Henry Joseph is an American musician, author, and photographer born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Bullhead City, Arizona. He began playing piano at age seven and had participated in many local musical projects growing up ranging from early American folk to death metal. We chat about his debut record and more in this interview.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Henry, I’ve been performing music my entire life with various bands, but I’m finally branching off and doing my own project. This project has been building up for a long time, I’m making the music that I grew up with and that shaped me. I hope when you hear it, you enjoy it.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
Most of us grow up just hearing music from our parents and families. I initially learned to play the piano when I was seven, after hearing the classic rock band Steely Dan. though shortly after I began playing guitar after hearing country and heavier rock music.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a musician?
Finding time to write and record all the musical ideas in my head. It’s pretty normal for creatives to drop out and go to the middle of nowhere to just focus on creating music, which seems like something I should plan on soon.
What’s your favorite project or single you’re planning to release on your album?
I’m really excited to launch my first single, Goodnight Goodbye. It’s essentially my story, when I first began touring as a musician. Musically, I think it’s the exact sound I was going for.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
I’ll never stop listening to The King; George Strait, whom I listen to almost every day. Though, I’m loving the new stuff—music like Charley Crockett and Jason Aldean.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
In Country music, I believe it’s all about the lyrical content. I’m actually an English Major, so reading and writing is incredibly familiar and normal for me. Writing a good story is the first part, then cleaning it up and making it make sense as a song is next, then turning those lyrics into a catchy melody is next. If you can sing an honest story that people can connect with, then I think that’s something to be proud of.
Tell me about your upcoming album and what inspired you to create it!
I began writing this music quite a while ago, but I didn’t have the time. I really focused on shaping this particular project during 2020, I recorded an entire album as demos in Los Angeles, then started re-recording these professionally in Nashville late 2021.
What are your plans for the rest of this year?
I’m going to keep writing and recording songs as much as I can and sing on any stage that will have me.
Want more from Henry Joseph? Check him out on all social media networks at @itshenryjoseph!