We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Josh Stokes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Josh, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I have taken the risk of following my dream! Since a child I’ve been blessed with the gift of music and creativity. I know my purpose in life is to inspire through music, and art. With so many amazing, talented artists there are around the world, so many people work hard for the opportunity to perform on the highest level. So this lane is always flooded, and unfortunately this business has become a pay then play situation which can become discouraging to an Artist. You must continue to preserver, and find opportunities for yourself even when it seems like all the doors are closed. Make your own way! Many artists make great sacrifices (little money, homelessness, living in your van) to see a vision come to reality. Some may call it crazy, and some do whatever it takes to make it happen. Even if you never achieve worldwide acclaim, which is totally overrated at least you get to live the dream, and take in the experiences. That is the success.

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

My name is Josh Stokes. Music has been a part of me since I came out of my mother. I began playing drums at two years old. Since then all I’ve ever wanted to do was make music. Share that feeling that’s felt on stage, and create great sounds. I am now an Artist/Musician who writes, produces, and performs their own music. I think what sets any person apart is being themselves. Thats what I choose to do. I’m proud that I’ve been able to share my music with the world, and that anybody’s been able to enjoy it. I’m also proud I’ve been able to travel the world, and meet so many unique people through music. I’d like potential supporters to know I always want to give listeners/show attendees the best experience I can while making you feel the best about yourself. I’d like for us all to see the positive in situations, and make the best out of them. Also come ready to jump up and down, nod your head repeatedly, and Jam.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that I don’t have to look or be a certain way to gain acceptance or receive love. From 2013-2014 I felt myself changing. The world I was born into was so common place. I felt like I needed to stay in this box out of comfort for myself and others. Be this way, dress this way, act this way but that comfort began to suffocate me. I needed new experiences. That’s when I knew my life was bigger than my environment. I grew my hair out, stopped dressing the “proper way” and began the new route on my journey. I’ve been extremely blessed, and am rich with experiences. It also remains if you stay true to you, you will find your purpose, your tribe, and will be loved for being your strange, uniquely gifted self. Don’t run from you

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What I think helped build my reputation is consistency, and striving for excellence at all times. In everything I do I have to put my best foot forward. Not just for the audience but for myself. I know if I’ve given my all. I also know my responsibility as a performer, to lift up the audience. Give them a great feeling to keep them uplifted as long as possible. I believe they feel and hear that when it comes to my work. If you work hard, and stay focused on your craft the world will see that and opportunities will come to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joshstokes.bandcamp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshstokespma/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013471847284
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCfIVXxdMqFGgKBePisNbC7A

Image Credits
Jonathan Logan Devin Allen Josh Slowe Derrick Wright Censored Dreams