Interview: Josh Sallee
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Interview: Josh Sallee
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
My Dad can play guitar, sax, and sing. Music was always very involved in my childhood. For whatever reason, as a kid, I always wanted to be the frontman of a rock band. I just felt I had it in me, lol. As I got older, I started finding artists and genres I liked, and it just grew into a passion. If I wasn’t doing music full-time, I’d probably play golf every day with a boring ass job.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I love sports. I love graphic design and video editing. Most of my time is spent doing those things. I get most of my influence from just everyday life. Friends, relationships, interactions. There’s a song for nearly every instance.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been rapping since I was 14 but didn’t really start making music till I was 22.
Where are you based and how did that influence your music?
I’m from Oklahoma. I’ve lived in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and the people here are wonderful. Welcoming and polite. I think it’s taught me a lot about appreciating where you are from. Making a living with music is tough, especially in a smaller market, but you get to really know your supporters and build connections with them.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
I opened for Mac Miller once at an Arena in Dallas. Just the entire experience was something I will never forget.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I enjoy smaller venues with loud ass sound. The more intimate, the better. I would love to tour and perform in every city in the country.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Kendrick Lamar, Outkast, Lauryn Hill, Rage Against the Machine, Charles Bradley, Joe Cocker, and JMSN.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
Develop your craft first. Spend the first year making as many songs as possible. It’s okay to post them, but I don’t think it’s necessary to rush into anything. I would tell myself the same thing. It took a decade to find my sound.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Probably my song AWAYO, it has affected more people going through a tough time, in a positive way, than I ever would’ve imagined. At the end of the day, that’s why I make music.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
AWAYO, is also the most requested song at shows and the one I always perform last. The hook and drop are just full of energy.
What is the creative process for this song with K.A.A.N, and what inspires you to write your music?
I really just like to let thing flow and then develop a concept. If the off chance a lyric or hook comes to mind, I love to just follow that energy and see where it goes. There really isn’t a set process. I write music to express myself. Talk about my problems or blessings. The hope is someone can relate or identify with it and come out feeling better after listening to a record.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I like to be vulnerable. This is my outlet. My self-help. A lot of my music is advice to myself. To keep going, to never give up, push through.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
I’m dropping an album this summer called “Flamingo." It is my best body of work, and I’m excited to hopefully tour and expand the music as much as possible.