True Optimism

Joshua Batten is set to release his third full-length studio album and fourth project overall ‘True Optimism’ on September 28th, 2026. Following his sprawling theatrical song cycle Learn To Live Again, True Optimism sees Batten return to standalone storytelling in individual songs. Across the album, Batten combines heartfelt insightful lyrics with accessible melodies, catchy choruses and strong musicianship, straddling genres while retaining his personal identity and style. The album includes the previously released singles “Coming To Our Senses”, “Spring Fever” and “Melody”, alongside new tracks dealing with topics such as self-confidence, love, motivation, resilience, and finding joy in unexpected places. Providing vocals, guitar and keyboards himself, Joshua is backed up by drummer Jesse Bates, bassist Jason Vorherr, and backing vocalist Montana Sharp, with cameos from live bandmates Jeremy Li and Clinton Cox on drums and keyboards respectively, as well as Phillip Legget on Pedal Steel. Following an appearance at this year’s Fleurieu Folk Festival, Joshua will officially launch the album with a full band show at Kew Courthouse as part of the Matsumura Jailhouse Concert Series, featuring special guests Montana Sharp and Justin Yap. Joshua will also perform solo and band shows across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia from October to December.