A Dirty Dozen with JOSH MORRIS – December 2023

According to a recent press release: “Based in Upstate, NY, Josh Morris occupies a musical space that defies genre and expectation. This drummer turned multi-instrumentalist, producer, and Singer/Songwriter collaborates with a plethora of artists across the sonic spectrum. Julia Gargano, Girl Blue, and Delaney Silvernell are just a few that come to mind. As for his own music, he has cultivated an identity all his own while taking inspiration from artists such The 1975, Jeff Buckley, and Pearl Jam. Concealed underneath his playful lyrics are conversations we should all be engaging in. The music itself is consistently supported by thoughtfully executed production and laser-focused performances, commonly covered by Josh himself. Don’t hesitate to indulge in what he’s creating.” We get Josh to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

So “When the Night Is Over” is really just a highlight reel of my college experience. Concerning parties, friendships, mistakes, music, life-lessons, etc. It’s all very typical, but in my own voice. Everything is out in the open, aside from the second verse which is more of a critique of individuals that pretend to be inclusive while being the most exclusive individuals you’ll ever meet. I’m sure we all know plenty of those. Other than that, the song is just about having fun and not taking anything too seriously. It could be considered a cautionary tale but in truth, the hidden message could be “make as many mistakes as possible early on so that you’re smarter in the long run.”

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

So I grew up in a pretty musical household. My uncle played guitar, my dad was in bands, my mom had music on all the time. I was surrounded by it. The day that I realized I wanted to be a musician was when I took the first Audioslave CD off the shelf and plugged it into the stereo at 5 years old. I heard Chris Cornell and Tom Morello for the first time at the same time. It was incredible. I told myself that whatever that was, that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

As for a specific song, I’d say that “Drops of Jupiter” by Train was my first favorite song. Everything about it blew me away. Pat Monahan’s voice, the lyrics, the music video. It was all perfect. As for an album that forever changed me, I’d say Pearl Jam Ten. I got into Pearl Jam in middle school and ever since then they have been my favorite band. I think Ten is the album I’ve listened to the most all the way through in my life. For a performer, I’ve always been amazed by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Prince. They were unmatched in their styles. As for live shows, the two greatest concerts I’ve ever seen were Pearl Jam in 2013 in Buffalo, NY and The 1975 last year in Nashville, TN. That one specifically woke something up in me and inspired this new vision I have for myself as an artist long-term.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

It would be George Daniel from The 1975. Not only is he one of my favorite drummers, but he is one of the great producers going right now. He is absolutely brilliant.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

My two main things besides music are working out and playing video games. Definitely two very different things, but I feel best when I do both often. As much as I love making music, you can only do it for so many hours in the day.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I would describe my music as a product of not always knowing what I want. I’m indecisive. I have this sort of musical ADHD and I’m constantly shifting gears in terms of vibe and genre. I have so many influences that vary sonically and I’m usually not afraid to combine those different sounds in effort to make something fresh and new. So whether it’s my solo music or any other music I’ve written or performed with a band, I’ve not only had people tell me that my sound is unique and original, but many have said that my voice reminds them of Kings Of Leon. That’s definitely a huge compliment since they are one of my favorite bands. Other than that, some people have told me I remind them of Eddie Vedder in the way that I write lyrics or present myself on stage. Definitely not mad about that either.

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

It’s definitely a group effort. My band is composed of very close friends of mine that I have known forever and it’s always so special when we’re making music together or just simply hanging out. I’m usually the one to start playing guitar and singing, but I also take over the other roles of getting the drinks and starting the party. There isn’t really any cooking involved. We’re more of a pizza and beer band lol.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

The last time I was starstruck was when I met one of my favorite comedians, Mark Normand back in November. I had a close friend that was opening for him at a comedy club and she was nice enough to get me backstage to hang out and have some drinks with him for a couple hours. It was truly wild to just be in his presence. He was also incredibly hilarious.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part about being a musician is being able to say what you want or how you feel at any time. There’s true freedom in it. Especially if people like what you’re saying; or honestly, even if they don’t as well. Bob Dylan is a great example of that. I always admire people who aren’t afraid to say how they feel or what they know is true. To have words makes you more powerful than you know. If I couldn’t be a musician, I would definitely work at Target. I literally cannot get enough of that place. What a commercial consumerist wonderland. Especially when they have a Starbucks near the entrance. Oh my god.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I’ve never really thought about this. I guess I’d want someone to ask why I make music. Why do I spend the majority of my time in a field where nothing is promised and not much money is made unless you get extremely lucky. Why do you stay up all night and write songs instead of investing in the stock market? Why do you spend the little money you have on gear and plugins? Why do you play shows of only 100 people? Why don’t you move to LA and try and make it that way? To these types of questions I would respond “because it’s who I am”. There’s no other way to put it. I can’t do anything else. A question I’m tired of answering is “what’s your opinion on Spotify stealing money from artists”. I don’t know and I’m certainly not in a position to fix anything about the broken system that industrialized music allowed to get out of hand.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

There aren’t many things I’d like to do over but if I had to think of one, I’d say that I would have probably traveled more before Covid hit. I was 22 when I got sent home from college during my Senior year. I realized around that time that since there was nothing to do and no world to explore at least for the time being, I should’ve taken advantage of it when I had the chance. But now I also look back and realize that I’ll be touring soon enough so I’ll definitely get my chance.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would choose to go back in time to the recording sessions of Pearl Jam’s Vs. album. It’s probably my favorite album of all time and I have a huge love for Brendan O’Brien’s producing skills. It’s also just such a raw, powerful, and masterful album. I would’ve loved to have seen the process of especially Eddie recording vocals.

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Category: Interviews