We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vedant Joshi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vedant below.
Hi Vedant, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m an Indian born Singer/Songwriter and Keyboard player based in Los Angeles. In early 2015, my band at the time “The Pickled Octopii” won a nationwide competition and got play an all original set to a huge crowd. Hearing over 4000 voices sing choruses to songs they’ve never heard before changed everything for me. That was the moment I knew music is all I wanted to do in life. Nothing gives me more joy than getting up on stage and entertaining a crowd.
I started out playing shows as a Singer/Songwriter in local bars and clubs and later branched out into playing bigger venues and festivals. Have had the honor of playing at some of the biggest festivals and venues across India and Los Angeles like Kasauli Rhythm and Blues fest, India Bike Week Goa, The Troubadour, Whisky a Go Go, Blue Frog, House of Blues and High Spirits.
While my own artist project is my priority, most of the work I currently do is for other artists and bands. Picking the right musicians for a gig and coming up with interesting arrangements for a live show is what I’m good at . Having creative direction over a band is where I thrive. Apart from playing shows, I also teach music and produce.
The goal for the year is to release an EP, a few singles and continue to collaborate with musicians from all over the world.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Nothing is more rewarding to me than having someone tell me they ‘relate to my song’ or ‘can hear their story through my music’. Music as a medium has the ability to communicate a feeling or message unlike any other. It’s not just words, but emotions and vibes you create around the words that actually make the impact. I believe it’s my responsibility to let people know they’re not alone with whatever they are going through. Hearing my story in someone else’s song is therapeutic and that’s something I think about with every song I write.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I’ve always been a perfectionist. Would shy away from opportunities when they presented themselves because I didn’t think I was quite there yet. This ‘wait till you’re completely ready’ attitude held me back more than anything else. I’m still a perfectionist but have learnt to trust in my ability, believe in myself and not let the negative self-talk get in the way of saying yes! I allowed myself to make mistakes, to write a bad song, to play a bad show. When people ask me how I’m so comfortable on stage in front of huge crowds, it’s only because I’ve done it over and over again. It’s nice to acknowledge the growth, while keeping in mind that there’s still a long way to go. Consistency is key, there’s no other trick to it. There will always be a better musician than you in line, waiting to take the gig you’ve been offered. If you never put yourself out there, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/vedantjoshimusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vedantjoshimusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuXlwJ2f1Nfu6bEU-xTv02w
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/track/0iDJARGIrSlDBpPkgflQNe
Image Credits
Veronica Zin, George Tripodakis, Katsura Uthus