I recently found out that Josh Halverson, former finalist on "The Voice" had just released a new album. Luckily, he was obligingly open to discussing his new self-titled record.
Q: Thank you for taking the time to chat with Roots Magazine. We wanted to talk with you about your new self-titled album out now.
A: Thanks for the interview and thank you for supporting my new record. The songs are very close to my heart and are direct reflections of my Life through Love, beauty, and loss.
Q: It’s a great sounding record. You seem to capture numerous styles in your music. A little bit of Americana, Blues, etc. Can you tell us a little about your style and process with this album?
A: It definitely fits into the Americana genre with its ability to not really fit into one specific genre. I grew up in a Cowboy and Indian household on the plains of Texas. My dad taught me hardwork and my mom taught me Love. I guess that’s where my “do what I want” Americana sound comes from.
Q: You were a finalist on NBC’s The Voice during season 11. Can you tell us about that experience and what that has done for your music career?
A: The Voice taught me a lot about the “Hollywood” side of things, but it also taught me a lot about the music business. Honestly, I don’t think you can pay for that kind of “boot camp”... To make a long story short, it showed me what direction I want to take my music, and plus my mission on The Voice was to remind the world what Love looks like.
Q: Your based in Austin, Texas?
A: Actually I live in the country down by the river. Haha! Austin is home! I Love the Food, Music, and Energy of this place.
Q: You’re the son of a Texas cattle rancher from what I read. Growing up, was becoming a musician something that always inspired you or did you feel like you were going to continue in the family farming/cattle business?
A: I’ve been playing the keys since I can remember, but my dad definitely tried to get me to be a cattle rancher from the get-go as well. I can remember stuffing JNCO’s in my backpack to change in the bathroom at school because all I was supposed to wear was Wranglers 24/7.
Q: Growing up, was this your primary style of music that inspired you?
A: I went through lots of musical phases. My first records were James Taylor, George Strait, Peter Frampton, Metallica, Foo Fighters, and that sort of thing. Then in high school I was really into Heavy Metal. Half-way through college, is when I had my soul music epiphany and have been stuck in the soul/singer/songwriter rut ever since.
Q: Who were some of your inspirations growing up musically such as artists?
A: James Taylor, Al Green, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Otis Redding, Deep Purple, Peter Frampton, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Elton John, Prince, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Amos Lee.
Q: Songs like Georgia, Miss Ruth, Mama, Whiskey and You among others have become instant favorites around the office here. Is there a particular song that means more than others off this album to you and why?
A: It’s hard to pick a favorite. They all mean so much and they’re like my little song babies. There is a special one that stands out, and that is the bonus track “My Love”.
It stands out among the rest because “My Love” is one of the first tunes I ever wrote when I first became a songwriter.
Q: I read somewhere that you grew up playing the piano?
A: Yes, I started playing the piano ever since I was 5 and stopped as soon as I became a teenager and could run with the boys. I picked it back up when I graduated high school.
Q: Your pick for a mentor on The Voice was Alicia Keys. Does that have anything to do with her being primarily a piano driven artist?
A: Yes it definitely does have to do with being a piano player. I knew we would relate on that level. Plus, I think she’s an incredible songwriter. I mean she’s won like 15 Grammy’s.
Q: What was it like working with Alicia Keys and is there any valuable experience or direction you took away from that?
A: It was really great working with Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus. It was nice to relate with them on an artist and human being level. We all got to experience that show together, as real individuals, and I felt we created some really great music together. There were moments were everyone in the room was in tears from the power of the music.
Q: Are you playing piano on any songs off the new record?
A: I play piano on the record. Producer Brian Douglas Phillips plays piano on it as well.
Q: Any special shows you guys would like to promote that may be coming up?
A: I’m playing Jackpot Junction Hotel & Casino Aug. 30th and 31st. I’m also playing several showcases at Americana Music Festival in Nashville, TN. on Thursday, Septs 12th, Friday, Septs 13th.
Q: Your new album simply titled “Josh Halverson” is out now and available at retail outlets such as Amazon, iTunes, Spotify and more. Make sure you check out Josh Halverson coming to a town near you and visit his website at joshhalversonmusic.com and follow him on Twitter @jhalversonmusic. Thank you for speaking with us today and best of luck with the new album!
A: Thank you again for your support!
Love First Always,
-Josh Halverson
iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/pg/artist/josh-halverson/264746702
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Josh-Halverson-JOSH-HALVERSON/dp/B07SRF347X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=josh+halverson&qid=1567019141&s=music&sr=1-1
Apple Music Link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/josh-halverson/1473892398
Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/0qSfXnqts5sAqW6LTDB5pq?si=UY1Risl9Qwe6jxIzwf90sQ
Label: Spectra Music Group