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JOSH & THE DIRTY RAGS

Their music blends the dark with the melodic, creating a truly distinctive atmosphere

Josh & the Dirty Rags is a nomadic dark folk band, performing in flexible lineups, turning deep stories into catchy melodies offering a unique and well-orchestrated experience. Their music blends dark, elegant folk with a festive spirit, inspired by pirate legends and travels. With his banjo and theatrical voice in the style of Tom Waits or Amigo The Devil, Josh’s storytelling draws listeners in from the very first note.

Since forming in 2022, the Montreal-based band has traveled across North America, performing over 300 shows throughout Canada and the United States (Club Soda, Festif!, Festivoix, Moonrunners, Punk Rock Rodeo) and sharing stages with artists like Mononc Serge, Pete Bernhard, Yes Ma’am, Clyde McGee, Bosko Baker, and more.

A journey into the musical world of the modern-day nomads

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.

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.

From Hell’s Gate Inn to new horizons

Their journey began with their first conceptual EP, Hell’s Gate Inn (2024), released on Mannequin Vanity Records (San Diego), which earned a nomination for Folk EP of the Year at the GAMIQ awards. This early achievement propelled them toward new musical horizons with the release of their second EP, Lullabies, in fall 2025, also under MVR (San Diego). Entirely DIY, this EP returns to their roots, exploring intimate and introspective themes to create an immersive listening experience.

“Lullabies is meant to be listened to in one breath, without detours. Its cohesive, sincere universe, imbued with raw beauty, confirms that Josh & the Dirty Rags stand out as one of the most authentic and captivating acts on the Quebec dark folk scene.” – Marc Desgagné, MetalUniverse.

Fresh Projects, Dark Folk Adventures

New Year, New Horizons: 2026 kicks off with the signing of their booking contract with Stomp Records. This major milestone will allow Josh to fully focus on the artistic side of the project and on creating new songs for the year ahead. In March, the full band embarks on their first European tour, 14 shows in 14 days across France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and Spain. An intense, transformative experience, both artistic and human, that will take the project to a whole new level.

Their mission is to share folk music through stories of travel and the people they meet along the way, while building an ambitious and sustainable professional project. By dedicating themselves fully to their craft, Josh & the Dirty Rags aim to expand their reach and actively contribute to the Quebec and international music scenes.

Each performance is a spectacular, immersive, and vibrant experience you won’t want to miss.

Come on, let yourself be captivated and step into the world of Josh & the Dirty Rags.

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