Josh Semans

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Josh Semans is a composer, producer and ondes Martenot player based in the north-west of England.

Working from a converted attic studio, Josh’s work is uniquely textured, employing a range of instruments, sound-sources, and processes. A keen improviser, his creative process is a cocktail of exploration, repetition, and abstraction.

Josh regularly collaborates and works with other musicians and composers, having shared the studio and stage with Adrian Utley, Charles Hazlewood, Luke Sital-Singh, Hainbach, Simeon Walker, Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres, and many others in a variety of recordings and performances.

As well as appearing on various BBC Radio programmes, and creating the LABS Ondes Musicales in collaboration with Spitfire Audio, he has performed on Tony Award-winning Alex Baranowski's score for A Christmas Carol, Volker Bertelmann's score for 'Against The Ice', and Lena Raine's soundtrack to RPG video-game ‘Moonglow Bay’.

 
 

music

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

discography
Emergency Programming 1
Emergency Programming 1

The first ‘Emergency Programming’ release, featuring three piano pieces recorded on Josh’s Opus Pianino. These pieces have been subtly processed using tape machines, spring reverbs, and effects pedals to introduce unique textures - turning the familiar sound of a felt piano into something slightly more abstract.

To Will a Space Into Being
To Will a Space Into Being

For his second full-length album, Josh has created a world that is entirely his own; combining the retro-futuristic sound of the vintage Juno 6 synthesiser; the classically-coded string quartet; and the otherworldly ondes Martenot - one of the earliest electronic instruments, born in the trenches of the First World War.

Winter, Gesture
Winter, Gesture

The familiar comfort of Semans’ piano and ondes Martenot, laden with subtle electronics, is contrasted against bold, motorik, post-rock inspired outbursts in this genre-bending EP, featuring guest appearances by pianist Simeon Walker, clarinetist Ruby Lulham (aka Clariloops), and drummer Steve Hanley.

Marbles / Holding Pattern
Marbles / Holding Pattern

Written and produced for Piano Day 2021, this double A-side combines tasteful piano and bespoke electronics with the ethereal sound of the ondes Martenot.

...And the Birds Will Sing at Sunrise
...And the Birds Will Sing at Sunrise

Inspired chiefly by meditations on the environment and humanity’s relationship with it, Josh’s debut album comprises 9 pieces of instrumental music for piano, ondes Martenot, and electronics. The single from this album, “Trust”, was exclusively premiered on BBC Radio 6 by Elizabeth Alker on her show “Unclassified”.

 

other credits + releases

other credits + releases

 
 

events + appearances

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

events
An Evening of Radiohead
An Evening of Radiohead

Stoller Hall, Manchester

An Evening of Radiohead
An Evening of Radiohead

Lichfield Cathedral, Lichfield

An Evening of Radiohead
An Evening of Radiohead

Leeds Minster, Leeds

An Evening of Radiohead
An Evening of Radiohead

Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn

An Evening of Radiohead
An Evening of Radiohead

Derby Cathedral, Derby

An Evening of Radiohead
An Evening of Radiohead

Derby Cathedral, Derby

An Evening of Radiohead
An Evening of Radiohead

Livepool Cathedral, Liverpool

An Evening of Radiohead
An Evening of Radiohead

Hull Minster, Hull

Simeon Walker & Friends play the music of TWIN PEAKS
Simeon Walker & Friends play the music of TWIN PEAKS

Square Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax

Click on any of the listings here to catch Josh performing at a solo show, or alongside other musicians at a variety of other events.

As a versatile multi-instrumentalist, Josh has performed his solo material at festivals and venues across the U.K.; combining the ondes Martenot with a bespoke mix of synthesisers, recorded material, live electronics, and piano. He has also shared the stage with Adrian Utley, Charles Hazlewood, Simeon Walker, Alexandra Hamilton-Ayres, Hainbach, The Untold Orchestra, Let Me In, and many others in a variety of musical roles.