Josh Thompson Q&A: On New LP 'Turn It Up', Most Personal Song & Country-Rap Genre
It's been an incredible month for country singer Josh Thompson. He released the first day of April his second studio album 'Turn It Up', which became his first work with new label Show Dog-Universal Music which he signed to in 2012 after leaving RCA Nashvhille, and he's been touring all over America bringing the new tunes to his fans.
Back in 2010 with debut album 'Way Out Here', Josh scored two Top 20 country hits, and the album went on to sell nearly 200,000 copies.
Now four years later it feels like a fresh start for Josh. He's grown as an artist, his song-writing skills have improved, and he's worked with exciting new people for the creation of his new music, most-notably, the genius that is Marc Wright, who co-produced Josh's sophomore 'Turn It Up'. The lead single of this album is 'Cold Beer With Your Name On It', which is curiously too the only song on the album Josh didn't help write.
The summery, well-written, for-all-moods album is definitely a must purchase, and we recently had the opportunity to talk about this album with Josh. In the exclusive Q&A below, Josh discusses how he's changed since releasing his debut in 2010, his most personal song 'Turn It Up', chopping of his signature ponytail or the new country-rap genre.
THE INTERVIEW
1. It’s been four years since your debut album. And you just released on April 1st your second, "Turn It Up". How is Josh Thompson different from the guy from four years ago?
Four years is a long time, but it goes by so fast. It's hard to know why you're different-- you just are. My writing has improved, probably because of more life experiences. I've grown as a person too. More confidence is probably the biggest improvement since the first record came out.
2. How do you feel within the Show Dog-Universal Music family?
I don't think I missed a beat as far as feeling comfortable and "at home" so to speak. I think I fit right in because they're all hard-working, dedicated people that are driven and ready to fight. I love that.
3. You completed an album that was supposed to be your second release with Columbia, but after parting ways with them, that album was sent to the ‘vault’. We read you wanted to 'start fresh' having just signed with Show Dog. Will that unreleased album ever see the light of day?
Yes, I'd say that album will be released at some point.
What does that album sound like?
It sounds like me but the overall tone is more reflective. Definitely more so than people would be used to hearing from me. It's coming at some point, though.
4. Your debut album was fully co-written by you, and in “Turn It Up” things are the same with one exception, though, "Cold Beer with Your Name on It" (written by Brent Anderson and Clint Daniels), which is your first single too. Why the exception?
It's never my intention to make records with songs only written by me. There are too many talented writers and great songs not to utilize them. I always keep an ear out for outside songs- always.
5. You’ve announced “Wanted Me Gone” as your next single. We love the song. Why do you feel, though, this is the perfect second single fromthe album? And, have you thought about a treatment for the video yet?
I just think it feels so good and the fact that you can sing along with it after hearing it once makes it a perfect choice. I haven't thought about a video yet, probably center it around some girls, a bar, and some buddies. (laughs).
6. Mark Wright is a genius and you worked with him in this last album. Tell us about your relationship with him, and how has he influenced your music?
I think it just worked well because he is comfortable in the studio and with the musicians. I also feel very comfortable in the studio so we really could concentrate on our true love, which is the music. He's a great producer and he's got a gift. I'm proud to work with him.
7. You’ve said “Sinner” was your ‘most personal’ song on “Way Out Here”. Which would you consider your most personal/or simply your most favorite song on “Turn It Up” and why?
My most personal and favorite would probably be "A Little Memory". I guess because I've been there. Actually there is no guess, I have been there and that's probably why that theme seems to always hang around in my songs.
8. Although we count up to three songs on “Turn It Up” where the theme is about a girl leaving, the overall sound of the album is pretty laidback and, I dare say, very summery. And summer is just around the corner! Is it all perfect timing? Or did you want to offer a more laidback side in the new album?
With the winter this country had, yes I definitely wanted to make a record that went along with a good time! Something you could listen to front to back, then hit repeat.
9. Both “Way Out Here” and “Turn It Up” feature ten tracks only. Is there a particular reason? Why not eleven?
(Hmmm)...I guess I only can love 10 songs at any given moment!
10. What is your song-writing process? Is it true you’ve written over 600 songs?
I don't think I have a set process, I just try to stay open to ideas at all times. And yeah, I've written over 600 for sure. I am proud!
11.In the past, you’ve written songs for other artists. Most notably, you have writing credits on Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” (“"Church Pew or Bar Stool") and on Brad Paisley’s “This Is Country Music” ("A Man Don't Have to Die"). How proud are you of these two specific records? And is songwriting for others still part of your future plans?
I'm very proud of them. Outside cuts are not easy to get, and I'm always proud of them. And yes it is certainly a part of my future plans
12.You recently chopped off your signature ponytail for charity. Tell us what charity was for, and are you liking the new look?
'Locks of Love' is the charity and yeah I'm diggin it! I
t's easy and lighter to carry around (laughs)
13. In the latest years some artists are combining country and rap music in order to reach a broader fan-base. Songs like Luke Bryan’s “That’s My Kinda Night” or Florida Georgia Line’s “This Is How We Roll” are examples. What is your opinion on this?
I say to each their own. There's no denying it works so more power to them.
14. Looking at your schedule, you have been and will be very busy touring. What is the best part of being on the road?
I like just seeing America and meeting people.
15. We’ve watched a few videos on YouTube from your latest concerts, and from what we’ve watched, most your setlist are songs from “Way Out Here”. Will you be changing the setlist soon to perform more songs from “Turn It Up”?
Yes for sure, in fact it's changed for good now since 'Turn It Up' came out. People are already singing cuts off the record and it feels great having new music in the show
16.You recently attended the ACM Awards. How was it? What was your favorite moment?
It was fun, I enjoyed it. Definitely the Haggard Tribute. That was awesome
17. We posted about your Instagram cover contest. Deadline is April 30th. Are you impressed with the talent from your fans thus far?
Yeah I'm very impressed! There really are some great singers and players out there.
18. What are Josh Thompson's Top 5 songs of the moment?
Bruno Mars - "Young Girls,"
Norah Jones and Dolly Parton - "Creepin In"
Haggard - "Seashores of old Mexico,"
Randy Houser - "Anything Goes,"
Waylon - "Never Could Toe the Mark".
19. If you could record a duet with a fellow country singer right now, who would you choose, why, and what would be the sound of the song?
Patty Loveless and it would sound classic country
20.Thanks for your time, Josh! Best of luck with the album, new single and everything! Any last thing you would like to share with our readers at Direct Lyrics?
Hope to see you at a show and check out my new album!
FYI: To Josh Thompson fans reading this Q&A. We have a surprise coming for y'all this Thursday. Hint: Create a Twitter account if you haven't yet. You might get a gift!