Joseph Arthur

Joseph Arthur

Joseph Arthur is an American singer-songwriter from Akron, New York. His work sits across alternative rock, folk rock, indie folk, indie rock and singer-songwriter styles. He is also an acclaimed painter and designer, and his artwork appears on the sleeves of his discography.

Career

Arthur is discovered by Peter Gabriel in the mid-1990s and signs to Gabriel’s Real World label in 1996. His first album, Big City Secrets, follows in 1997 and attracts critical praise. He later establishes his own label, Lonely Astronaut Records, in 2006.

He releases Let’s Just Be in 2007 and Temporary People in 2008 with his backing band The Lonely Astronauts. After that, he returns to solo recording and performance with The Graduation Ceremony in 2011 and the double album Redemption City in 2012.

Collaborations and notable songs

Arthur’s song “In the Sun” is covered in 2006 by Michael Stipe of R.E.M. and by Coldplay singer Chris Martin. A Hurricane Katrina relief EP includes six versions of the cover, including one version featuring Arthur with Stipe.

Recognition

The sleeve design for his 1999 album Vacancy is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Recording Package.

Associated projects

Arthur is associated with Holding the Void, Joseph Arthur & The Lonely Astronauts, Fistful of Mercy, RNDM, Arthur Buck and Silverlites.

Labels

His recordings are connected with Lonely Astronaut Records, Lonely Astronaut, Real World, Enjoy Records, Vector Recordings, 14th Floor Records, Indica Records and Vanguard.