Josh Lumsden
Texas native Josh Lumsden unveiled his new single “We Won’t Tell Nobody” on April 12th.
The self-produced single is an uptempo pop/r&b record offering stunning soulful vocals and memorable melodies.
“I sing about finding love, whether it's long-term or short-term, and the excitement that comes with keeping it a secret from everyone else. This song personally relates to me in the past as well as members of the LGBT community who aren't quite ready to share the relationship they're building with someone with the rest of the world,” explains Lumsden.
With this latest release, the NYC-based artist reveals a different side of his artistry by offering an energetic catchy pop record. Josh Lumsden is designing a distinctive sound throughout his exceptional vocals and his unique productions.
“We Won’t Tell Nobody” is now available worldwide.
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
My name is Josh Lumsden and I was born & raised in Austin, Texas, currently living in New York City.
What's your story?
One week after my 21st birthday, I moved from Texas to New York City. I felt like it was time for me to branch out and start my life. My boyfriend and I moved together. We had no friends, no place to stay, no job, living in a hotel for a week until I found the first apartment available. I've been living here now for 2 years now, finding myself and figuring out what direction I want to take my career.
Could you describe us your childhood a little bit? Any favorite memories?
I had a fairly normal childhood, with a great family. All my siblings were musicians at one point in their life, as were my parents. My dad and I are currently the only ones left who kind of stuck to it.
If you had to say one thing to your younger self, what would you say?
I would tell my younger self to not let anyone invalidate your goals. Not to let anyone make you believe you're not good enough.
How would you define yourself today?
This is a tricky question, but I need to start asking myself this more often. I would define myself as someone who's strong, a lot stronger than I used to be. I have thicker skin, and place my happiness above all other things. I'm proud to be a gay man who loves singing, loves nightlife, loves to produce. I have a lot of collective parts that help define me.
When did you start feeling connected to music and art?
I started feeling a connection to music whenever I would watch other artists perform live, whether it was in person, on TV, or on YouTube. I would think to myself, "That's that *I* want to do". I would leave a concert feeling motivated more than anything.
What did you grow up listening to?
My parents raised me listening to a lot of heavy metal - Metallica and Iron Maiden specifically. As I grew older and started finding my own music taste, I became interested in pop culture. Top 40 music in 2010 really influenced a lot of what I do today.
When did you start making music? What was the biggest challenge when you first started?
I started writing songs on the piano when I was very young, probably younger than 10. I started recording my own music at 13. One of my biggest challenges was the fact that I didn't have the resources/knowledge of how to execute my ideas, but like with any other skill, it got better with time. Even now at 23, I'm still learning and growing. I might be feeling the same way I do now looking back when I'm 33.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you and your talent?
It sounds a little corny, but my parents actually were the first to really support me. I started writing music very young and they always pushed me to have a creative outlet and absolutely loved the fact that it was music, considering my father plays guitar.
You recently released your new single "We Won't Tell Nobody". What's the story behind this song?
I wanted to write a song that a lot of people can relate to - I sing about finding love, whether it's long-term or short-term, and the excitement that comes with keeping it a secret from everyone else. This song personally relates to me in the past as well as members of the LGBT community who aren't quite ready to share the relationship they're building with someone with the rest of the world.
When did you start working on this song?
The song developed fairly quickly, as strange as it sounds. I was finished with the song in 2 weeks! I started in mid-March 2019 and had it released mid-April.
Could you describe us the songwriting/production process for this particular song?
I usually hear the music in my head before I even write anything, I always start with producing the instrumental prior to writing the lyrics. I've heard this is backwards compared to other artists, but I'm very particular to how a song sounds before I start formulating a meaning behind it. Once the sound is perfect, then I start going back & forth with song ideas and it all flows out organically from there.
What made you want to release "We Won't Tell Nobody" as a single?
When you know, you know, right? I heard the song and I loved it so much that I decided to take a short break from writing so I can promote this one as best as I could. However, I am hopeful that the future will bring bigger and better music from me.
What do you like the most about this song?
I like the upbeat tempo. I have a few other songs which are mainly alternative-R&B, so it's nice to hear my voice over a track that is a little more energetic. I think it's fun and I hope other people feel that way too.
You are a producer. What equipments and softwares do you usually use?
When I started producing music, I used a fairly underground Digital Audio Workstation called Mixcraft, and I haven't stopped using it since! I've upgraded each time a new version's released for the past 10 years, since I was 13. I stick to what I'm comfortable with!
Any favorite songwriters/producers?
A lot of my favorite producers are usually behind the scenes of some really big pop songs. I really can't narrow it down, there are so many producers who create phenomenal work that support some of music's best voices!
What message do you want to convey through your art?
I want people to feel good when they listen to my music. I want to relate to people, the fact that people enjoy anything that I make is rewarding all on it's own.
What are the things you are the most proud of?
I am most proud of how far I've come in my own life, where I've grown. I'm proud of the music I've made, but I'm not necessarily thinking of that right now. I'm mainly focused on what's to come in the future.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
If people just took the time each day to be nicer to each other. No judgement, no hate. Just focus on growing yourself and uplifting those around you.
What biggest lessons have you learnt as a human being and as an artist?
I've learned not to read the comments. Not to let what others think of me define me. Not to let people who don't believe in me dictate my life. I'm much happier this way and it has given me the freedom to enjoy life and focus on creating art that I am truly proud of.
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