Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Ingram.
Hi Joshua, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I grew up in a small home in North Texas alongside my two brothers and sang at church and school in my free time. I started playing guitars when I was twelve. In my junior year of high school, I put together a classic rock band named “Pheletone” with three of my friends. On April 30th, 1995, we were offered our first gig, playing at Boozer’s bar and grill. This was when I first began to think that singing and songwriting could truly become my career. While attending the University of North Texas pursuing a degree in Music Education, I played with the band “Project 1218” based out of Denton, Texas. Due to a difference of opinions in 2001, I split from the other 4 musicians to build my career as a solo artist and haven’t looked back. I released my first solo album (The Distance) in 2008, and my second (I Wish It Would Rain) in 2016. In the last 3 years, I have written, recorded, and released 5 singles. All are available for streaming and download.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is balancing my home life with my career. From missing bedtimes due to late-night gigs to fatigue from missing sleep inhibiting my ability to be present during the day, to having to choose between attending sporting events and taking professional opportunities. For this reason, I have an almost unbending rule not to take work on Sunday or Monday nights, this allows me to recover and spend time with my family. Another obstacle I’ve had to overcome is competing in an incredibly oversaturated market. Even in Dallas Fort Worth, there are thousands of singer/songwriters and entertainers, and with the introduction of streaming platforms competition is no longer limited to just the surrounding areas. I compete against every artist in the world simultaneously. The goal every day is to create music that stands out from the crowd while still producing tracks that the masses will enjoy. There’s a thin line between being original and alienating my audience, and I have to tread it every day in order to gain recognition.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I play between 4 and 6 shows a week in local establishments, I play a mix of cover tunes and originals, and aim to entertain whatever crowd I’m in front of., What I hear most people say when they comment about my show is that they love the song choices I make, I have a great vocal range and extensive repertoire. I have spent a great deal of time developing the ability to read a room.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love being with my family. I love performing. Keeping those two areas separate has allowed me to enjoy each one and be happy. There is a rush I get when I perform that thrills me every time. The only time I don’t miss this thrill is when I’m with my family. I’m protective over the time I have with them because they truly make me the happiest.
Pricing:
- T-shirts $25
- CDs $10
- Track downloads $1
Contact Info:
- Email: joshua@joshuaingram.com
- Website: joshuaingram.com
- Instagram: @thejoshuaingram
- Facebook: @thejoshuaingram
- Twitter: @thejoshuaingram
- Youtube: YouTube.com/joshuaingram
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/joshua_ingram
