Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Louis Josephson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Louis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?
Many artists and their audience members believe that art needs to be commercial, original, and unique. While I strive for commercial success, I find it far more effective to focus on creating work that resonates with me. When I try to compose with too much emphasis on these rigid expectations, I feel like I’m no longer being true to myself as an artist. Words like “original,” “catchy,” and “unique” are often used—by others and by the inner critic—to describe art, but they don’t define it. My brand, both in my identity and my work, is developing one composition at a time. Therefore, it’s not very productive to attempt to define my writing style. Instead, I believe it’s better to continue writing and allow others to interpret it as they wish.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Louis Josephson (b. 2001) is an award-winning, Juilliard-trained composer.
He recently finished composing the score for a short film commissioned by The Juilliard School Drama Division, with award-winning director and filmmaker Harris Doran, which will premiere at the Lincoln Center Film Society in May 2025. He is also writing the music and orchestrations to Relapse: A New Musical which ran Off-Broadway last fall at Theater Row and is in development for a regional run, produced by Happy Recap Productions. Additionally, he is developing new musicals with Broadway and Off-Broadway co-producers and investors, as well as Gold and Jade Stages, a Shanghai-based theater company.
His music has been performed and recorded by esteemed ensembles, including The United States Air Force Band, The Juilliard Orchestra, Sylvan Winds, Sirius Quartet, and The All-National Honors Concert Band. His music has been featured in various festivals including Tribeca New Music, Juilliard ChoreoComp, Jersey Fringe, the National Association of Music Educators, MakeMusic, and the Association of Concert Bands.
He is a composer in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, where he meets and collaborates with talented young lyricists. He is published by Wingert-Jones Publications, Inc., a division of J.W. Pepper & Son, Inc.
When not composing, Louis can be found music directing, playing piano and harmonica, and singing at renowned venues such as the Deer Head Inn, Don’t Tell Mama, Brandy’s, Green Room 42, and 54 Below.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My business is fundamentally about connection. I’ve come to see both myself and my work as opportunities—products to share with others. Building relationships in the industry is key, so I make an effort to connect with as many people as I can. I reach out to industry professionals on social media, inviting them for coffee and conversation. Of course, it would be a dream come true to get asked to compose the next Tony-winning musical over a cup of coffee! However, it is more realistic and productive to establish connections, learn from others, and be polite, becoming someone that others would want to work with.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Writer’s block is really just a temporary phase caused by self-criticism, which may feel like “boredom” with one’s own work. As an artist, sometimes the best approach is simply to do the work and trust my inner creativity. I used to think writer’s block meant something was wrong, and that I’d never compose again. But over time, I’ve learned it’s often about giving myself permission to start from a simpler, more “obvious” place. That simple place might even be to take a break and wait. This helps trick my inner critic, allowing me to make progress without judgment. It’s in this space that natural creativity tends to flow. I’ve learned not to panic when I hit a block (trust me, I still do sometimes)—but I remember that it is just a feeling that will pass.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: thelouisjosephson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-josephson-735945265/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/louisjosephson
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/louisjosephson
