A Conversation with Joshua Ingram

What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in the arts for those who may not be familiar with your 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 choir, the school band as a percussionist, 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.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single?

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.

What themes or emotions are explored in this song?

Life is for the living. That’s the biggest theme. It’s important that we make plans, that we keep jobs, and earn a living, but it’s also important we keep those responsibilities in balance with being appreciative of our chance to live.

How does this single fit into the larger narrative of your music career or your upcoming projects?

Most of my songs are about or dealing with life. This one stays right in line with that thinking. I have several more coming out that are about travel, relationships, and the distance that can create. Just like my first solo album “The Distance” I write about life in hopes the songs will speak to people and help to improve their lives.

Could you describe the creative process behind this single, from concept to production?

I knew I wanted something that sounded different than anything else since the song is about breaking away from the norm. I used random sounds, including hitting my chest, to create the rhythm track and I played around with chords I wouldn’t normally go to. It had to sound fun and freeing and I think it does. The harmonies are placed such that to doesn’t feel like a lonely escape. This song is about running off with someone very special and making the most of your living days.

What can listeners expect to experience or feel when they listen to this track?

My expectation is that the listener will feel freedom and joy. Often we feel trapped in our mundane lives and need permission to shake something up; to prove our existence. My hope is that this song makes people want to drive, sing, laugh, and live their fullest since tomorrow is not a guarantee.

Are there any interesting stories or anecdotes from the recording or writing of this song that you’d like to share?

The Rhythm track was built one sound at a time. There’s a pound on my chest, snaps, claps, the click of drumsticks and even a guiro scrape.

As an artist, can you identify three key traits that define you?

This is a harder question because my traits that I feel define me have more to do with my work eithic than my art. I am punctual, dependable, and loyal. In this business, lots of people may act like those things aren’t valuable or necessary. They are and if you don’t hold these values as well, we’ll have a hard time working together.

What can we anticipate in terms of your upcoming projects?

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.

Where can our readers find additional information about you and your work?

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 Tempo Safari 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.