Keegan Joyce is one of those performers that I have seen in many live settings. Usually, it is on stage as part of a theatre production. Most recently, in the ‘choose your own adventure’ style play, ‘Hour of the Wolf’. As a musician, I have only ever caught him on stage with Ben Abraham at Ben’s yearly Christmas Special. And until now, I have never seen Keegan Joyce perform his own music.
After his independent release of ‘Snow on Higher Ground’ from way back in 2016, Keegan Joyce is gearing up to release a new album in 2025 titled Placeholder for a Conversation. Keegan took some of these tracks for a spin with a special intimate show at Melbourne’s The Wesley Anne on Thursday 5th of December 2024.
Following on from two wonderful support acts; Paige Barnard and Quinny, Joyce and his fellow musicians took to the stage. The room was filled with cosy candlelit tables and a hush fell over the crowd as he sat at the piano, opening with new track ‘Glory’. This was quickly followed up by ‘Grace’. Both tracks were filled with beautifully written lyric, backed by even more stunning vocals which left me already eager for Keegan Joyce’s forthcoming album.
Discussing the album with the crowd, Joyce explained that he was hoping to come to the end of the year and be able to say, “the album is coming out on this date”. Explaining how that is not quite possible yet, as he had recently moved to Greece, following his partner back to her homeland. Keegan Joyce also joked that the album title Placeholder for a Conversation is because he (in jest) would rather play music than talk. Following some chuckles from the crowd, he turned back to the piano for more album tracks which included ‘Exhausted’, ‘Hills Run Me’ and ‘Knowledge’.
The arrangements of these new songs are so good, a mixture of folk, jazz and even some blues. Backed by a cello, bass, drums, and mixed with the baby grand on stage, all melded together wonderfully. The Melbourne audience was so quiet during each of these tracks, soaking every note in.
Before jumping into the solo guitar section of his set, Keegan Joyce mentioned how all his songs might sound very sad and depressing, agreeing with a smile “Because they are”. The perfect example of this was the very next number, ‘Today Was Your Birthday’. A sad tale of someone that is no longer in your life. Whether they be a long-lost love, or a dear friend that has passed, the lyrics were exquisitely sad.
Later in the set, Joyce explained how his father had heard one of his newer songs and asked if he was okay. “You know, you can talk to me about anything right?”. Whilst the song did sound depressing as anything, the true meaning was about Joyce not being able to sleep. A testament to Joyce’s clever songwriting. He can masterfully pull out the most incredible lyrics from something so left of field.
Keegan Joyce’s banter with the audience was just as entertaining as his music. His cheeky and funny stage presence is a wonderful mood lift in between each of the sad songs. He also isn’t afraid to poke fun at himself either, making for an entertaining evening of song and conversation.
Closing out the set with more new songs including ‘Sweaters’, ‘Elusive’, ‘April’, ‘Tuesday Night’ and ‘White Lies’, one thing is for sure, Keegan Joyce is a brilliant singer songwriter. His vocals are like honey, with a falsetto that will have you silently grinning in appreciation.
After admiring Keegan Joyce’s work for such a long time, I am so glad that I finally got the chance to experience his own music in a live setting. I cannot wait for the new album to come out and hopefully it is accompanied by some more live shows to celebrate its release. Until then, I will patiently await the release of the Placeholder for a Conversation record.
Keegan Joyce’s ‘Placeholder for a Conversation’ Live at The Wesley Anne was proudly presented by Stray Fox Events on Thursday the 5th of December, 2024. Although this concert was a special one-off performance, his album is coming sometime soon. The only thing left to plug is the upcoming stage production, new musical titled No Love Songs. A Modern Love Story, that he will star alongside Lucy Maunder which is heading to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre in July 2025.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.instagram.com/keeganjoyce
https://nolovesongs.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/NoLoveSongsAU
Photography by Grant Alexander.
