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# From the ashes of a pizzeria, Joseph G. Thompson made a record in five days and moved to Europe
- URL: https://www.emptyspaces.co.nz/from-the-ashes-of-a-pizzeria-joseph-g-thompson-made-a-record-in-five-days-and-moved-to-europe/
- Published: 2026-10-20T05:05:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-20T05:04:59.000Z
- Author: Nick Raven
- Tags: Music

Life has strange ways of working. Sometimes all you can do is follow your heart and trust the process. For singer songwriter Joseph G. Thompson, this notion says it all. Previously touring as Joseph & Maia, the couple had settled in NZ to raise a family and build a pizzeria business. It all sounds great on paper, but for Joseph it wasn't quite sitting right.

“It was a good life. I just never felt like it was mine,” he says.

So, they sold up and moved to Europe in a bold move few would have the courage to make. Right before their departure, Joseph booked five days in an Auckland studio and brought his friends together to create. The resulting album was created on intuition and feeling. There was no room for production analysis or unlimited takes to get that immaculate guitar part. The album is Joseph's most honest work to date, and now, 12 months on from their move - has been released.

Over nine tracks I Don't Belong Here captures two decades of life and music. The songs speak to restlessness, old habits and the urge to start anew. Sonically the songs represent a fusion of folk, country and pop tied together with tasteful textures and clever musicianship.

Lead single Belong Here is snapshot that surmises the pursuit of change and the faith that it will all work out despite any uncertainty. Joseph G. Thompson has been through it all. And that's what makes the album so interesting.

[I Don't Belong Here by Joseph G. Thompson](https://josephmaia.bandcamp.com/album/i-dont-belong-here?ref=emptyspaces.co.nz) 

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