Josh Steinhart

Story

Josh Steinhart writes americana and alt country music that is both introspective and storytelling. Taking a page from Tom Petty, Josh’s songs are simple and classic, with easily memorable hooks and lyrics that inspire conversation. Born & raised in Brooklyn, Josh honed his craft writing and performing at such venues as The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall and Tribeca Blues, and teaching music in NYC Public High Schools. He is currently getting a taste of the midwest, having relocated to the Detroit area in 2018

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is the ability to communicate something that words alone can't get across. In the way that words can communicate concrete ideas and concepts, music communicates emotions.

What is your music dream?

To be up on stage and have people singing back to me the songs that I wrote. It doesn't get much better than knowing something you wrote had such an effect on others.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I'd make everyone see past their nose. The world only works if people help each other out.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

It's silly, but I remember hearing Billy Joel's "Piano Man" at a very young age and just falling in love with the melody.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

It depends on the day! But I love The Band, Dylan, Dawes, Tom Petty and Gillian Welch

What inspires you to make music?

It's just something I feel like I have to do. If I go too long without playing music or writing a song I get antsy and surly.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

I think that we're all in it together. I like the idea of something personal to me still resonating with a complete stranger miles away.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

A lot of things. I have a lot of fun doing it, but at the same time I'm always hoping that they're having as much fun as I am

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

It's interesting because the traditional gatekeepers, the big labels, aren't as necessary anymore. Now people can afford to record at home and release music themselves. The downside of that is that there's now so much stuff out there it's hard to sift through it all for the gems. I wish streaming paid a little better though.

What do you think of Drooble?

I've been liking it very much so far. It's great to have a place where you can find like-minded people to help you with your musical ideas without having to explain the concept of demos and scratch tracks.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Not having time to play, or trying to find the right venues. The business aspect of music is probably the hardest part, as well as the social media. I just want to write and play, and have a hard time keeping up on instagram, facebook, and booking gigs.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I just moved to Detroit from New York, so I've been trying to find the venues that host the Americana and Alt Country I'm into checking out. I've found a few so far.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

These days I think a lot of that is the business aspect. You need to release something that definitely meets professional standards, have it mixed and mastered (that's important!) well, but then you need to be able to promote on Spotify and all the other networks. It's not so much about the musicianship anymore (though there's still a bare minimum you should meet), because so many people are able to listen to so many different things now there are plenty of ears for everyone!

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Tom Cintula and the Buffalo 24 Annie Bacon and her Oshen Adaboy!