We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Josh Blanco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Josh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project to date is the full length album “Insensitive Plastic” by Ducky Neptune. The second verse in the song “Charlie” exemplifies my point ….“of all my art, I like the last.”
It gives note to an artist within a good headspace. It is true, sometimes we fall into the doldrums. But when we feel most proud of our latest work that is the fire. The fire that fuels creatives.
THE DOLDRUMS:
I’ve been working with guitarist and composer Shane Ray for over three years. Ari Fine, keyboardist and composer for over two. We completed an entire album but never released it because we weren’t happy with the product.
THE MEANINGFUL PROJECT:
We sat back down at the drawing board. We found a new drummer in John Aldridge, that certainly helped reset the gears. We paid a visit to Muscle Shoals FAME studios , shout out Spencer Coates. We then sent the music to LA to be mixed, shout out, Robert Carranza. He sent it back to Nashville for the mastering touch, shout out, Raelynn Janicke.
We are completely independent. To work with such an all star crew is truly a blessing.
Ultimately, it is the first of many meaningful projects, which adds to the excitement.
Josh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Ducky Neptune is a collective: Josh Blanco (Me) – vocals /bass
Shane Ray-guitar/ vocals
Ari Fine- keys/ vocals
John Aldridge- drums/vocals
I’m going to let you know how I got into music. The little I know of how my band mates got into music. And how we all met.
Josh Blanco-
Acoustic Songwriter started at 17. While in college (Appalachian State) really began songwriting. Wrote a song with NC country singer Luke Combs began receiving song writing royalty. Moved to Nashville 2017.
Shane Ray-
Took guitar as a young teen in Ontario, also did baritone sax l,concert jazz in high school. became proficient electric guitarist. Played pubs in and around whistler BC. packed his bags moved to Nashville in 2019.
Ari Fine-
Grew up playing classical piano. Played alto sax in grad school. His mother, Paula also is a gifted musician.
Ari attended MTSU studying music business. Moved to Nashville 2019
John Aldridge-
Played percussion in high school. His mother swears he would make beats as a toddler.
Josh met Shane when Shane came to inquire about subletting a rental. Shane walked into Josh’s room and said something like “whoa you’re so cool, I’d love to be in a band with you.” To which Josh replied “ sure thing, nerd.”
They’ve been in a band since.
Shane met Ari during tornado relief spring 2020. Ari walked over to a tree Shane had been cutting and Ari said, “ whoa, you’re so cool, I’d love to be in a band with you” To which Shane replied, “sure thing, nerd”
Ari showed up to rehearsal and has been in the band since.
Ari met John at a dungeons and dragons online event. John verbatim typed “ wow you’re so cool, I’d love to be in your band.”
Then John moved in two doors down. We still make fun of him saying he was supposed to move in one house further away…. That joke is his kryptonite.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Expression and affirmation. To express ideas, thoughts, feelings and emotions through songs. Affirmation that these ideas, thoughts, feeling and emotions are universal.
To lend to the next set of ears what so many songwriters have lent to us.
Truth in poetry.
Wholesome in sound.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
But the merchandise! Yes, I’m talking band tee’s.
On a serious note simply be inspired. We are all artists, we are all creative in some way. When art inspires you, let it take ahold and let everyone you know, know the artists or art that inspires you!
If given the opportunity to meet or befriend the artist. Make sure to say, “keep doing what you’re doing. I appreciate it”
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.duckyneptune.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/duckyneptune
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@duckyneptune
Image Credits
Photos by Dana Kalachnik