Josh Rouse, Grant Lee Phillips
Stoughton Opera House 381 E. Main St., Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589
press release: Nebraska born, internationally lived Josh Rouse found the beauty of writing from the environment that surrounds him. Musically described as introspective folk-pop, the singer-songwriter grew up moving across the states led by his father’s military career, but picked up his own inspiration along with an acoustic guitar. Rouse began songwriting at age eighteen which quickly grew into a rewarding passion, coming into his own with a 1998 debut Dressed Up Like Nebraska. What followed were years of touring, writing, and recording in collaboration with great friends. A 2005 move to Spain informed and transformed Rouse’s style yet again. With twelve albums and twenty years behind him, Rouse’s 2018 release Love in the Modern Age lends a nod to ‘80s electro synth pop as he expertly steers his way down every new avenue that draws his ear.
Grant Lee Phillips writes it as he sees it and how he sees it will leave you stunned. Indi rock troubadour, singer/songwriter Phillips’s Widdershins is a darkly witty examination of the recent status quo. Says Phillips of his current mood, “I’m drawing on the urgency of the moment. The things that eat away in the late hours.” With songs invoking the spirit of the French Revolution (Unruly Mobs) and the Spanish Inquisition (Walking in Circles) one does not get the dour, raging mood one might expect. Upbeat guitar riffs and mood-lifting tempos crossing musical styles shows Phillips genuis as he shifts from keyboard to guitar.
Rouse and Phillips will play new music together including their latest single, "Empire State," which is available for download now.
Josh Rouse & Grant Lee Phillips perform at the STOUGHTON OPERA HOUSE Thursday, October 18 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased online at www.stoughtonoperahouse.com or by calling the box office at (608) 877-4400, Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 am- 4:30 pm.