In our continuing series of getting to know the artists appearing at Dashville Skyline we meet the Joyce Prescher.
When did you start playing music?
According to my parents I started singing before I could talk. I definitely have been for as long as I know and knew pretty early on I wasn’t all bad at it. I graced stages now and again, well before I was a teenager, wrote poems and songs and played in a band in my Uni days and after, before exploring a more solo avenue, though pretty often I have a band again now (who I’ve been playing with since 2022).
Oh and I started playing my mum’s guitar around age 15, though I wouldn’t call myself a guitarist.
Describe your music.
Tough question and I don’t say that to sound mysterious or interesting. I think it’s real, cuts deep, melancholy, cinematic, honest with a touch of Europe, and that’s not just the accent, I did grow up there and moved here in my late 20s.
What inspires you to write a song?
It can be anything, but I can feel when I need to. It’s particular sensation or drive that takes over. It can be an emotion or feeling, someone else’s story but also new music, other artists and live music. Being in silence on a train. I always love when it comes. I’m not very disciplined with it, I give in to it when I need to.
What has been your favourite moment of your music journey so far?
I’ve loved everything. Haha, that’s a lie, def not admin. I love the sense of togetherness in general, with peers. There’s a lovely community and much respect. But every time I’m on a decent stage and the audience gets it, that’s my favourite. I live for that. Oh, and Cheersquad (my label) coming to my show cause they wanted to sign me.
What’s your favourite song to play live? Own or cover.
Cover wise probably Bobby, Baby by Lera Lynn. She sings about her dad, but it almost literally covers the life of mine. It’s lyrically great, very emotional. I started singing it before my father passed away and still play it now.
Of my own songs, ‘I’ll be your woman’ is my favourite.
Who are your most important musical influences?
Not necessarily the most important influences, but have consistently listened to Bowie, Pink Floyd, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan throughout my life. As well as female singers I discovered in my teens, Heather Nova, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple and PJ Harvey. But I have listened, and still do, to a lot of music.
What are your three favourite albums of all time?
No such thing! But here goes:
Wish you were here, Pink Floyd
Hunky Dory, David Bowie
Deja Vu, Crosby/Stills/Nash/Young
What are what are you looking forward to at this year’s event?
Just playing at the festival. Haven’t played a festival with my band yet, so truly excited about that. Spending time with friends I don’t get to see much. Nature and live music.
You’re performing on Sunday October 5, who are you excited to catch?
Claire Anne Taylor is great. Looking forward to seeing Mama Kin, Fanny Lumsden, Minor Gold, Emily Lubitz and it’s always nice to see Ben Mastwyk play and fellow Cheersquad babe Meghan Maike. But really, I hope to make new discoveries, friends and memories.
Any other tour dates you’d like to mention?
Not at the moment, but playing some shows in Victoria in Nov Dec
Latest release: singles My Heroics/ Nothing really ends both with Lachlan Bryan
Website: joyceprescher.com
Bandcamp: https://joyceprescher.bandcamp.com
Dashville Skyline takes place October 3-5, 2025, in Lower Belford, Hunter Valley, Wonnarua Country NSW.
Full details at: https://www.dashville.com.au/dashvilleskyline
DASHVILLE SKYLINE 2025 – PLAYING DAYS