We recently connected with Joshua Courtright and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joshua, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
It’s a mixed blessing, to be honest. As the sole content creator (which includes being the writer. editor, director, videographer, photographer, researcher, and on air talent for ROOM 6), things can get a little crazy and overwhelming sometimes. I actually do have a “day job”, but I’m fortunate that it allows me enough free time to do what needs to be done.
That being said, I’m incredibly lucky to be considered a part of the local scene and the love and support I’ve received from the community has made it all worthwhile!
Joshua, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I didn’t start out wanting to be a content creator. I actually wanted to be a DANCER!
Once the reality of trying to get a college degree in Dance became less than appealing, I drifted from major to major and eventually (after 5 years of college over 8 years!) got an Associate’s Degree in General Education (translation: “liberal arts”). It took me another FIFTEEN YEARS to finally go back and get my Bachelor’s Degree, but I did it!
Life happened, and one thing led to another. This included seeking my fortune and moving from Southern California to Utah, then back to Southern California, then to Northern California. I met both my ex-wife and my current wife, moved to Vegas, and promptly started playing open mics around town while working on my musical craft.
I began writing music during my early college years, and over the years I released two full-length albums of original music (available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes, & more) and also began performing in various venues playing various genres of music.
Upon the breakup of my last band, I took a moment to reflect on things and realized that a hiatus from performing music was called for. During this time, I began to realize that the local scene needed more representation on social media (most notably YouTube).
Thanks to some experience with previous music video and album recording, plus the input of friends & family, I began crafting what would become “ROOM 6”. Over the years, it has become an environment of inclusion and promotion for all local musicians that grace the channel with their presence. It is a point of pride that “ROOM 6” has also been many performers’ first interview experience.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yep! Aside from trying to grow the local Vegas music scene into the powerhouse it should be, I’m really trying to provide a “safe space” for new musicians and marginalized musicians. While landing an interview with the Foo Fighters would be AWESOME, they don’t need my help promoting themselves to new fans. But if Dave Grohl & the boys are reading this… ;-)
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
This one hits a little close to home, as I recently had a couple of incidents occur within a week of each other that gave me a wake up call.
Being on camera and trying to be a “safe space” for people means that sometimes I *try* to be funny. As my wife & kid can attest, I don’t always hit the mark. When it was brought to my attention that something I innocently said during an interview upset somebody, I really had to step back and realize that not everyone has my sense of humor. That, and some other things recently, gave me a humbling that I desperately needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://room6.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roomsixlv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roomsixlv
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/roomsixlv
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/room6
- Other: ROOM 6 Twitch – https://twitch.tv/Room6LV ROOM 6 RADIO Twitch – https://twitch.tv/Room6Radio
Image Credits
All photos property of Joshua Courtright / ROOM 6 YouTube Channel.