We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Josh Carples a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Josh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I have been lucky to have been part of a number of meaningful projects over the years, but in recent years, working on the film “Shadow Tag” is up there at or near the top of the list. Along with serving as a producer and cinematographer on the project, I play a character named “Jove,” a quirky party clown claiming to be God who ends up in a mental institution.
When I first read the script, which was written by Lawrence M. Zachary, I fell in love with the story and the Jove character, and working under the direction of Jimmie and Autumn Rogers was a delight. I had also gone through a big personal life shift just prior to the start of principal photography, which I believe helped me get a better understanding of the character and what was needed to really embody Jove’s mindset. And the entire cast and crew were just wonderful to work with. There was a good energy on set.
The film is still in the film festival circuit, and it has won a number of awards and seems to really connect with audiences based on feedback I’ve read and heard so far, so I’m very happy about that. As an artist, connecting with others is such a wonderful thing. I feel that human connection really drives our creativity and how we express it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I joined my first band at age 15 and have been playing music both in bands and as a solo artist ever since. I’ve always been in the original music scene, beginning as a vocalist and lyricist, then learning to play guitar, then drums, and then just dabbling with other instruments for recording purposes.
Currently, I play drums in the band Towering Above, and our newest EP “Endless Bummer” will release on February 8 on streaming services. My new solo acoustic album is called “The End of an Era,” and it has a March 21 release date and will also be on streaming services.
I got into acting around the year 2010, playing characters in short films and then features. Within a few years of that, I purchased a camera and started learning about lighting and cinematography and photography and started to build skills in those areas as well. Since then I have directed short and feature films and music videos and created a film production company – Terrible Master Films.
But with all of it – music, acting, filmmaking, photography – they all are different forms of storytelling, and to me, I believe that storytelling is connection. It’s our way of being able to share and explain our subjective realities, our thoughts and emotions, in ways that can connect with others. It can build empathy and compassion, bring joy, and in many ways, let people know that they are not alone in whatever they may be experiencing.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Supporting artists and fostering a creative ecosystem really comes down to getting involved. Make a note of when events are happening and show up and bring a friend. Share things from artists on social media. Tell your friends about songs, artists, films, or other creative things that inspire you personally. Word of mouth is still the best advertising. When you see or hear something you appreciate from an artist, or something really moves you or speaks to you on a deep level, tell them. That kind of encouragement really goes a long way. I think many of us feel at times as if we’re screaming into the void, so hearing that someone actually appreciates or connects with something we created, it’s a beautiful thing.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I’m not sure that people who don’t immerse themselves in creative work on a regular basis fully understand our inherent need to create. It’s something within us – whether it’s referred to as a soul, the muse, divine inspiration, whatever – that is a constant driver. It’s a hunger that never fully gets satiated. It’s part of who we are, and it needs to be expressed in the purest and most authentic way possible, and as often as it can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JoshCarples.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/joshcarples
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/JoshCarples
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-carples-105698339/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshcarples
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@joshcarples
- Other: https://linktr.ee/joshcarples
Image Credits
Shadow Tag poster by Cierra Brinson
Live acoustic photo by Jeff McKinney
Live drum photo by Jeremy Aitken / Iron City Sludge