Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Josh Olsen

Pop/R&B singer-songwriter Josh Olsen is one to keep your eyes—and ears—on. The talented musician has been singing and writing his entire life, having grown up in a musically-gifted family. He and his twin brother, Jeremiah, moved to Austin to follow their dreams, and auditioned for The X-Factor where they caught the attention of Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, and Britney Spears. Later, they made the difficult decision to part ways and explore music as independent artists.

Josh took a leap of faith and headed to Los Angeles, where he’s been creating and recording his own original music. His new single, “Bad Things”, is a captivating track about staying in a spoiled relationship. It features Josh’s silky vocals and powerful emotions captured through thoughtfully written lyrics. Pop Culturalist had the chance to catch up with Josh about the new track.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Josh: I discovered my passion for music at a really young age. My mother was a singer, so that inspired me. I’ve wanted to do music for as long as I can remember, but I think I really realized it around the age of ten when I was singing in my church band.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Bad Things.” What inspired the track?
Josh: The song is based on a tough relationship I was in. I got so comfortable that even when I knew it wasn’t going anywhere, I wanted to stay out of a need for security in my life.

PC: You and your twin brother were part of a duo. What did you learn during that experience that you’ve been able to apply to this next chapter in your career?
Josh: I learned how to be a great collaborator. When you’re in a duo, you have to be flexible and have the ability to adjust based on what your partner is doing. I also learned that it’s important to always stay true to who you are. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what others want for your life, but at the end of the day, you can’t please everyone.

PC: How difficult was making the decision to go solo?
Josh: It was really difficult! It took me a long time to finally make the decision. I always knew in the back of my mind that I would go solo, but it took me a while to accept it and build the courage to leave everything I’d ever known.

PC: You’ve released a few singles to date. Can we expect a larger body of work in the future? Possibly an EP or album?
Josh: Yes, I am working on my EP, which is set to come out at the end of the year.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Josh: I will be releasing music videos and more singles as well as an EP. It’s going to be a great year of growth in my life, and I’m so excited!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Josh: Keeping Up with the Kardashians

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Josh: The Matrix

PC: Favorite book?
Josh: The Power of Now

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Josh: Grease

PC: A band or artist fans would be surprised is on your playlist?
Josh: Beyoncé

PC: First album you bought?
Josh: *NSYNC

PC: First concert you attended?
Josh: Other than my mother’s concerts, Switchfoot

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Josh: I don’t think that I can pick just one. I have had some many artists’ albums that have changed my life on the daily. I think that’s what’s so amazing about the power of music—it can take you on a rollercoaster of emotions and make you remember a time or place.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Josh: Madison Square Garden, and many others…

To keep up with Josh, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Bad Things” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.