Previous Story
Q&A with South London Bred, Multi-Instrumentalist, JOSH BEECH
Posted On 20 Nov 2014
Comment: 0
Tag: All Access, All Access Music, All Access Music Group, Alt-J, Artist Interview, Beech, Blink 182, British musician, Charles Darwin, Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes, electro pop, English musician, Facebook, Hall & Oates, Hotel Cafe, Jack White, Jay-Z, Josh Beech, Kansas, London, London Koko, Los Angeles, Lower Than Atlantis, Mastodon, New York, Nicole DeRosa, NYC, otis Redding, Paul Simon, Punk, Sam Smith, Shenae Grimes, Slaves, soulful folk, South London, Twitter, Two Halves, Two Halves Clothing, Universal Records, Walk The Moon
Hailing from the heart of South London, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Josh Beech is best known for his catchy songwriting, unique vocal style and commanding on-stage presence with Universal Records signed band, Beech. Josh has spent his career dabbling in multiple genres from hardcore punk to electro infused pop.
Josh Beech‘s musical evolution will culminate in a new focus in 2015, the debut of his first solo recordings and tours rooted in soulful folk-inspired songwriting.
Josh will be playing a residency at the legendary, Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles this January, but in the meantime, the singer-songwriter took some time out of his writing and recording to answer a few questions for All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa.
Josh Beech – “Played The Fool” Acoustic Balcony Jam LA, March 2014
Hi Josh! How are you? What’s on the agenda today besides our interview?
Hey.. I am good thank you. Today I am writing strings and bass parts for new solo material I am working on which is pretty fun.
How did your musical journey begin?
It begun when I was about 15 at Charles Darwin school. I sang in some school bands playing Blink 182 covers lol. After that I played in punk bands for a long time with some of my best mates it was fun but I eventually just kinda grew out of it and wanted to do my own thing.
I understand you hail from the heart of South London. How did growing up there influence you and your style and music?
Growing up in South London really influenced my musical style especially when I was younger… now not so much. My style is very English though.
- Wife, Shenae Grimes (of 90210 fame) and Josh Beech collaborate together on a fashion line called, Two Halves.
When did you move to the States? What initially brought you out to Los Angeles?
I moved to NYC about 4 or 5 years ago and then moved to Los Angeles two and a half years ago as my girlfriend who is now my wife lived in LA.
You dabble in multiple genres from hardcore punk to electro infused pop. What musicians and bands are you inspired by?
I listen to all sorts of music, everything from Otis Redding to the chariot. I think its important as a song writer to appreciate all genres of music not just one.
What’s your songwriting process like? What comes first, the music or the lyrics?
It really depends. More often than not its me a guitar and a note pad and then I just build from there.
What was the first song you fell in love with growing up and why?
Paul Simon – Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes. My dad was a big Paul Simon fan and would often imitate his voice whilst playing the guitar to me as a kid.
Who is in your current playlist?
Well, to name a few….Alt – J, Hall & Oates, Slaves, Lower Than Atlantis, Mastodon, Jack White, Sam Smith, Kansas, Walk The Moon, Jay Z
What was one of your most memorable shows to date so far?
London Koko this summer, so much fun.
What’s on tap next for you? What are you most excited about for this year?
I am super stoked to be playing a residency at the legendary Hotel Cafe in LA this January which is a great way to start 2015. After that I am going to be focusing on my solo project under my own name!!!!
Be sure to visit and follow Josh here:
Two Halves
