Feel Good Festival: Joe Dunne

Photo: SKW Events

Feel Good Festival - Joe Dunn

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Rochdale Online met with 21-year-old singer and guitarist Joe Dunne, who opened the festival on the main stage with a 20-minute set, before continuing with an hour-long set at The Empire.

The talented singer-songwriter from Rochdale won a slot performing at the Feel Good Festival after submitting a video for his own original track, ‘This Town’.

The biology student began performing gigs in pubs and bars around Rochdale, and Leeds, where he attends university, around three years ago. A regular at the Norden Arms, Joe has also performed at the Horse and Farrier, and Manchester’s Band on the Wall – to name but a couple of venues – ahead of his first festival.

Joe said: “I’m always nervous before a crowd until the first song, which is always Johnny Cash: it calms my nerves. It’s easier to get gigs in Rochdale because there’s less competition but we have a few good local artists. Venues are more willing to take a gamble on you.”

Joe says his choice of setlist usually depends on crowd requests, and he has added an extensive catalogue to his set, with covers of Oasis, Adele, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Johnny Cash. Of course, no set would be complete without an homage to his favourite group, Arctic Monkeys, who he cites amongst his influences, along with Biffy Clyro and the Courteneers.

When asked about his sound, Joe said: “I’ve been told I sound like Alex from the Arctic Monkeys in my vocals, but I think I’m a blend of all my influences. They’ve definitely inspired me. I have an acoustic indie rock sound.”

Joe performed some of his own tracks, ‘This Town’, ‘Youth of Today’ and ‘I’ll Wait’ along with covers like ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’.

He is next performing at the Norden Arms on Friday 18 August before appearing at Bamford Bowling Club on 21 September.