Melbourne based Roots Rocker Joshua Batten is a genuine performer, with a rare ability to truly connect with his audience. With passionate vocals, accomplished guitar playing, layered arrangements and inspirational lyrics, Joshua displays a depth well beyond his years. Drawing on his personal experience with neurodiversity, his songs explore authentic reflections of his most introspective moments, humbly offered up as common and universal experiences.

With over ten years’ experience as a full-time musician, Joshua has recorded and released three studio albums and performed at major events including the Australian Open and Grand Prix. His live shows have resonated with audiences and garnered him a dedicated following, with extensive appearances at folk and blues festivals across Australia. Joshua is a proud endorsee of Cole Clark guitars, and is a two-time finalist in both the Melbourne Blues Challenge and the Roddy Read Songwriting Award at Maldon Folk Festival. He has also opened for acclaimed artists including Daryl Braithwaite, Russell Morris, Little Quirks, Irish Mythen (CAN) and Neal Morse (USA).

Joshua’s debut EP Searching For Answers was released in April 2017. Reaching the top 20 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Chart, the record garnered critical acclaim and attention from radio, journalists and music fans across the world. Following the EP’s release, Joshua performed extensively across Victoria, with upwards of 100 shows per year.

Following the singles 'Hollywood Blues' and 'At the End of The Day' (the latter reaching #10 on the Australian Country Radio Chart), Joshua’s debut full-length album The City Within was released in April 2020. Despite COVID-19 halting touring plans for the album, Joshua maintained connection with his audience through weekly live-streamed concerts on Facebook. Over 35 consecutive weeks, Joshua played nearly 50 'Quaranstreams', with each show bringing in new followers from across the world.

Joshua's third album Learn To Live Again was released in October 2022, exactly one week before World Mental Health Day. Learn To Live Again is the album Joshua had always wanted to make – and an important one. The sprawling 14-track concept album is an eclectic mix of songs that tell a cohesive story about the challenges and acceptance of mental health and neurodiversity, set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The story chronicles Joshua’s experience as a working musician on the Autism Spectrum, and how the pandemic forced him to revaluate his priorities and ambitions, to a point where he could be more independent and forgiving of himself. Throughout the journey, Joshua confronts the various aspects of his condition to reach a state of self-acceptance, with a more mindful and positive attitude going forward. It's Joshua’s journey, but one which resonates far and wide beyond the personal. 

Joshua’s latest single ‘Spring Fever’ was released in September 2025, reaching #2 on the AMRAP Metro charts and supported by a national tour comprising headline and festival slots in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

He is currently working on his fourth studio album, aiming for a release in Spring 2026. 

"Joshua places his heart and soul into his performances." - Greg Phillips (Australian Musician)

“An exceptionally talented musician & performer. His soulful insightful songs reflect everyday issues he shares with his audiences, connecting with them in a special way.” - Billy Pinnell (Broadcaster/Writer)

“Joshua’s music captures the depth of feeling of a whole young generation and engages the listener with great sensitivity, intelligence, and appreciation of the nuance of mental health issues.” - Dr. Grant Blashki (Lead Clinical Advisor, Beyond Blue)