Local singer songwriter Josh Island has been making a name for himself in the Grand Duchy’s music scene since he was in school. Since then he’s played for royalty, toured the continent and, even in lockdown, hasn’t stopped working so we were delighted he could take a few minutes to reveal the musical matters that made him the smooth singing troubadour he is today.
Thanks for taking the time Josh, we’ll start with an easy one; What was the first album you bought?
I don't remember! The sad truth is that I'm digital-music age, and don't have a memory of saving up for a long time to buy a much-wanted album. A recent purchase, however, included Sting's album collection, Glen Hansard's "Between Two Shores" and Dave Matthews' "Come Tomorrow"
Right so now we feel ancient, eh, first song you performed? Baby Shark?
Bob Dylan's Blowin 'In the Wind - I had learned some classical guitar pieces prior to that, but this was my debut performance at the age of 7...
Bit more impressive than Baby Shark. Were you ever in a band?
The Contortions - it was a rock trio and we played Kolla Festival, but we were pretty atrocious. There was no groove at all.
First gig you ever played?
One of the first "real" gigs must have been Screaming Fields at Rockhal in 2015. That was a huge experience, playing the Rockhal Club for the first time at such an eary stage. There must have been a couple of random local markets and talent shows before.
Best gig?
Probably performing for the three heads of state of the Benelux. Support James Morrison came close, but I was shitting my pants during the latter and didn't even mention my name on stage- the first went fine!
And….The worst gig?
One of many sets at dark bars where people don't care about the music and talk loudly over it.
What about the best gig you've attended?
Sting was pretty amazing. What an incredible storyteller and performer.
And…sorry to make you name names but, worst Gig?
Bob Dylan - catastrophic performance, people just started leaving after 40 minutes.
One line of advice for anyone getting in to music?
Believe in your own art and try to play live as much as possible - it's the best practice.
Super! Before you go, got anything to plug?
My new EP Love Don't Come Easy is out on 7 May. I recorded it in Portugal with Nelson Canoa with an incredible team of musicians between lockdown. It's a new direction, more raw, rock, soul. A big Germany tour will follow in 2022.