7 minute read
JOSH LEE
MUSIC MATTERS
Loud&Clear caught up with Josh Lee, an extraordinary violinist, pianist, guitarist, singer-songwriter, and all-around great guy.
Loud&Clear: When did you first get into music?
Josh Lee: I took my first piano lesson when I was 5... I think. Then, I took my first violin lesson at the age of 7.
Loud&Clear: Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Josh Lee: Elliott Smith. After the first time I heard his song, I could not figure out why or what it was that I loved about his music. So, I spent a lot of time learning it, and yet I still couldn’t figure out why his music made me feel the way it did, and thus became my artistic obsession to be able to express the way he did, even for a moment. And more importantly, to be able to provide someone else -- an audience, with the unforgettable moment that I had.
Loud&Clear: How has your music evolved since you first got started?
Josh Lee: So, in my early years, I literally tried to do everything: Record with anyone I can, and perform with anyone I can. I wanted to be able to perform with anyone, anywhere in any given circumstance... and I’m not going to lie, I still can’t listen to most of the recordings I’ve done in the first 5 years of being a recording artist without going into a mild bout of depression. But in all seriousness, that’s how I think my music has evolved over the years and that’s the philosophy I still keep to this day. While I may not enjoy the result of everything I do, everything I’ve learned as an artist over the years is the fruit of my reckless attempts. And while I may not enjoy them due to my own insecurities, I regret none of it.
Loud&Clear: Do you write with other artists?
Josh Lee: Yes! I mainly write instrumental parts and arrangements with the projects I’m already in. But I’ve been wanting to go back to my songwriting roots and write something for myself. And I always welcome any artists to sit down and share ideas with me!
Loud&Clear: If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough industry? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?
Josh Lee: All of them. I have an innate need to express all of those emotions through music and I want to be super good at it. No, no and no. Some people get lucky. Some people are incredibly talented. Some people work for years and some people are famous and are still working hard. And most of us are somewhere in between.
Success in this industry comes in all shapes and forms. To criticize certain people’s success and celebrate others is not only ironic to me, but it also screams jealousy.
Photo by @greeblehaus
Loud&Clear: Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?
Josh Lee: Sugar, Spice and everything nice!!
Loud&Clear: What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Josh Lee: At first it was self-doubt, as I’m sure it was for a lot of people. But, that goes away once you’ve thrown yourself into the industry for a while. My current challenge is how I’m going to create a self-sustaining business for myself with music. It used to be pretty simple; gig a lot, get exposure, then sign a deal with a company that believes in your product. And for a lot of people, this is still the process. But now with the day and age of DIY, you have to be a little more creative, which is a challenge I welcome.
Loud&Clear: A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?
Josh Lee: I have. Tremendously. And while I do agree with part of that sentiment, I don’t believe in it. Do you need to personally experience suffering and pain in order to be able to correctly express those emotions in your music? Yes, I think so. Do you need this “suffering” in your career in music as some sort of “medal of honor” or just to say that “you’ve put in your time”?
I think in general, this industry would do a lot better celebrating success than criticizing. But don’t get me wrong, a criticism is always due when it’s necessary.
Loud&Clear: How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?
Josh Lee: In every way possible. To put into Layman’s terms, it was like our entire currency changed overnight. And most of us lost a lot of money while the chosen few made exponentially more. But we, as artists are flexible. And we survive. So, I have every faith in the musicians of our era to be able to navigate through this huge change in our infrastructure. I certainly am trying my best.
Loud&Clear: If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
Josh Lee: So many children are discouraged from pursuing this career by their parents… instead, why not encourage them to pursue what they love and to be creative about how they can achieve their aspirations? How many John Lennon’s, Bethoven’s and Mozart’s have been lost to the history because the society told them that “music is not a viable way to make a living”?
Loud&Clear: I’m sure you have shared the stage with many talented artists, maybe even celebrities. Please share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us.
Josh Lee: I’m a huge hip hop fan. And when I got the opportunity to open for Talib Kweli, I was naturally more than excited. So, when I tried to sneak into his greenroom to say hi, imagine my surprise to meet his very well armed security personnel. I stammered something about looking for the bathroom and got out of there as fast as I could.
Loud&Clear: What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?
Josh Lee: 1. Elliott smith - Figure 8, 2. Pink floyd - Dark Side of the Moon, 3. Epik High - Shoebox, 4. Kendrick Lamar - To pimp a butterfly, 5. Beatles - Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club
-- Three of them are obvious selections... I would implore you to search the two other “non-obvious” answers for your discovery.
Photo by @greeblehaus
Loud&Clear: What is the best advice you have received?
Josh Lee: To never take any advice too seriously or to take them too lightly.
Loud&Clear: What’s next for you?
Josh Lee: I honestly don’t know. But, for the first time in my life, I feel like I’m not obligated to answer that question. And I think I like it!
Loud&Clear: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career?
Josh Lee: I’ve done tons of stuff that you can check out online!!! Please check out Eldren and Izcalli on any of your preferred media platforms. You can also just google “Josh Lee” + “Violin”. As far as my future projects go... don’t worry. I’ll make a splash that you can’t ignore when time comes :)
Photo by @sosa_photo.inc
Loud&Clear: Tell us something about you that no one knows.
Josh Lee: I’m actually a communist spy from North Korea. JK. I cry when I watch videos of animals.
