Hailing from London, singer-songwriter Josh Collins is already sweeping the scene with his sincere indie-folk. Receiving high acclaim from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 6 and When The Horn Blows, Josh is on his way to being on everyone’s playlists. We had a chance to speak with him about his new single ‘Mid-Twenties’, discovering new music and much more.
Why did you choose to enter the music industry?
Music is my main passion in life and I love that I get to share it with others. It makes me happy to make others happy through my music. I picked up music later than most and only discovered how to play guitar whilst studying at university. Shortly after, I discovered I could sing and play at the same time and with years of work it’s developed to me producing my own music from my home studio.
What can you tell us about your release ‘Mid-Twenties’?
‘Mid-Twenties’ is my first self-produced track following on from my EP Porky Pies. It has themes of love, family, hope, humour, procrastination and sacrifice. It’s also come at a time I was expecting to be on a beach in the Philippines halfway through a travelling trip of South East Asia, but it appears COVID-19 had different ideas for me.
What was the recording and writing process like?
I have had this riff playing over and over in my head for a couple of years. You’ll notice how in verse two and three it reads how I’m “26 turning 27” and “27 turning 28”. I wanted this song to be lyric-heavy, slightly abstract and interesting sounding. I used some location recordings from a walk I went on during quarantine and added outside sounds to create harmonic texture. ‘Mid-Twenties’ was recorded live in one take giving listeners a feel for what I sound like live and acoustic.
What do you hope people take from the album?
Not sure really. I hope people are intrigued by my writing style, my story and enjoy listening to me. I’m not a pretentious writer who’s going to throw a load of metaphors in a song to please everybody. Sometimes music is more literal than that.
Which is more challenging – melody or lyrics?
It really depends on the song; one can start with a melody and another could start with lyrics. ‘Mid-Twenties’ is about the lyrics.
Describe your music in three words.
Unique, honest and catchy.
What do you think is the best way to discover new music?
The best way is to go to a live show. The easiest way is to use Spotify Discover and chat to your friends about it.
What does the future hold for Josh Collins?
It’s difficult to say as 2020 is on pause for the world. However, I am in post-production stages with some singles lined up for 2020. With a bit of luck, we might be able to play some live shows again soon. I’ve got a tonne of music (new and old) that I need to get cracking on. All I can say is to watch this space.
What advice do you have for any person planning to become a musician?
Be thick-skinned as not everyone will like your shit. Make sure you look after your mental health. Make sure it makes you happy and you’re in it for the right reasons.
Do you have any message for our readers?
Keep on washing your hands and stay safe.
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