Joshua Burnell Band
Joshua Burnell's unique, original songwriting explores themes from traditional music fused with his own dynamic brand of retro pop-infused folk. With music ranging from stomping, acoustic singalongs, Bowie-esque music hall epics, and alt-pop singles - whilst keeping a sharp focus on the traditional themes - Joshua is fast carving out his own unique corner of the genre.
He makes retro folk rock for the modern world. His latest album, Glass Knight, which according to the Financial Times, "plays like a lost out-take from Spiders From Mars-era Bowie", has won over a host of new fans since its release in the autumn. Expect folky melodies drenched in warm, retro-synth textures, reverbing guitars, lush harmonies and words that make you think. Through his intricately crafted lyrics, Joshua creates a multiverse of settings, from apocalyptic love songs to reimagined fairy tales, and introduces otherworldly characters - the Glass Knight being resurrected from an old English folk tale to reflect the foibles of the modern-day world.
Joshua and his band love what they do and it is infectious; they left the stage at Fairport's Cropredy Convention to a standing ovation, and similarly won the hearts of audiences at Towersey, Folkeast, Wickham and Moonbeams festivals this summer. Whatever your take on this genre-hopping songwriter's music, he has proven he can connect with an audience and keep them hanging on for more. In Joshua's own words, 'It is about telling a compelling story while discovering what it means to be human.
Photography: Elly Lucas
Joshua Burnell makes retro pop-rock for the modern world. His latest album, Glass Knight - which according to the Financial Times, "plays like a lost out-take from Spiders-From-Mars-era Bowie" - won over a lot of new fans upon its release in 2023. Expect hooky melodies drenched in warm, retro-synth textures, reverbing guitars, lush harmonies and words that make you think. Imagine The War On Drugs meets Genesis with “lashings of Peter Gabriel stylings.
A creatively fearless artist... 5/5
FAQ
Is this a standing or seated event?
This will be an allocated seating gig. Please contact the venue on 01582 878100 should you have any accessibility needs.
Does the venue have accessible facilities?
The performance space is on the ground floor and is fully accessible to all. Accessible toilets are also located near the space.
Is there parking available at the venue?
Situated in the heart of the cultural quarter, the Hat Factory is a stone’s throw from Luton’s mainline train station and bus interchange. If you are planning to drive to the event please find below a list of the closest car parks to our venue:
Midland Road Station Car Park, Station Road, Luton LU2 0HR - £2.90 to £3.90 depending on day and time
The Mall Central Car Park, John St, Luton LU1 2JE - £1.10 after 6pm
The Mall Market Car Park, Melson Street, Luton LU1 2JX - £1.00 after 6pm
Power Court, 26 Power Court, Luton LU1 3L J - £0.80 after 6pm
Library Road Car Park, Library Road, Luton LU1 2NG – Up to £3.50 for 3 hours
Each car park is a 2-5 minute walk from our venue and are open 24 hours.
Is cash accepted as a form of payment?
At The Hat Factory we are a cashless venue. Therefore, we kindly request that all payments made at the box office and cafe be via electronic methods. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
