Described by Sir Tom Jones as “a Weaver of Dreams”, Joe Topping is a folk singer and multi-instrumentalist from Liverpool whose singing and guitar playing regularly moves listeners to tears.

 

His charismatic stage presence and engaging stories have entertained audiences all over the country and all across Europe, including live sessions on BBC Radio 2, ITV television, The National Film Awards and a showcase at SXSW in Texas.

 

“Joe had our capacity audience in the palm of his hand before the end of the first number. Great songs, fab voice and a very engaging manner - a highlight of our festival.”

John Watterson, Programme Director, Harmony Voyages/Costa Festivals

 

He has played on stage and in the studio with many legends of the British folk scene including members of Fairport Convention, Andy Irvine and toured as stand-in lead vocalist in the BBC2 award-winning “Best Live Act” Home Service.

 

Joe was a member of the legendary Ashley Hutching’s Rainbow Chasers (Bob Dylan described Ashley as “the single most important figure in English folk rock.”)

 

He was also guitarist for British Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, Charlie Landsborough’s touring band and is a member of festival favourites Elbow Jane.

 

“Joe is a charismatic and accomplished singer-songwriter effortlessly switching between his own thoughtful, melodic compositions and raucous standards!”

-Steve Knightley (Show of Hands)

 

During the Covid pandemic, Joe was asked to enter ITV’s The Voice and, seeing it as fun challenge to do while the rest of the music industry was shut down, decided to give it a go. Joe reached the semifinals and his audition alone has reached nearly 1 million views on YouTube!.

 

Joe’s adventurous spirit has also seen him living in a pickup truck for the best part of a year in North America and also walking 1400 miles from Chicago to New Orleans with a guitar on his back to raise money for a musicians charity after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast!

 

He grew up listening to the Irish and American folk songs that his father sang at the folk club that he ran for several decades. So Joe was constantly surrounded by traveling musicians passing through and who often stayed at the house.

 

These troubadours, along with the literature of Steinbeck, Kerouac and W. H. Davies gave Joe a wanderlust for the open road and a passion for folk music…

 

…Especially the music that told a story…That could make you laugh or cry, or could put you in touch with your own empathy for your fellow man.

 

Today, Joe channels these very qualities into his own music. He aspires to create songs that resonate with listeners on a profound level, aiming to forge a shared connection and foster a sense of community among his audience. Guided by values of kindness, love, and social activism, Joe's music endeavours to contribute to a better world in every way possible.

Currently, he is writing songs for a new album coming soon!

“One of the best voices we've ever had at our show"

- The Martha Bassett Show, North Carolina.