Can you tell us about your latest project? What inspired it, and what can your fans expect from it?

Currently, I’m working on a song about trying to keep a relationship together. It has a strong emotional feel to it and will hopefully be one people can relate to. It’s kind of an apology song and might be good to have if someone needs to make a big romantic gesture.

“RV” holds a special story behind its creation.

Can you share more about the inspiration behind this single and how it became a tribute to your friend Cheo?

Cheo was the type to enjoy every second of his life. When he sold everything, bought an RV, and took off across the country, it sounded exactly like something he would do. I didn’t know when I said goodbye, it would be the last time I saw him. He was fun-loving, kind, and made everyone feel like they were best friends. This song, RV, encompasses the feeling that Cheo brought into the room. What good friends we could be on the highway in this RV, making like just as simple as it could be.

Songwriting is often a cathartic process. What emotions or messages do you hope your music conveys to listeners, especially considering the personal connection with “RV”?

I always hope that someone who listens to one of my songs can feel SOMETHING. Often, we can get into situations where we’re not paying attention to our emotions and may shut them off or block them out. Sometimes, we are afraid to feel anger or sadness and so we pretend everything is fine. Some of my songs are happy, but some are not. The happy ones I always hope brighten someone’s day, but I also hope the harder ones help people get in touch with how they really feel. I believe that feeling the hard feelings are important to being healthy, and I hope I can help people do that.

How has your musical style evolved over the years, and what do you hope to convey through your music now compared to when you first started your career?

I have become a more honest writer and hope to have a more genuine impact on the listener. When I started, I was trying to match the styles that were popular at the time. Over my career, I’ve realized that when I write what I believe and make the music interesting to ME I can communicate it more authentically to the audience. That tends to work better and give a song a longer life-span.

For aspiring musicians, you emphasize building a reputation locally. Could you share more insights on how this approach has shaped your own career, and what benefits it brings?

The first thing you need are fans and the best way to get them is to get in front of people. In order to do that, you’ve got to get a business owner interested in letting you use their space. Making and keeping agreements with them is key to giving an audience a consistent product. Treat the staff with respect, treat the owner with respect, and treat the venue with respect. If you do that, they’ll WANT you to come back, and you won’t have to spend hours trying to chase them down to rebook a show. If you build a reputation for being talented, entertaining, respectful, and kind, most places will do whatever they can to get you on their stage. This doesn’t mean they’re all good stages, so you’ll also have to evaluate for yourself whether you want to go back there.

In the age of streaming and digital platforms, making a living as a recording artist can be challenging. How do you navigate these challenges, and what advice would you give to those trying to break into the industry?

That’s the million-dollar question. I come from an age when promotion was handing out fliers and music distribution was selling CDs at a show. The social media platforms have expanded so rapidly that it’s hard for someone like me keep up. My wife and I do our research and try to stay vigilant to keep our content accurate, current, and interesting. We’ve learned to streamline our processes and get the best out of each platform and what it offers. And as soon as you read this, something has probably changed and we’re retooling our approach!

Your personal image and style often become part of your brand. How do you approach your fashion choices and personal image to express yourself and connect with your fans?

I’ve never been big into fashion, but I understand that audience members have eyes, as well as ears. I have a few pairs of jeans that are for shows only, I get my haircut regularly, and try to make sure I look “put together” when I’m on stage. Outside of that, if you’re coming to see me for what I look like, you’re missing the point.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as a recording artist, and what can your fans expect from you in the coming years?

I would like to be able to release a single per month. That’s a high workload, but I think that’s how the indie music industry has changed. We can’t spend a year selling a CD now, but we can pump music into the system to stay in the conversation.

You mentioned the fast-paced changes in the music industry. How do you stay updated, and what strategies do you employ to adapt to the evolving landscape?

I try to stay abreast of the current trends but also must ask myself if what I change will change me too much. There is a point at which the trends are not on brand for me and I have to accept that. Being authentic is sometimes more important than being current.

Your dreams include helping younger artists. Can you elaborate on how you envision passing on your knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians?

There are a number of lessons I’ve learned the hard way. I could see myself being an advisor/mentor to a younger musician. I could also see myself managing one or two of them and helping them quickly clear some of the hurdles it took me years to figure out. I also assume I’ll do some co-writing and producing. The industry is a pretty big place. I’d like to help some younger folks get into it.

You express a desire for positive change in the industry, emphasizing a healthier balance for musicians. How do you envision musicians working together to achieve this change, and what role can they play in reshaping the industry dynamics?

Sometimes, musicians just need to learn to say “no”. This industry will take everything from you if you let it. The fans love the music, the venues love the money, the agents/producers/promoters love the influence. Only the musician’s friends and family actually love them as a person. Artists should listen to those who love them and pay close attention to their own well-being. Instead of competing with one another for space, we should check on one another during down time. We should not expect the industry to do that.

Thanks to Music Verse for giving me a platform to share my ideas. I hope anyone who reads this will know I’m hoping the best for them. For more information about me and what I’m doing you can go to www.joshuaingram.com/links