Hey Josh, congratulations on winning the Grand Prize of the 11th Annual Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program! How has this achievement impacted your musical career and what does it mean to you personally?
Thank you so much! I’m so excited about this prize, it’s truly an honor. This is my first huge recognition from the music industry here in Canada, and I consider it a blessing. Being in the industry and aspiring to be a touring musician has been my lifelong dream. With this prize, I truly believe I’m getting closer to realizing those dreams!
Your recent single “Keep On Giving The Love” has been making waves. Can you share the inspiration behind this song and what message you hope listeners take away from it?
“Keep On Giving The Love” holds a special place in my heart, dedicated to both my listeners and the younger version of myself. If I had stumbled upon this song as a kid, it would have been my anthem. I sometimes got made fun of for being a singer and although I continued pursuing what I loved, the sense of shame found its way into my mind and it took some time to let that go. This song is my way of sharing an uplifting message of love and positivity with everyone. I wanted to share the love to all those kids and adults who are sometimes too hard on themselves for just being who they are… I want people to let loose and embrace all their differences.
The music video for “Keep On Giving The Love” has been described as an immersive visual and auditory experience. What was the concept behind the video and how involved were you in the creative process?
I was involved from the get go. I wanted to create the story of how my musical dream came to be. I once was a young boy who dreamt of being a pop star. I’d listen to music in my room and I’d sing and put on a show as if I was performing at the Madison Square Garden or that I was starring in my own music video. I wanted the clip to showcase the dream going on in my head as a kid. The one of being a pop star one day. I worked on this concept with my team at Blü Dog Media and an amazing team at Consulat. Fred O. Dery, the director, and Marie-Jeanne Anglehart, the producer, truly made this concept and this video a magical one.
As a bilingual artist from Quebec City, how do you balance and incorporate your French and English influences in your music, particularly in songs like “Keep On Giving The Love”?
Though “Keep On Giving The Love” isn’t a bilingual song, when it comes to showcasing both my languages in my music, it depends on what I’m feeling. All depending on the story or theme I’d like to write about, a different language might be used.
You’ve had the opportunity to perform at prestigious stages and events, including the upcoming Canada’s Walk of Fame 25th Anniversary Celebration. How do you prepare for such high-profile performances?
I get ready by focusing and visualizing myself on the stage, I sleep at least 8 hours a night leading up to the show, I drink a lot of water and I rehearse. Also, I try not to stress too much about big events until they happen. I keep myself steady by taking care of my mental health and by avoiding stressful situations.
Your involvement with the film “La Légende du Papillon” / “Butterfly Tales” is quite exciting. Can you tell us more about your contributions to the soundtrack and your experience working on this project?
Working on this film was a wonderful gift. Throughout my time on Butterfly Tales, I drew inspiration from the main character’s determination and his courageous heart that could take on any challenge. His differences, which gave him strength, resonated with me. The film’s themes brought me to reflect on my own life, leading to positive changes. I had the opportunity to write the original song for the film’s demo, a crucial part of the international marketing process. When the film got picked up, I was asked to write and record the full version of the song in both English and French. I’m so happy everything went the way it did. Lastly, I collaborated on “Champions/Papillon” for La Zarra with Realmind, Benny Adams, and La Zarra herself. It was truly an honor.
You’ve collaborated with several esteemed Quebec artists. How have these collaborations influenced your musical style and approach, especially in your recent works?
I’d say that working with all of these artists taught me new skills that I use during my creation process. We all have different ways of writing, composing and singing so there’s always something to learn from each other. I’m in the school of life.
Looking back at your journey since “La Voix,” how do you think you have evolved as an artist and songwriter?
I would say that I have definitely grown a lot as a person and as an artist since then. I was a 16-year-old kid when I took on the La Voix stage, so a lot of growth and self-discovery happened afterwards. Since my time on the show, I’ve participated in multiple songwriting camps, as well as signing a publishing deal that has given me many writing opportunities. With everything I’ve learned about myself, about composing, and about the industry in the last years, I would definitely say that I’m a lot more refined now. But as I always say, I’m in the school of life, I’ll keep on growing all while keeping true to myself, so let’s see where I’m at 5 years from now.
With your song “Hurricane” achieving significant success, how do you feel your music has been received by audiences, both in Quebec and internationally?
I believe my music has been received like a hug. It might sound funny, but that’s genuinely who I am. Anyone who’s always known me, knows I’m a hugger. Being there for people is something I cherish, and I love that I can extend that through my music. I want my songs to accompany you through all the movie moments of your day, whether you need them to cry, dance in the rain, or scream in the car, I have music for every mood. I hope people everywhere can relate, find comfort, and connect with my art.
As an iHeart Radio Future Star and a prolific artist, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians who look up to you?
I would tell them to never stop believing in their biggest dream, to put in the work and to never give up. I’ve been at this for five years full time, building myself up, writing as many songs as I can, singing at open mics, working with a vocal coach, getting out there and making the dream a reality. The key is staying true to yourself and chasing your dreams in your own way. Also, it’s not a race. Your dream won’t go away, if ever you need some time to work on yourself or just to breathe. It could even make the dream evolve.
Finally, what can your fans expect from you in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or performances that you are particularly excited about?
Exciting news! New music is on the way, and I’ll be performing at Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg on February 18th.
Check it out and follow Josh Alexander on social media to be updated with the new releases. Facebook – Instagram – TikTok – YouTube – Website.
