Josh Island drops album ‘Imaginary Borders’ ahead of Rockhal show

Artwork for Josh Island's new album 'Imaginary Borders' © Katya Molchan

In a world increasingly defined by the walls we build, Luxembourg’s own Josh Island is using his music to tear them down. On 6 March , the singer-songwriter officially drops his sophomore album, Imaginary Borders, a project that is as geographically diverse as it is emotionally resonant.

Written between the sun-drenched streets of Athens and the cozy corners of Luxembourg, and recorded across the creative hubs of Amsterdam and Lisbon, the album is a masterclass in modern folk-pop. It’s an odyssey that proves distance is just a concept when you have a guitar and a story to tell.  

“We keep building walls between each other,” Josh stated, “So many of these lines are imaginary, drawn to separate us from them”.

A global sound with a human heart

Imaginary Borders  as well as being the album title is actually a mission statement. Josh describes music as a "vehicle to bring us together," and the track list reflects that journey.

The record’s emotional arc begins in the ancient stillness of Athens with the haunting vocal layers of Artemis, a stark contrast to the nostalgic, wide-eyed wonder found in Little Boy On The Hill. As the tempo picks up, Josh explores the grit of human connection through Courage, Unconditionally, and Love In The Corner, searching for light in the most shadowed places.

The listener is then swept into a more atmospheric mid-section; Blind Driver and Breeze feel like a slow drift through a fog of longing, capturing that specific ache of uncertainty. This tension eventually snaps in Ropes, only to be stitched back together by the intimate rebuilding of You & Me. By the time the final notes of We Can Win ring out, the album has shed its weight, soaring through Birds, Rise Up and Don’t Pull Yourself Down to leave you with a sense of defiant, collective hope.

The production is a collaborative tapestry, featuring work by Nelson Canoa in the wine regions of Portugal and Benjamin Rheinländer in Amsterdam. The result? A textured blend of pop-rock energy and intimate folk storytelling.

The homecoming: a milestone at Rockhal

For those in Luxembourg, the date to circle in red is 7 March. Just 24 hours after the album's release, Josh will take the stage at Rockhal for his biggest headline show to date.

For him it isn’t just another gig, it’s a full-circle moment. Josh first graced the Rockhal stage back in 2015 for Screaming Fields. A decade later, after supporting international stars like Katie Melua and Alec Benjamin, he returns with a six-piece band and his own devoted following.

© Katya Molchan

"To be here a decade later with my own audience and two albums under my belt feels quite surreal," Josh shares. "It feels like home."

If you're attending, bring your best energy, the entire show is being filmed and recorded for a future live release!

Own a piece of the journey

For fans who want a tangible connection to the music, this release marks another special milestone: Josh’s first-ever vinyl pressing, and it's clear vinyl too! While the album will be available across all major streaming platforms, those wanting a physical copy can already pre-order vinyl, CD and download, on Bandcamp . If you prefer the tactile experience of browsing a merch stand, the vinyl and CD, along with other cool new merch, will also be available for purchase directly at his concerts, with 7 March Rockhal gig being the first.

7 March Rockhal event details

The celebrations culminate in a big homecoming show at Rockhal - Belval on Saturday, 7 March. Doors open for an evening of high-energy indie-pop at 20:00, with the opening act being the dulcet tones of singer-songwriter Lara Grogan, before Josh takes to the stage. Tickets are priced at €22.

Given that the show is being filmed for a live video release, the atmosphere is expected to be electric. You can grab your tickets and find full event details at scene.lu events.

Taking the show on the road

The Rockhal show is just the fuse. Following his recent appearance at Eurosonic, plus concerts as far as Turkey and India last year, Josh is heading out on an extensive European tour.

Starting in mid-March, he’ll be hitting a dozen cities across Germany, including Heidelberg, Berlin, Stuttgart, and Augsburg, before moving onto the summer festival circuit, with a notable stop at the Fengaros Festival in Cyprus.

So, whether you’re there for the vinyl or the vibe, don't leave it to your imagination, grab a ticket, cross the border, and let Josh Island be a discovery you make this year.