Josh Bates
Perfect Day
Beach Street

Josh Bates is the latest artist to emerge from the relatively young label called Beach Street Records. However, Josh is not a new find for Beach Street, on the contrary, Josh was befriended by producer Mark Miller at age 15 (he is now 23). Mark has helped to mentor Josh prior to signing him to the label. Josh is a singer songwriter and he also plays piano, guitar, and mandolin. His first hit song is “Perfect Day,” which was written by John Cox. This first track is one of the few that Josh did not participate in process of writing.

The album overall has lively sound and Josh’s vocals add additional zeal and personality. Although there may not be one thing that really distinguishes Josh from other pop/worship artist, I can say that this album is not at all boorish or weak. I particularly like the effect he has as a vocalist, along with the production of the album, which ultimately brings it alive. I’m not one to watch charts or listen to contemporary Christian radio (mostly because it’s not readily available), but I’m certain that Josh will be showing up on the charts again and again.

It’s really cool that Mark Miller is doing more than just working a label and trying to produce a marketing success. Instead, he has developed a strong mentorship with a young artist, who in the end needs little marketing to get his name to be known.

- Ken W.