Joe Harvey-Whyte
about
Joe Harvey-Whyte is an award winning pedal steel player, multi-instrumentalist composer & producer specialising in pedal steel, lap steel, dobro and guitar.
Joe's unique approach to these instruments spans a range of genres:
from pop, americana and folk to ambient/experimental, art installations and film soundtracks.
Joe has considerable experience on stage and in the studio, including multiple performances at Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury Festival, sessions at Abbey Road Studio 2, Air Studios, The Church Studios & Rak Studios
Joe's solo work has featured on Sky Arts TV, EA Games, KEXP, BBC Radio 4 and
BBC 6Music.
Some of the artists Joe has worked with include:
Liam Gallagher / John Squire, James Vincent McMorrow, The Magic Numbers, Tony Visconti, Billy Bragg, Susanne Sundfør, mxmtoon, Josephine Foster, Nilüfer Yanya, Francis Rossi, Ward Thomas, The Hanging Stars, Sylvie, Mozart Estate, Alabama 3, L'aupaire, Bullion, Jody Stephens (Big Star), Iain Matthews (Matthews Southern Comfort)
Aside from his work as a session musician Joe is also a multidisciplinary artist working at the cross section between ambient/experimental music, visual art and environmental sound. His solo work combines the sound of the pedal steel guitar with electronics and field recordings to make works that create a space for deep listening and reflection whilst attempting to translate and subtly amplify the quieter moments of everyday life.
For session enquiries or collaborations please get in touch
pedal steel & session work
Joe is available for studio sessions, remote recordings, touring and one-off live performances.
"This guy is outer space!"
Tony Visconti
"I wasn't sure if I was up for a pedal steel again but you've convinced me that it's a wonderful combination"
Iain Matthews (MSC, Fairport Convention, Plainsong)
"I used to think I disliked pedal steel, but it turns out I was just listening to the wrong pedal steel players"
Sarah McQuaid
"Joe Harvey-Whyte's pedal steel: potent stuff"
Uncut Magazine
"Joe Harvey-Whyte going nuts on fuzzed pedal steel; it's got single written all over it."
Shindig! Magazine
field recording
Joe is an experienced location sound recordist. He has worked on films with Adidas, England Football, Arrival EV & Oneighty Films. His field recordings have featured on BBC Radio 4 and the Field Recording Podcast.
Joe also has a deep passion for field recording.
"Nature has always been a huge inspiration for me. I have often tried to explore the sounds and patterns in nature through my work.
I like to visit new places and record their ambience, these recordings then weave their way into my art.
I think of my work as an artist and a musician, as a series of attempts to translate and subtly amplify the quiet beauty of everyday life."
composition work
Joe is also an experienced composer for commercial and film work.
The freely improvised score for experimental short "Painful Flavours" (directed by Julian Hand) was awarded best original score at the Latitude Film awards 2023 and received an honuorable mention at the Los Angeles Film Awards 2023.
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Original soundtrack for ViiV Healthcare advert
Directed by Mikaela Guariniello
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Whyte Light Visuals
Soho Radio
Joe hosts 2 monthly radio shows on Soho Radio London DAB
The Dream Stream is a 2 hour ambient radio show with a focus on ambient, drone, field recording and experimental sounds.
Whyte Noise is a monthly show featuring guest performances, mixes and hidden gems discovered whilst on tour.