Welcome to the website of the Australian guitarist and singer/ songwriter; JOHN BATLEY.

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Welcome to the website....my name is John Batley. I'm glad you could stop by for awhile. If you like FREE MUSIC, you came to the right place. I have a song or two for free download directly from this site, plus a link to Sonicbids where you can check out some more FREE STUFF. While you're there, check out some of the great artists who are also Sonicbids members. There's some amazing talent out there.

When it comes to my music, I've been playing guitar since I was 12. I've grown up appreciating the music and styles of so many awesome artists. There's so much to learn from listening to the stylings of people like Jose Feliciano, Tommy Emmanuel, Eric Bibb, Mark Knopfler, Reverend Gary Davis, Phil Keaggy, Fred McDowell, Mavis Staples, Duane Eddy, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Herb Alpert, Terry McMillan, Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Willie Johnson, Bukka White, Larry Carlton.....I could probably waffle on for ages about who my favourites are. I do know that despite growing up in Queensland, Australia, my biggest influence is in the music which has emerged out of the Mississippi region of America. I love the idea of arriving at Mississippi John Hurt's doorstep, and hearing him playing "Nearer My God To Thee". Or maybe Fred McDowell picking "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning". Regardless, my favourite music is that of a blind street evangelist, picking his guitar, stomping his foot, and hollering the Gospel. It's also of the family sitting around after dinner, with Dad on the guitar, and Mum on the banjo, and the kids are all singing out of the Heavenly Hymn Book.
If I'm performing on stage, quite often it's solo. However, more often than not I'm joined onstage by the brilliant percussionist; Josh Payne. Josh's style of playing is expressive and exciting. We've been playing together since 2006, and I'm just loving it. Being able to play with Josh has opened so many doors, and provided us with many Monday night practices.

Cambodian Orphans: Since a 2002 trip to Cambodia, John has had a passion for the orphanage he visited and for the people of that country. He writes, " My eyes have been opened to the real life need of so many, including the homeless and down trodden in our country of Australia. Visiting Cambodia forced a change in my thinking which needed to happen. No longer can I sit around complaining about my own circumstances and feeding my own selfishness." John Batley has a four track CD he sells at concerts with all proceeds going to the orphanage.

You can also check out JB's links page