Josh Barry - 10 Questions + Adam In The Evening (Single)

British singer-songwriter Josh Barry returns with new single ‘Adam In The Evening’, out now.

With Josh’s effortlessly soulful vocals piercing warm guitar licks and subtle piano chords,  ‘Adam In The Evening’ is a sombre ballad with hope in its heart. It follows ‘All Add Up’, released in October last year, which recently received a music video directed by Three Shades Collective - watch the video here. Both singles are set to feature on his forthcoming EP ‘Art & Soul’, out this spring.

Josh sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Ever since I can remember I was going through my parents cd’s and records - dancing around my living room, well at any possible moment really. I was THAT kid at weddings, hogging the dance floor. Coming from a Rugby family; I felt a bit like a mixed race Billy Elliott, minus the disapproving parents (they’ve been supportive every step of the way), performing at Sole Theatre School on a Saturday and playing rugby for Ruislip RFC on a Sunday. I chose music in the end, which is probably just as well because I’d be a pretty short rugby player these days.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

In terms of modern music I’ve drawn huge inspiration from indie bands like Kings of Leon, Bloc Party and The Maccabees, but I tend to look further back. Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Bob Marley, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, Etta James are a few artists that have had a profound effect on my musical journey but I try not to limit my music intake to any one genre or era.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

It’s mainly the timing of it all and the uncertainty that goes with it. We had to delay this release a couple of times and the music video for my first single All Add Up. Everything has a knock on effect but you have to adapt and keep pushing. I’m very fortunate to still be able to continue with our plans with the support of my manager Louis and my brother Danny.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Soulful, honest and rough around the edges. A reflection of my life and kind of how I think most things in life should be.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Opening the John Peel Stage at Glastonbury is definitely up there as it was for my own project. Supporting Rag N Bone man on his sold out tour was very humbling and a tour I’ll never forget. I’ve been incredibly lucky in my career to have toured the world as the frontman for Gorgon City, playing a lot of bucket list shows under their name, singing their songs which has taught me so much and allowed me to grow as an artist and performer. Now I suppose I just want to do it all again with my own songs.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Don’t rush. Listen to both your gut and those you hold close. Don’t be afraid to find your own way but remember things take time and the beauty of the journey is that you don’t know what’s going to happen next so be present and enjoy it, there are so many important lessons along the way.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Zoe Kypri, a soul singer and Orders, a rock n roll band.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

In the past year I’ve been listening to music pretty much all day and night so I think full albums are the way to go. Everything Gregory Porter, no particular album. Same with Michael Kiwanuka, his discography start to finish. Kind Of Blue - Miles Davis, Duke Ellington & John Coltrane (1963), and more modern stuff like Cee-Lo Greene is Thomas Callaway, Mild Orange - Foreplay.

9. What do you like to do when your not making music?

Does DJ’ing count as making music? Ermmm, I like to watch movies, drink... not at the same time. Not doing a Bridget Jones. Erm, I suppose this question would be easier if there wasn’t a pandemic on. I can tell you what I used to do when the world allowed us to have a social life? Haha.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Not sure I can name three of them, but definitely pineapple. Pineapple is nice.