Melbourne singer-songwriter Joshua Batten will ring in Spring 2025 with the release his new single “Spring Fever” on Monday September 1st, supported by tour dates across the season in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.
“Spring Fever” is a hook-laden rock anthem, using the changing of Winter to Spring as a metaphor for letting go of bitterness and resentment, in order to move forward with a more positive mindset.
“This is a complete gem from Joshua Batten. Memorable, melodic and as catchy as all get out. It has radio goodness embedded in its grooves.” – Stuart Coupe
As Joshua explains: “Spring has always been my favourite time of year, as it offers warmth and hope after the cold of winter. It’s a season associated with rebirth and growth – after coming out of a period where life seems to be at a standstill and it’s always cold and grey outside, all of a sudden, the sun comes through, and you start to feel like the world is waking up again.
Spring is also when most of my major gigs and festivals take place, and outside of music, there is also the joy surrounding the AFL Grand Final and the beginning of Spring Racing, as well as a general sense of warmth and colour coming back into the world. This song is also my way of creating warmth and joy after several months of anxiety and disruptions in my personal life.”
A collaboration between Joshua and his regular Producer Sean O’Sullivan, “Spring Fever” features Joshua on Lead Vocals & Guitars, Jesse Bates (Sammy Owen Blues Band) on drums, Jason Vorheer (Daryl Braithwaite/Birtles Shorrock Goble/Russell Morris) on Bass & Backing Vocals and Clinton Cox on Keyboards.
Joshua will be promoting the single with a series of mini-tours throughout Spring, including a run of Victorian dates with fellow singer-songwriter Benny Elder in August, debut headline performances in Adelaide in September, band performances on the Bellarine Peninsula and beyond in October, Sydney dates in November, and a return to Port Noarlunga Blues Festival SA in late November.
Melbourne based Roots Rocker Joshua Batten is a genuine performer, with a rare ability to truly connect with his audience. In 2024 Joshua became a proud endorsee of Cole Clark Guitars and was a finalist in both the Melbourne Blues Challenge and the Roddy Read Songwriting Award at Maldon Folk Festival.
In 2025, he has continued to hone his presence and portfolio as a live performer, playing a sold-out 30th birthday show at George Lane, St Kilda with his backing band The Lablighters, and making appearances at the Australian Open, Macedon Ranges Music Festival, Water Lantern Festival, and Rockhampton River Festival.
Joshua is also continuing to write and record new songs that will be released over the next twelve months before ultimately appearing on his fourth studio album, tentatively titled “True Optimism”.
“Spring Fever” will be available to stream on all platforms from Monday, September 1st. Tickets for all shows will be available via Joshua Batten’s website and venue websites.
TOUR DATES
Fri, Sep 5 – Three Brothers Arms, Macclesfield SA*
Sat, Sep 6 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Thebarton SA+
Sun, Sep 7 – Memphis Slim’s, Adelaide SA
Sat Sep 20 – Rezza House Concert, Reservoir VIC*
(Solo & Band)
Sat Oct 25 – The Blues Train, Queenscliff VIC*
(With The Lablighters Band)
Sun Oct 26 – Sleepy Hollow Blues Club, Geelong VIC*
(With The Lablighters Band)
Thurs Nov 6 – PJ O’Brien’s, Sydney NSW
Fri Nov 7 – Palomino Lounge, Emore NSW
Sat Nov 8 – Miss Celie’s, Ashfield NSW
Nov 21-23 – Port Noarlunga Blues Festival, Port Noarlunga SA
More dates to be announced
* = Ticketed
^ = With Benny Elder
+ = With Shaun Holton