Joshua Wells is a Canadian musician, drummer, and record producer. He is a founding member of the Vancouver rock band Black Mountain and has also performed with Lightning Dust and Autogramm. Wells has worked as a touring and session musician with Destroyer and, as of 2026, with The New Pornographers. In addition to his performance work, he has produced and engineered recordings for a range of artists.
Career
Wells emerged as part of the early 2000s Vancouver independent rock scene. He was a founding member of Black Mountain, a band associated with the psychedelic and progressive rock revival of that period. He later co-founded Lightning Dust with Amber Webber, a project that explored a more electronic and atmospheric sound.
In addition to his work as a performer, Wells has been active as a producer and recording engineer. He produced Destroyer's 2017 album Ken, contributing drums, synthesizers, programming, and mixing to the recording.[1]
Wells has also performed as a touring and session drummer for Destroyer. In 2026, he was announced as a touring drummer for the New Pornographers.[2][3]
Wells has also been interviewed regarding his work across multiple projects, including his involvement in the Vancouver music scene and his interest in electronic production.[4][5]
Personal life
Wells is based in Chicago, Illinois.
References
- "Joshua Wells, recording engineer and drummer". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2026-01-07.
- "The New Pornographers detail new album, share video". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2026-01-07.
- "The New Pornographers Return With New Album". Paste Magazine. Retrieved 2026-01-07.
- "Sur Une Plage surveys synthesized sadness". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2026-01-07.
- "Vancouverites at Home with Amber Webber and Josh Wells of Lightning Dust". Scout Magazine. Retrieved 2026-01-07.