It’s a poignant and timely reflection on our shared longing for a deeper sense of place in an ever-changing world. Fans of Bon Iver and Ben Howard will find themselves captivated by Joshu’s ability to weave introspection into music that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Stream 'way back home' now: