Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Vance Joy first gained recognition with his worldwide megahit “Riptide.” Since his debut album Dream Your Life Away, the Australian artist released a second album Nation of Two, which has now gained over 500 million streams. 

2021 has already seen Vance Joy teaming up with superstar producers Benny Blanco and Marshmello for the recent single, “You ,” which proved an immediate hit upon its arrival earlier this year, reaching the top 20 on both Billboard’s “Alternative Airplay” and “Rock Airplay” charts. 

With a new single just released, I caught up with James Gabriel Keogh, better known as Vance Joy to ask some further questions.

You're back after three years with “Missing Piece”, an indie-folk number with plenty of sentiment, and I can imagine your fans will be delighted to hear some new solo material. How's the song doing so far?

I think it's doing great. I have received a bunch of nice messages of appreciation from family friends and fans so I can only conclude it's going great, haha!

I believe you wrote the song with Joel Little, who's also written and produced for the likes of Taylor Swift, Khalid and Lorde. Because of current Covid restrictions "Missing Piece" had to be written over Zoom, how did this work out?

I am a fan of Joel’s and had for a while hoped to write with him. When things aligned and the opportunity came up - the only way we could do it was over Zoom. I was in Australia and he was in New Zealand. So our time zones were in sync. Joel had a great riff that got us started in a great direction and the rest flowed really naturally. 

Your recent collaboration with Benny Blanco and Marshmello on "You" was another hit. I believe this was your first collab with other artists, are you planning anymore?

It was my first collaboration like this. I loved the experience and the bonding that goes along with it. They are great artists/songwriters/producers so it was a total pleasure and just good fortune that things fell together the way they did. When you start an idea it's a little seed and you never know what it will grow into. 

Riptide is your biggest hit, and was massive around the world (and still is). Was there a specific event or catalyst that made that song go so viral, or was it a case of waking up one day and it going crazy?

I think it’s like capturing lightning in a bottle. I feel like that song captures some essence or energy of the time but how or why it all worked the way it did I have no real idea. And once it started turning heads and getting in peoples ears it really did go blast off. 

You've now got many successful and popular songs. Which is your favorite to perform?

I love performing new songs because there’s an added rush that comes with the performances. I love performing upbeat songs like Fire and the Flood that get people moving too. 

Where did the stage name 'Vance Joy' come from?

I got it from a book written by the Australian author Peter Carey called Bliss. There is a character called Vance Joy who features early on. He is a storyteller. 

Have you got a standout gig or performance?

I loved my first tours of America and Canada. Well at least they will forever be seared into my memory because it was all so new then. I was green!

Who are your main influences?

My parents and family and then also the songwriters I idolise like Paul Kelly and Bruce Springsteen.

If you could pick one artist to team up with and collaborate with, who would this be?

I would like to do a duet that just worked perfectly with a female artist. I think Pink is the best.

Are you planning any tour dates in the UK?

There are some pencilled in plans for touring and hopefully they can happen down the track.

Have you got a message to share with your fans and followers?

Thank you I appreciate your support so much. We have a good thing going.

Thanks Vance Joy - all the best for the future!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.