Ari Joshua is a dynamic musician and performer whose sound is as diverse as his upbringing. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, and raised in Seattle, WA, Ari's passion for music was evident from a young age. After high school, he earned a scholarship to study music on the East Coast, where he honed the power of musical expression. Ari's dedication to his craft has earned him a place among the music scene's most beloved performers. He has recorded, performed, and collaborated with rock 'n roll legends like Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam), Michel Shreive (Santana), Barrett Martin (Mad Season & Screaming Trees), and Peter Buck (REM). Influenced by classic and alternative rock, psychedelic jambands, and jazz worlds, Ari's sound is both familiar and new.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Ari Joshua, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
My families love for music and my grandmothers record player.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I always try to pick stuff up but find I can’t stay consistent, I love lots of things though.
Your latest song is 'Spooky'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
The most unusual thing was carrying the hammond organ down and up a muddy driveway to the studio. Teamwork.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
If I could I would have more hits. I mean my secret is if I write a song and some one says they recognize it from some where, but they can’t tell you what. When that happens you may have just written a hit.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I try to find people better then I am and spend time in their presence. That usually helps with growth.
What inspires you as an artist? Could it be the sea, the weather or something else?
All of the cosmos and the world we live in and all the complex ups and downs and paradox’s all around.
How do you spend your free time? What makes you feel relaxed?
I am relaxed with I am with my current partner, and also when I am traveling so making time for both.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I have had many many mentors. I am honored to consider Stone Gossard, Michael Shrieve, Reggie Workman, I mean the list is like super long. It includes all my teachers as well, I think that list is on my wiki pedia.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
I think it is the number one most challenging job to go into. I think the business and political bug muscle world is really disconnected from the value of music and the reasons to lift up our brilliant artists more. But you gotta do what you gotta do.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
I would love to expand my music education brand The Music Factory to include a record label, and more locations. I would like to also release more original music and set up new collaborations. I would love to be in some steady bands and projects that can travel and build momentum. I mean who knows but I wanna really serve the music, and reach people I want to resonate with people and make their lives better.