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Joshua Ketchmark

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Hometown	Los Angeles, CA
Genres	Rock
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Upcoming Shows	None

Contact Information:	Publicist Sera Roadnight sera@magictreeproductions.net 917-865-1731 Booking Jessica Rodrigue booking@joshuaketchmark.com 912-507-6217
# Years Experience Performing Live:	16
# Live Perfomances Past Six-months:	6
Market Draw:	Los Angeles: 31-50; Nashville: 51-75
Venue History:	Molly Malone's - Los Angeles, CA Skinny's Lounge - North Hollywood, CA Club Good Hurt - Los Angeles, CA The Mint - Los Angeles, CA Aqua Lounge - Beverly Hills, CA The Cat Club - Los Angeles, CA Bar Lubitsch - West Hollywood, CA
Similar Artists:	Butch Walker; 30 Seconds to Mars; Jeff Buckley; Matchbox 20
Performing Rights Society:	BMI
Discography:	Karus Cruentus EP—2010; List of Regrets LP—2008

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About the Artist

Joshua Ketchmark has made a damn good soundtrack to his life, and you should care. Why? Because it very well could be the soundtrack to yours. He rocks what he’s lived— from falling in love to crashing into heartache, watching friends self destruct to...

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It Doesn't Mean the Same

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Press Coverage

DAVID MARX ALBUM REVIEWS by DAVID MARX
OCTOBER 3, 2010 Written by: David Marx This eleven-track album by Joshua Ketchmark, is a full on, roller-coaster ride through the back pages of downtown potential and West Coast Americana. In other words, List Of Regrets is a high-octane, smorgasbord cross betwixt mid-nineties Matthew Sweet (circa Girlfriend) Ryan Adams (circa 29) and the mighty under-rated Dramarama (circa Hi-Fi Sci-Fi). So, lots to ponder and riddle upon. The slow build of the blues based opening track ‘How 2 Let Go’ (replete with Prince spelling), compellingly sets the stage for what’s in store. Its kloof like musicality, wholeheartedly lending itself to the rather lyrically pensive follow-up, ‘Never Beautiful.’ A song that’s as equally introspective as it idiosyncratic, one would indeed be wise to traipse with considered caution, especially when Ketchmark sings: ‘’I can see you scatter/Breathing misconception/Into all of your answers.’’ Gadamer with a guitar (German philosopher, who, by way of Truth and Method, tried to clarify the phenomenon of understanding)? Or, inadvertent sage with a mighty list of pronouncements to make, by way of rock’n’roll? Either way, what we have here and throughout the album as a whole, is a compelling assortment of niftily crafted tones; replete with well-constructed words and measured production by Ketchmark himself. Prime examples being the backwards Beatlesesque guitar on ‘On Your Shoulder’ and the distorted avalanche of guitars (care of Greg Ripes) throughout the alluringly titled ‘Maybe.’ To be sure, when the singer/songwriter moves away from the more obviously clinical rock stuff, the embryonic intensity of drama in such a song as ‘It Doesn’t Mean The Same’ is invariably allowed to breath and shine. A line such as ‘Spanning time between cigarettes and rosaries/And claiming that it’s/The only way,’’ might, in some quarters, be considered as good as it gets. But, because it’s partially and unfortunately smothered with superfluous clutter, it doesn’t quite hit the mark. This is a shame really, because as mentioned at the outset, List Of Regrets has oodles of potential. The sort of which, warrants both recognition and respect.

BILLS MUSIC FORUM by BILL
Illinois native Joshua Ketchmark has recently released an impressive debut that happens to be the "soundtrack to his life...it very well could be the soundtrack to yours". Music is at the heart of Ketchmark's existence; as an only child, a guitar served as his surrogate sibling. Before long he found himself in Nashville, honing his songwriting chops and picking up more instruments along the way. By incorporating himself into the fabric of musician's society, he soon found himself working as a guitar tech, providing opportunities to rub elbows with producer extraordinaire Rob Cavallo, Johnny Lang, and Melissa Etheridge. In fact, Etheridge let him use her signature 12-string guitar to record his debut record, which is the first thing you hear in the Byrds-like riff on the excellent "How 2 Let Go". All Ketchmark's tunes follow the formula we love: quiet but engaging versus that erupt into a catchy arena-ready chorus. As you would expect from a "soundtrack to life", Ketchmark touches on familiar themes of romance, but also explores feelings of loss (of his father in "On Your Shoulders") and finding happiness in the wrong place (the eerie and mysterious "Now"). Overall, the production is great and the vocals are well done (would have enjoyed more pronounced harmonies, though). List Of Regrets" will satisfy fans of The Calling, Lifehouse, or 2000-era Goo Goo Dolls. What a great way to start off 2010! Ketchmark has delivered a remarkable debut and I look forward to hearing this artist grow into a superstar. iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10

ALL ACCESS MAGAZINE by MARK TROUT
Two guitars, a bass, a drummer, and lots of energy. As soon as the band launches into the first tune, “How to let go”, Joshua Ketchmark pulls you in vocally with the same grip he uses while commanding the fingerboard of his Les Paul to keep your attention. “Never Beautiful” one of my favorites pulls you in with its great hooks and clean riffs. This truly is a pleasure to watch as both the lead and rhythm guitars keep rocking away on Les Paul’s’, (not seen to often). Then we get a taste of a new song with “Count your blessings”, which slows down for a melodic, yet still guitar driven ride. Always energetic, never boring, the set continues to keep the attention of a slim but energetic Wednesday night crowd. Kudos, to this young act for utilizing old time ‘rock and roll’ formulas of basic guitar, bass and drums. All the while employing great songwriting (no sappy lyrics) to produce good guitar driven rock. Sometimes alternative, and always entertaining set. It’s worth the visit to his Myspace page to look for shows dates at a venue near you.

CHICKS WITH GUNS by VERONICA VASQUEZ
Upon first receiving the call to go and do a review of a local musician, I was skeptical at best. Growing up in LA and having had the guts to play in the music scene here I know that most acts are well, how shall I say it, just plain shitty. Little did I know that I would be pleasantly surprised on a random Wednesday night by the line up at The MInt, and more specifically, Mr. Joshua Ketchmark. The Mint, with its artsy decor and friendly service proved to be the perfect set up for Josh Ketchmark and his band of all star Los Angeles musicians. Not only were these guys incredibly down to earth but they rocked the house with a set of heart pumping songs mixed with the honest and revealing lyrics of their Illinois born front man. Unfortunetly for Mr. Ketchmark, the sound was not well balanced and at times it was hard to hear his voice, but all in all the performance was tight and entertaining. I found myself nodding my head to the beat for every song because every song is just that high energy. Collectively as a band they were seamless, hitting every beat and every note with ease and flare. As a front man, Josh assumed the role seamlessly with a voice that reminded me of the gritty dissonance of Billy Corgan and the sweet tones of Brandon Boyd. You would think that those two wouldn’t go together and yet Josh makes it seem easy and makes it his own. As the set drew to an end the audience was still digging it and I was thinking that they were going to ask for an encore. Sadly, the Mint was booked solid that night and there was no time. However, if time had been allotted for it, I’m certain that he could have easily gone on to play a few more songs and the audience would have adored it. If you ever find yourself in the Los Angeles area and have the opportunity to catch Josh performing, do yourself a favor and go! Even if ‘rock music’ is not your thing, you might be surprised by how much you actually enjoy the inventive riffs, the steady grooves, and the anthem-like melodies delivered effortlessly by Mr. Ketchmark. I was fortunate enough to hang out with Josh after the show and after congratulating him on his set I challenged him by asking what he would say to those who hear and connect with the music. His simple and poignant response was, “If they enjoy what they’re hearing, then there’s plenty more to come.”

In my stereo: Joshua Ketchmark-The Bittersweet by “Some songs aren’t meant to sit on the shelf.”
First appearing in 2008 with ‘List of Regrets’, an ambitious debut record that garnered significant praise form the media, followed up in 2011 with the equally impressive and well-received ‘Karus Cruentus’, the latest chapter in Ketchmark’s still-young career is about to be written. 'The Bittersweet' is the 1st of a series of 3 EPs from Ketchmark scheduled for release this year, showcasing his eclectic writing style and varied influences. “Some songs aren’t meant to sit on the shelf.” he says, and in that spirit these EPs take flight. Produced by Denny Smith (fORMER/The Great Affairs) & Michael Saint-Leon (George Thorogood, Buddy Guy), and recorded at The Switchyard in Nashville, TN, The four songs that make up ‘The Bittersweet’ are markedly divergent yet bound by an odd common aesthetic that somehow allows them to make complete sense as a collection. Covered in Roses" is the opening track; a slightly U2-inspired number, recalls 'List of Regrets', with its intimate verses flowing effortlessly into an electrifying chorus that is Ketchmark's forte. The first single "All These Eyes" is the result of a collaboration with producer Smith, in which he delivers an understated and powerful performance on the yearningly yet heart felt lyrics, a track co-written by producer and artist. "The Take", the most straight-ahead, roaring and ferocious rock tune of the bunch, comes off like a cross between Jimmy Eat World and the Foo Fighters, unapologetically brash with drums heavily featured in the forefront, and coated in layers of guitar. Finally, "Cigarettes and Wine" is signature Ketchmark, with its cinematic lyrics and fresh way of evoking sadness and emotional abandon. Showcasing another of Joshua's strengths, his ability to take something intensely personal and give it universal appeal. Ketchmark and Smith have been friends for many years, and their joint history and shared vision have culminated in ‘The Bittersweet’, the first glimpse into what 2012 has to offer from Joshua Ketchmark. Release date : April 17th 2012.

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Joshua Ketchmark

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