Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Giles.
Josh, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Music took hold of my life from the early age of 4, when I began studying the piano. It’s a marvelous instrument and provided a great foundation for branching out into other instruments later in my journey. I studied music at the University of North Texas and branched out into vocal studies and sang with a 300-person choir. While I was at UNT, I had opportunities to collaborate with jazz musicians, and began picking up the language.
Fast forward a few years, and I’m leading my own 5-piece jazz combo with saxophonist Keith Anderson (toured with Prince until his passing). I’ve opened for greats such as Kim Waters and Tom Braxton at the Arlington Music Festival and find myself inspired in the live music scene of DFW. I’m now looking at completing my Masters in Music and have branched out into organ playing for churches as well. Music is an entire world in and of itself, and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to explore and create in it every day.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My original songs come from the extraordinary moments in my life; events that make such an impact on me that I must stop what I’m doing and respond with music as my medium. It’s almost an involuntary reaction, and I certainly use music to express my emotions and state of being. Above that, music provides a safe and accepting platform to share feelings and ideas that would normally be safeguarded during normal conversation…so it’s very freeing in that way. I’m inspired by people, creation and the One who created it all.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
Over-saturation of the market. It’s so easy to spend 5 minutes on Sound Cloud or YouTube, only to look up and see that 3 hours have gone by. I think for artists, it can be a real struggle. With so much inspiration out there, it’s becoming harder to forge your own identity without having to see what’s trending at the moment. Personally, I’ve found that unplugging and reverting back to handwritten music can be very helpful in producing meaningful work that will stand the test of time.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I admit to being in the midst of growing pains as a young artist, but the tools are in place! You can find me on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, all under the name Josh Giles Music. Once I’ve got recordings laid down in the studio, you can find them there and share with your friends!
Contact Info:
- Address: 209 W 2nd Street #243
Fort Worth, TX 76102 - Website: joshgilesmusic.com
- Phone: 8177936270
- Email: joshgiles@me.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/joshgilesmusic
- Facebook: facebook.com/joshgilesmusic
- Twitter: twitter.com/joshgilesmusic
- Other: soundcloud.com/joshgilesmusic
Image Credit:
Mancera Art Photography, Fort Worth, TX
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