Raised in rural Nova Scotia, Joshua studied music at St.Francis Xavier University, the Banff Centre for the Arts, and Humber College. He is the recipient of the Zildjian Cymbals Scholarship Award, and numerous Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council grants. While best know for his sideman work with Doug Paisley, Great Lake Swimmers, David Myles, Royal Wood, Justin Rutledge, Ronley Teper, Selina Martin, Valery Gore, and many others, Joshua has an active solo career as a producer/composer/multi-instrumentalist as well. His music is featured on the Outdoor Life Network shows Departured and Descending, while his sophomore self-titled album (released Sept. 2011) has received critical acclaim from the CBC, The Toronto Star, NOW Magazine, was chosen as one of the top albums of 2011 by CBC Radio 2′s ‘The Signal’ and is currently nominated for ‘Electronic Album of the Year’ at the 2013 East Coast Music Awards.
“Quite possibly the most haunting song we’ve heard this year.The alchemy is remarkable”
John Sakamoto, #1 on the Toronto Star Anti Hit list
“And it’s easy to see why his music has been used in theatre and TV: it’s fresh, accessible sonic experimentation, as inviting as it is unpredictable.”
Sarah Greene, NOW Magazine
“Joshua’s songs maybe be born from the tradition of folk, but refuse to align to any of the standard definitions….From start to finish, Joshua keeps you engaged but when he hits his stride you hear an artist with the potential to stand side by side with the talent he normally sits behind.”
Herohill.com
“Joshua Van Tassel has made music that feels like I am guided by the magical lady of the lake. It’s a trip I don’t want to end. Ever.”
Royal Wood
Get in touch – joshuavt at gmail dot com
