Josh & the Dirty Rags is a nomadic Dark Folk project that has been traveling the roads of North America since April 2022. The band blends the raw energy of blues with the richness of folk, mixing deep stories with enchanting melodies. The sharp sound of the banjo creates a captivating, festive atmosphere. With deep, theatrical vocals, the artist grabs the listeners’ attention from the very first moments, offering a unique and well-orchestrated experience.
JOSH & THE DIRTY RAGS
Their music blends the dark with the melodic, providing a space for unique sounds
This isn't your typical folk music; it's an invitation to explore the unknown
Josh Rags, a skilled multi-instrumentalist and songwriter with a foundation in the alternative scene, leads the band with his unique vision and sound. After a decade of touring as a trombonist with acts like Émile Bilodeau, The Planet Smashers and K-Man & the 45s, he decided to create his own musical project. He now shares the stage and the road with Sophie Rags, his musical partner, who adds a unique touch with the washboard and accordion.
Born from influences like The Devil Makes Three, Tom Waits and Amigo the Devil, the band’s sound blends instruments like the banjo and accordion, engaging the crowds with raw DIY energy, inviting them to fully lose themselves in the intensity of the moment. Josh Rags, who was once consumed by the vibrant chaos of Montreal’s life, now channels inspiration from both his past experiences and his current nomadic journey.
Understanding the Concept of Dirty Rags
To give you a better sense, a “Dirty Rag” symbolizes the weight of a life filled with stories and memories. For Josh, turning these experiences into songs is a way to express himself and lighten the burden of his journey.
From Hell’s Gate Inn to new horizons
Their debut conceptual short album, Hell’s Gate Inn (2024), earned them a nomination for EP Folk of the Year at the GAMIQ. With their captivating dark folk sound, they’ve already made waves at prominent festivals like Le Festif in Baie-St-Paul and Festivoix in Trois-Rivières. This early success sets the stage for their next recording, Lullabies of a Broken Man, which is slated for release in 2025 under Mannequin Vanity Records (San Diego). This next EP aims to return to the roots. To explore deeper, more intimate, and introspective themes, creating an immersive listening experience.
