Vance Joy

Vance Joy

Vance Joy is the stage name of James Keogh, an Australian singer-songwriter from Melbourne. Born in 1987, he works in alternative rock, folk pop, indie folk, indie pop and singer-songwriter styles, with his music also described as folk with pop influences.

Early career

Keogh begins performing at open mic nights in Melbourne, where he develops his songwriting and live approach. His musical background includes listening to acts such as The Pogues and Paul Kelly, alongside whatever else is playing around him.

Releases and commercial success

His debut EP, God Loves You When You’re Dancing, is released in 2013. It includes the single “Riptide”, which becomes a major success on Australian commercial radio and is certified Platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The song helps establish him internationally and later appears among the tracks associated with his first full-length album, Dream Your Life Away.

Dream Your Life Away is released in 2014 and becomes his first album. It includes the singles from God Loves You When You’re Dancing alongside new material. The album reaches number 1 in Australia and number 2 in Canada, charts in several other countries, and is eventually certified six times platinum.

Songwriting style

His songs focus on familiar everyday experiences, presenting them in a celebratory way. His lyrics are described as reaching out to the listener and holding attention for a moment.