Musician on the right track

He began his musical career as the lead singer of pop-punk band Call the Shots, but now former Clontarf State High School student Josh Setterfield’s putting his stamp firmly on the country music scene.

The Kallangur local released his latest single, Right About Now, last month and already it’s a winner with fans, having debuted at number three on the Country charts and seeing him crowned iHeart Radio’s Artist of the Week.

While Setterfield grew up with his family listening to country music, firstly in NSW and then in Redcliffe after they moved in 2000, he found his own style in his teens.

“As a teen I rebelled a little and went down the punk route,” he laughs.

Change of style

“I was in a pop-punk band called Call The Shots for a long time and we were based in Redcliffe.

“Once the band came to an end, I knew it was a risk, but decided to take a chance and try my love for country.”

Penned by Canadian songwriters Craig Brooks and Jesse Slack, the single is the first song Setterfield has recorded that he didn’t have a hand in writing and mixing.

He’s been collaborating with the duo for some time after connecting with Brooks via Instagram, and had written what will be his next single with Slack when Slack mentioned he had a song that would suit Setterfield’s style.

“I was hesitant at first, as it’s not usually something that I do, but the second I started listening to it, it told the story of something that I had already lived, so I connected instantly.”

Blended sounds

Setterfield’s punk-pop background is evident in his current repertoire.

“I guess it’s a mix between my pop and punk sides that show a little in my country sound.

“Bands like Florida Georgia Line, Dan and Shay, etc influenced me heaps when writing and performing.”

He’s also a big fan of another performer who grew up in the Moreton Bay Region and made a name for himself on the country music scene.

“It’s a stereotypical thing to say as a smaller Aussie country artist, but Keith Urban is pretty much a god to me.

“Even back in my punk days, I used to listen to him while we were on tour and the band were super confused!”

Impact of COVID

As with all musicians, Setterfield’s been hit hard by COVID-19, but he’s hopeful of being back on stage sooner rather than later – although there’s no timeframe for rescheduling a planned trip to Nashville.

“Life pretty much came to a halt.

“Most of my tour has been rescheduled, my overseas trips to Nashville have been on hold for over a year, and pretty much all of us musicians have lost 100 percent of our income.

“It’s real tough. But we’re all in the same boat.

“I’ll have to see where lockdowns take us, keep promoting the new song and do whatever we can to eventually make shows happen.”

Clontarf’s influence

Setterfield has fond memories of his time at Clontarf State High.

“I made some life-long friends there that I’ll never forget - most of them in the music rooms or class at school.

“I was never much for the theory side, but playing the music is where I found my roots.”

He’s also a massive fan of the Redcliffe Peninsula.

“What is there not to love?

“I’ve spent my entire teen years growing up in Redcliffe.

“It’s a gorgeous place and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

Find out more about Setterfield's work at joshsetterfield.com

Read more local news here.