Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
I have enjoyed performing for as long as I can remember. From an early age I remember singing in choirs and playing with my dad’s guitar. I eventually decided to take it further. In Junior High, I joined the school band as a percussionist, school choir, and started to teach myself guitar and piano. In High School I joined a group of friends in a rock band and I was the drummer and one of the songwriters. When I got to college, the plan was to finish and be a high school band director, but I realized I could play often, in many places around town, and that feeling of performing would come out way more often than just doing a few shows like I had been.
I put another band together with some friends from college, we played in several places around Dallas/Fort Worth, TX and it soon became apparent that finishing my degree and teaching public high school band was not in my future. I then set out a business plan that would allow me to make music and perform for a living WITHOUT having to give up the life and friends I’ve gained over the years. Now I get to be a husband and dad, live in a house I own, and still perform my original tunes in front of audiences. The audiences aren’t giant, but they’re loyal.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
The list is honestly way too long to give enough credit to each one, but here are a few. Marc Cohn, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, James Taylor, RUSH, Counting Crows, Eagles, Hank Williams, George Strait, Willie Nelson…I could keep going.
Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
At a Marc Cohn concert in Dallas, TX, he told a story about how he came to write his signature song, “Walking in Memphis”. He told about having writer’s block and taking a “Geographic” (something he’d read about how James Taylor fought writer’s block by taking a trip to some new place) and he decided to go to Memphis. As soon as I heard that story I decided I would fight writer’s block like that when I struggle with it, and I would always take something to write with when I go out of town. You also may be able to hear lots of influence from Cohn’s The Rainy Season album in my album The Distance.
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
I always start with the idea for the message. Then I think about tempo. Then I start singing notes, writing words, and building the song. Then I have to start singing it as one whole work. Since it starts as individual sections, I have to figure out how I want to piece them together. If I recorded the first run of every song you’d sometimes not be able to recognize it when it’s finished.
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?
I don’t really. The old adage is to say your favorite song is the one you’re writing and your second favorite is the one you just wrote.
Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
The one I’m writing comes from a friend asking me to write a song to help save his marriage. I hope to have it finished and out soon.
Let’s talk about your latest song. What’s the title, and what’s the story or message behind it?
RV is a single about living life in the moment. Back in 2015 I was putting the finishing touches on my album, “I Wish It Would Rain”. I wanted to keep my writing chops up but didn’t want to focus on actually creating new songs, so I would get on social media in the morning, ask what people wanted a song about, and then post a video of the new song that afternoon. It allowed me to keep my creative flow and keep interacting with fans while the majority of my attention was on finishing the album.
One of the songs that came out of that time was RV. My friend, Cheo, had just sold his stuff, bought an RV and was travelling the country with his lady. When I got online one morning to ask folks what they want me to write about, he just commented “RV”. I knew what he meant and he knew I was proud and concerned for him. I wrote a fun little song about packing up and getting away to live life. When I posted the video that afternoon, he commented that it was his new theme song. That was the last I heard from him. A few months later a mutual friend told me he’d passed away.
Though I think about him every time I sing the song, I try not to be sad. I try to remember his lust for life and that every moment is a gift. RV is a testimony to my friend, Cheo, and a reminder for all of us not to miss the beauty that surrounds us.
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
I’ve had inappropriate advances, security concerns, and even a horse and rider riding into the venue. On top of all of that we’ve had to fight through equipment failure, lighting trouble, and not feeling 100%. Most things just run together and get lumped into “That’s just how it goes” but the ones that stand out are the ones that confuse or embarrass me.
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
I love watching sports, working on cars, and being with my family. I’ve thought of using sports metaphors or mechanical jargon in songs. I still might do that some day.
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
I would love nothing more than to work with Counting Crows
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
While my kids are in their teens I have been avoiding the road. I still play four or five shows a week, but I stay close and sleep in my own bed. Once they move out, I’ll hit the road again. I’m glad for making that choice, and my advice to younger musicians is to remember that they have a choice. Sometimes it can feel like the road or the music is in charge and you’re just tied to it with no control. I’ve said to many other players though, take the time when you need to. The road, the shows, the noise will all still be here for you when you want to come back. The balance comes from remembering I have a choice and that no one else knows my priorities. When someone says I HAVE to do something, I get to think about whether that’s true or not, and I act on what I decide.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
I have a few new songs in the works, all about life and its joy and struggles. I will be releasing them as singles, but it’s possible I’ll take the last few singles, combine them with the upcoming ones and release an album. If I do that, I’ll enlist the help of a couple local producers to help me reimagine how the songs might go.
Everything you want to know can be found at JoshuaIngram.com from show dates, to merch, to the blog, and all music, social media, and streaming platforms. From there you can sign up for the mailing list and see what else we have cooking!
Thanks so much to Vibe Vault for letting me talk a little bit about my music. Thanks to the readers and listeners who keep us all in a job. Without an audience, art has no impact past its creator. We literally couldn’t do it without you. If you’d like more information, please visit JoshuaIngram.com/links in any browser.