Howevever wins 2023 Josh Pyke Partnership

Congratulations to Perth-based singer-songwriter and producer Howevever, the 2023 winner of the prestigious Josh Pyke Partnership.

Made possible by Josh Pyke and APRA AMCOS, the partnership aims to connect an unsigned musician or band with the exciting opportunity to receive mentorship and funding that will help to grow their career. This year is the final edition of the project.

“This is super exciting and unexpected!", said Howevever upon winning. "It means so much to know that my music means something to someone else. I'm looking forward especially to the mentoring - I generally take a very introverted approach to making and releasing music so some direction in that area is going to be invaluable.”

As the winner of the partnership, Howevever receives a $7,500 grant as well as mentorship from Pyke, as well as meetings with experienced artist manager Sarah McMillan from UNIFIED Music Group and Select Music’s owner and booking agent Stephen Wade.

Josh Pyke said: “It’s very gratifying that the final JP Partnership had the most entries ever, and was populated with such an incredibly diverse group of brilliant artists. Being a musician is a tough road, but the talent in this country is enormous. The top ten entries ranged from Indie Pop, Rock and R&B, and were all acts that I could see having long and fruitful careers as artists both here and internationally.

In the end, there could only be one winner, and for the final JP Partnership, I’m stoked to announce that the winner is Howevever.”

Launched by acclaimed singer-songwriter, producer and children’s book author Josh Pyke, in collaboration with APRA AMCOS in 2015, the Josh Pyke Partnership has for almost a decade offered unsigned musicians the opportunity to receive mentorship and funding to help grow their career. Past winners include Gordi, Alex Lahey and Angie McMahon.

Pyke added: “Howevever is the brainchild of Isaac Lee, a 24-year-old Perth musician and producer who, for me, epitomises the idea of the modern songwriter. Utilising tools and tech that allow for sonic experimentation and a finger on the pulse aesthetic, Isaac also taps into an unadulterated and authentic worldview that harkens back to some of my favourite songwriters such as James Mercer and Neil Finn.

“Basically, I got all the feels, all at once, and the songs I heard are still haunting my brain. That’s what I want in music, and I think that’s what we all need from art in general.

“Creating the JP Partnership with support from APRA AMCOS has been one of my biggest achievements as a musician. I can’t really express how proud I feel to have supported others in contributing to the canon of art that makes us all tick over the years. I hope someone else might pick up the mantle. For now though, I want to congratulate all the entrants, and welcome Howevever to the JP Partnership winners table!”

Bella Morris-Clark, Creative Programs and Sponsorship Manager at APRA AMCOS, said: "Congratulations to Howevever on winning the final Josh Pyke Partnership. It's been so rewarding to watch the careers of the winners flourish over the years and how this partnership makes a real impact. Thank you to Josh, UNIFIED Music Group and Select Music for their involvement and support of this year's winner.”

Josh Pyke is touring with The Waifs for a run of shows in NSW and the ACT this month, and will be touring the White album in September.

Howevever joins a list of impressive past recipients: Allegra Neve (2021), Bec Sykes (2020), Eilish Gilligan (2019), Sumner (2018), Angie McMahon (2017), Alex Lahey (2016), Gordi (2015), Govs (2014).