Josef Salvat

Australian-born and now London-based, singer/songwriter Josef Salvat first drew attention in 2014 when his debut EP, In Your Prime, generated consistent early interest. His refined, often introspective electro-pop gained further listeners through tracks such as “Hustler,” which featured on his 2015 debut album. In 2020 he resurfaced with the introspective follow-up record modern anxiety.

After an upbringing steeped in classical repertoire and 1980s synth-pop, Salvat taught himself piano and channeled that foundation into songwriting; his earliest composition, written at thirteen, was prompted by his grandmother’s passing. Subsequent years took him to Barcelona, with regular returns to Australia, before he settled in the United Kingdom to concentrate on music. The 2013 release of “This Life” was quickly followed by “Hustler,” prompting music blogs to highlight his emotionally charged, bruised pop approach that evoked the sensibilities of Morrissey and Lana Del Rey.

Columbia Records signed Salvat in 2014, leading to the full release of In Your Prime. That EP contained a rendition of “This Life” alongside his cover of Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” which climbed into the U.K. Top 30. Early the next year “Hustler” was reissued and included on his debut full-length, Night Swim. In 2016 the single “Heading Home” received remixes from Poolclvb, Le Youth, and Nick Talos. Throughout 2019 Salvat worked in the studio on his second album, modern anxiety, collaborating with Rich Cooper—known for work with Tom Odell and the Temper Trap—as well as Banx & Ranx, Martin Craft, and Jacob Manson of Blonde. The resulting collection, issued in mid-2020, examined a range of personal subjects across varied stylistic territory.