Interviews

Published on December 22nd, 2022 | by MuzikScribe

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Jason Joshua: The Golden Voice

 


Let’s hop right into this latest single / video, “LA VIDA ES FRIA“ — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

The song was originally written about my wife, haha! After an argument, I drove to the studio, demoed it, two weeks later flew to Riverside, California, and recorded it. I’ve always wanted to do a video for “La Vida Es Fría” since the fans had started getting tattoos and other forms of tributes to the song, but I just wanted to do it right. I’ve known Richie (Abbott) for some time, and have known about Estevan (Oriol) and Soul Assassins since I was a teenager, but 2 years ago I played a festival where I got to meet Estevan, and Richie sets up the next day for a little photoshoot, which we all loved and kept in touch. Last year Richie and I decided to connect and put together this idea of “La Vida Es Fria,” and make a video for it and bring Estevan in to direct it. A year later, we finalize it and we all decide to get together and bring this into life. Richie calls Chris Blauvelt, who’s an amazing cinematographer and had done a bunch of movies like Speed, so now it’s us 4 collaborating on this video. Couldn’t be happier with the end result, and the fans and friends that chipped in their time, cars, etcetera.

“LA VIDA ES FRIA“ comes courtesy of your still forthcoming next solo outing — What all can you reveal and / or divulge about upcoming said body of work?

Yeah, man! Next record is titled “La Voz De Oro,” which is a nickname originally coined from my friend Adam Scone. As I started playing for more and more Latinos and Latinas, I kept hearing “El Pinche Voz De Oro!” So it kinda stuck, haha! And since this album to me is more of a celebration kind of record, I thought just how fitting my nickname would be.

How then does this new material(s) either differ and / or compare to previous Jason Joshua entries?

The songs on here I feel are very similar to my last record lyrically, but the music is definitely on a different level. Like it’s a real Latin Soul record, Kinda like when you hear Ralfi Pagan, Orchestra Olivieri, Joe Acosta. Like they would have funky tunes, Latin Soul stuff, and then just straight Salsa. I wanted my record to be different in that way.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

Life pretty much; all these songs are about my life. My last record was about coming from the streets, to making an album and falling in love. This record coming is more like I-am-here, and I never would’ve thought people would’ve enjoyed my music and enjoying the success of making a record. There are love songs, sad songs, F*** It songs and everything in the middle,

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Jason Joshua?

Well Latin music, especially Puerto Rican singers and groups like Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Maelo, Jerry Rivera and Frankie Ruiz, so that influence would come to haunt me into obsession in my mid 20’s, but for me it was Michael Jackson. MJ started all for me especially Thriller. Watching him on TV and learning the moves and songs, I wanted to be like that. But the realities of living in the ‘hood, I couldn’t really see that so I focused on sports and skating till I was a teenager and taught myself how to play guitar, bass then drums and quit skateboarding to preserve my hands since I was no good at it anyway. I started a bunch of Punk bands in high school, and when I turned 18 I got my heart broken and got into my dad’s records, which I always listened to but didn’t really share with others. I listened to Al Green, James Brown and Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions. That’s when I started really devoting my life to Soul music and R&B. I had a band for about 10 years, and that’s when I decided to go solo.

Now you’re a native of Miami, FL, correct? So growing up in ‘Magic City,’ who all else did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I mean, being from Miami I learned young that we had a strong Soul history that was definitely under-appreciated. So in my 20’s and early 30’s, I spent meeting some of them; like Clarence Reid, Helene Smith, Willie Clarke and Little Beaver. Each one of them are heavy influencers in my life, for they know how hard it is to make soulful music and be successful in this town. They were all pretty supportive and friendly, and liked my music. Some of them have passed away or have just aged and I haven’t gotten to talk to in a while, but I still speak with Helene and Willie.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

Latin Soul, R&B, Funk, Soul, Doo-Wop, you know, the street shit.

Merch


Switching gears here…

What do you feel will be the ultimate key to your longevity?

Good songs, I believe. I think putting out good songs more than putting a bunch of songs, produces longevity. Also staying in your lane is important, too. Doing you is number 1, that and making good songs, haha!

What do you want people to get from your music?

The fact that (they) even listened is enough for me. These cats got La Vida Es Fria tattoos, poor boy tattoos, all from my songs. I think they get it already.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?

Yeah, totally! I like new music stuff, people are creating and that’s good.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Yeah, when I get old I’d like to be a barber, haha! Like a scissor cut barber, idk.

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Releasing this video has been to me my greatest career moment.

What’s an average day like for you?

Well I’m a dad, so there’s that, haha! I like singing, rolling around the floor and playing with my son. He’s my best friend. I handle music meetings thanks to Airpods, Zoom, WhatsApp and Gmail. It’s a trip!

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

Well if they reach out, I always write back, may take a minute since I’m not as engaged into the ‘net like I used to be. Being a good father is my main priority. But I just want to say, whether my songs have made your day, or helped you in a bad time, I am always there for my fans and owe them so much. They are the best, and I always want to give them the best of me.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

Being able to make music, and have people listen and engage is the greatest gift. I don’t have least because I used to work at a Kosher Bakery, Record Store and Fulfillment for giant company all at once, so I’m pretty grateful, haha!

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Work and trust God, or whatever gives you peace.

Lastly, what’s next for Jason Joshua?

Tour! Tour! Tour! I haven’t been able to tour properly since the pandemic, Now I’m ready!

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

hahaha! I think you got (everything), thanks for the opportunity!

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Thanks for reading, enjoy “La Vida Es Fria” and check me out on the socials and when I swing by your town! Love Y’all!

 


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