Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Joshua Gregory

Essex-based singer-songwriter Joshua Gregory is an artist that should be on everyone’s radar. He’s on his way to becoming an icon in the industry, creating music that heals the soul in this sometimes tricky world. Pop Culturalist caught up with Joshua to chat about discovering his passion for music, his new single, and his creative process.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Joshua: I can’t pinpoint the exact moment; music was always a part of my life growing up. I remember singing along to the songs in the car as a young boy. As I grew and took classes, I began writing songs since I always had a love for poetry. Learning that songwriting could be a career was like discovering why I was on this Earth. Music saved my life countless times, and my passion for it has never stopped growing. It’s pure magic.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Joshua: This is a tough one. [laughs] I’ve been inspired by so many artists throughout my life. The list is endless—from the powerhouse of Beyoncé to the genius that is Brooke Candy. I grew up on many different sounds, but pop music has always kept my heart beating fast and pure. There’s something about a simple melody and a catchy hook that transports me to another world. Over the years, I’ve begun to explore different genres in my own music and dive deeper into LGBTQ+ artists who are pushing boundaries within the industry.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Joshua: The biggest lesson I’ve learned in the industry is to be kind to yourself. Creating art and putting it out in the world to be critiqued is a scary feeling, but it’s also freeing. The world can be harsh, and so can your own mind! Self-doubt is a massive enemy for any creative person. We always second guess if what we’re doing is worth it. So, I say, be kind and be true to yourself. Make the music that you want to create and that inspires. As long as it comes from a good place, everything else can be dealt with.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Icon”. What inspired the track?
Joshua: “Icon” is a tongue-in-cheek song. The overall message is to believe in yourself and carry yourself as an “icon”. To me, the definition of an icon is someone who’s unapologetically themselves and doesn’t follow in anyone else’s footsteps. As social media grows, the world becomes a more judgmental place. I began seeing terms like “cancel culture” appear, which basically means to end someone’s career who’s in the public eye, destroying their dignity and humanity because of a few mistakes they may have made. I, for one, have never wanted to look up to a celebrity or icon who is perfect, as I believe that in itself is toxic. We can’t put someone on a pedestal where they have to be perfect. That’s outrageous. I like seeing humanity in people, and humanity comes with mistakes. That’s why I mention so many icons in the song who have lived lives with scandals and mistakes yet still pushed through and thrived.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song? Has it changed through the years?
Joshua: My songwriting changes all the time, but I usually like to first create something simple, like a short melody over some chords or a rhythm over a beat. I tend to overthink a lot and that can block my creative process from moving, so now I try and just take a breath and write whatever comes to my mind. I love writing about serious topics in a sort of ambiguous way through the lyrics. A simple pop song can change the world, and that’s exactly what I will do.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead to the rest of 2019?
Joshua: The rest of the year is very exciting! I have a few more singles and videos coming out from this start-off project and then a small EP will hopefully be released by the end of the year. I want people to get to know my creative side more and see how my music likes to push the boundaries and refuses to be boring. I have a few surprise projects that I’m working on, so time will tell with that, and overall, I hope to just keep creating and working on my art and myself.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Joshua: Keeping Up with the Kardashians! I’m sorry but Kris Jenner is hilarious.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Joshua: The Wolf of Wall Street. It’s not even a guilty pleasure. I just keep watching it over and over, and I don’t know why.

PC: Favorite book?
Joshua: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Joshua: Jersey Boys

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Joshua: The Eagles

PC: First album you bought?
Joshua: It was either Britney Spears or Atomic Kittens. [laughs]

PC: First concert you attended?
Joshua: Miley Cyrus! She’s a legend.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Joshua: Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday. It was just what I needed in that time of my life, and I never skip a track to this day. She brought so much color and diversity to music at that point in time. The album is a masterpiece no matter what anyone says.

PC: Venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Joshua: The O2! It’s where I saw most of my idols perform. But I would perform anywhere that allows me to share my music with someone who needs it. That’s the dream.

To keep up with Joshua, follow him on Instagram and VEVO.