Q&A: nickname jos Introduces New Album, ‘Buckshot’, With New Single, “3”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY FAITH LUEVANOS ☆
DRIVEN BY THE RESILIENCE TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD – Nashville-based artist nickname jos returns with new single, “3”, ahead of his highly anticipated album, Buckshot, out August 29.
Buckshot is a cosmic blend of genres, allowing listeners to reimagine the soundscapes they once knew and distort them into something new and mesmerizing. With “3”, nickname jos shares that the song “introduces this feeling of keeping everyone on their toes.” There is no genre to define nickname jos, he’s created a world entirely his own that continues to push musical boundaries.
The Luna Collective had the chance to sit down with nickname jos and discuss “3”, what a recording session with him looks like, Buckshot, and more. Read the full interview below.
LUNA: "3" is listeners' preview of what's to come with Buckshot. How does "3" set the stage for the album?
NICKNAME JOS: “3” to me just introduces this feeling of keeping everyone on their toes. Buckshot is a super dynamic record and I wanted to throw a curveball on the first track. Opening the album with it shows a glimpse into the world that I jump into, mixing genres and inspirations on the rest of the project.
LUNA: What moment in your life inspired the creation of "3"?
NICKNAME JOS: “3” was born in a session with Liam Cauley. We had this sub-heavy Ableton beat going in a dark dance-pop type way, kinda like Massive Attack and some other programming that reminded us of Chanel Beads. The song itself, though, was inspired by feeling confused/panicking in life while trying to move forward.
LUNA: It was mentioned that your music career came from the encouragement of friends. Can you retell the story of how your musical career was formed?
NICKNAME JOS: When I came to college, I met a bunch of friends who had already been releasing music in high school with their own projects or bands. I had always been interested in making music, but was super limited to just GarageBand and would make covers with a 57 and my laptop.
In my freshman year, I roomed with my friend Jake. He got me into Logic and taught me how to use plugins and buses and just basic recording stuff, so I have a lot of credit to give him. Wrote my first couple of songs in that dorm room, and my friends helped me upload them.
LUNA: Your songs have a seemingly effortless way of heightening emotions for listeners. When you're making music, what emotions do you feel while writing/producing?
NICKNAME JOS: Honestly, I get a huge amount of joy when writing/producing in the moment. No matter if it’s a downer song or something super light, I connect with the song as a whole. I more so look back at songs and understand their full meaning after they’re finished — that’s where the knife twist is for me.
LUNA: Who are you listening to at the moment?
NICKNAME JOS: Turnstile, Nourished By Time, Her New Knife, MSPAINT, Loukeman, Fugazi, Jim Legxacy, YHWH Nailgun, The Jesus and Mary Chain.
LUNA: From the beginning of your career till now, how have you felt you've developed as an artist?
NICKNAME JOS: I definitely have become more confident in my songwriting. I really started as a producer trying to figure out how to write — kinda opposite to most people. I think surrounding myself with some incredible writers and also listening and analyzing others’ writing deeper has helped. Living more life just breeds better experiences to write about.
LUNA: You've collaborated with artists like Samia, The Greeting Committee, and Annie Di'Russo. What does a session with you look like?
NICKNAME JOS: Being a “yes” man is super important to me. It’s how I make my own music, and I love to see the gears turning with artists in the room. I’m always searching for that like insane laughter point where you’re either so stoked or appalled at what you made. It’s important to me to push artists to get outside of their box.
LUNA: Has the music scene in Nashville influenced the way you make music? If so, in what ways?
NICKNAME JOS: I don’t think that Nashville has influenced me musically, but rather as a person in the scene. I’m more inspired by people’s drive to succeed and make something in their own lane, versus a certain sound.
LUNA: As someone who was encouraged by friends to release music, what message would you give to new artists just starting out?
NICKNAME JOS: Upload your song to Distrokid right now. Release your music. The longer it sits on the hard drive, the worse, in my opinion.
Don’t worry about things too far in advance and just have fun, nothing's too serious!
