Howevever Wins Final Josh Pyke Partnership

Howevever is the recipient of the final edition of the Josh Pyke Partnership.

The Perth-based singer-songwriter and producer will receive a grant of $7,500, mentorship from Pyke, and meetings with artist manager Sarah McMillan from UNIFIED Music Group and Stephen Wade, Select Music’s owner and booking agent.

Howevever is the solo project of Isaac Lee, who began making music in 2020. He said the win is super exciting and unexpected.

“It means so much to know that my music means something to someone else. I’m looking forward especially to the mentoring – I generally take a very introverted approach to making and releasing music so some direction in that area is going to be invaluable,” he said.

Pyke, meanwhile, praised the power of Howevever’s music.

“Howevever is the brainchild of Isaac Lee, a 24-year-old Perth musician and producer who, for me, epitomises the idea of the modern songwriter. Utilising tools and tech that allow for sonic experimentation and a finger on the pulse aesthetic, Isaac also taps into an unadulterated and authentic worldview that harkens back to some of my favourite songwriters such as James Mercer and Neil Finn,” he said

“Basically, I got all the feels, all at once, and the songs I heard are still haunting my brain. That’s what I want in music, and I think that’s what we all need from art in general.”

Pyke started the program in 2015 alongside APRA AMCOS. Since that time, the partnership has offered unsigned musicians the opportunity to receive mentorship and funding. Previous winners include Eilish Gilligan, Bec Skyes, Allegra Neve, Gordi, Alex Lahey and Angie McMahon.

He said creating the JP Partnership in collaboration with APRA AMCOS has been one of his biggest achievements as a musician.

“It’s very gratifying that the final JP Partnership had the most entries ever, and was populated with such an incredibly diverse group of brilliant artists. Being a musician is a tough road, but the talent in this country is enormous. The top 10 entries ranged from indie pop, rock and R&B, and were all acts that I could see having long and fruitful careers as artists both here and internationally,” he said.

“I can’t really express how proud I feel to have supported others in contributing to the canon of art that makes us all tick over the years. I hope someone else might pick up the mantle. For now though, I want to congratulate all the entrants, and welcome Howevever to the JP Partnership winners table,” he added.

Earlier this year, Pyke said he was wrapping up the program

“Creating the JP Partnership with APRA AMCOS has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever worked on. Having a tiny hand in supporting the success of artists like Gordi, Alex Lahey and Angie McMahon has been an enormous privilege, and has also led to friendships and collaborations. I’ll always be super proud of this project.

“After seven years though, it’s time to announce the final JP Partnership. I want to acknowledge the input and generosity of Wonderlick and Select, who have been pivotal to the mentorship element, and welcome Sarah and UNIFIED into the fold for the final endeavour,” he said at the time.