Josh Gray – a singer/song-writer, hailing from Ireland – is set to make quite the impression on the music industry when his debut single ‘We Should Run’ is released on May 11. Prior to a solo career, Josh was one member of Irish boy band phenomenon HomeTown, who disbanded in 2016.
Between the release of his debut single and the announcement of his supporting Irish duo Sean and Conor Price on their headline tour later this year, it is an extremely exciting time for Josh.
Here at CelebMix, we had the opportunity to exclusively speak with Josh Gray about his single, his music influences, and more. Keep reading to check out our exclusive interview!
Your debut single is out tomorrow. Are you looking forward to getting your own original music released?
‘Of course! I’ve put a lot of time into developing my own style of music and finding out who I am as an artist and now I’m just dying to let people hear what I’ve been working on. It’s very exciting.’
Delighted to announce my debut single WE SHOULD RUN will be out on May 11th across all major streaming platforms…
Can not wait to start this journey and share my new music with all of you! #WESHOULDRUN pic.twitter.com/0FC5Q1Tcl8— ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? (@Josh_Gray97) April 21, 2018
Do you feel there is any particular genre that has an impact on your song-writing and music?
‘I look up to artists such as Justin Timberlake, One Republic, Maroon 5, Cold Play, Charlie Puth. I’d say I am definitely influenced by those likes of artists, but personally, I don’t think I sound like them.’
No doubt your debut single release is special to you. What does ‘We Should Run’ represent to you?
‘For me, it’s about following your dreams. Getting up and doing the things you hope and dream about. Life’s short, so grab the bull by the horns and go for what you’re passionate about!’
Can you give a preview of what can be expected from the single?
‘A very energetic sound, if I was to sum it up without giving too much away.’
What is your favourite lyric from the track?
”The hands of time are running faster than you and me.’ This is so true; if you wait around, life is only going to pass you by, so act now! Do what you want to do, love who you want to love, be who you want to be really.’
Now that you are a solo artist, do you feel you have more control over the style of music you write, music videos, and performances?
‘Definitely. I think when you’re writing your own music, you have more of a connection in both your performance and recordings of your projects.
The music video was fun. I came up with the story-line and the scenes myself, which was a challenge, but I really enjoyed it. I hope what I’ve envisioned for the music video connects with people and they can relate to it. I have my back-in band now, which is great. The guys are brilliant and really hard workers. We’ve got a great bond and I can’t wait to get on the road with them.’
If you were to sum up your music sound in three words, what words would you use, and why?
‘Energetic, fun and heartfelt. They’re just a few words. I want people to relate to it; at the same time, I want my music to be punchy and playful.’
It’s recently been announced that you’ll be supporting Sean and Conor Price on their debut headline tour. Are you looking forward to getting out on the road and performing in different cities?
‘Yes! It’s been a while and now that I’ve been working away with my own music, I’m dying to show people what I can do. It’s going to be fun, but different. I’m on my own this time. Touring had always been my favourite part of being in HomeTown and performing to people, so I’m looking forward to doing that solo.’
What is your favourite aspect of touring?
‘Putting on a show, you have to do that. You want people leaving your show excited, satisfied and wanting to see you again. Music is such an amazing thing. It brings people together and that’s exactly what I want to do.’
Lastly, do you have a message for your supporters?
‘Thank you for being patient and super supportive with me while I’ve been working away to get back on the road again! I want to do nothing else but work in music, writing, performing and sharing my music with people worldwide. It’s an exciting time and I can’t wait to show everyone what I have planned.’
‘We Should Run’ will be available on iTunes and other music and streaming platforms from May 11.