How long have you been producing music and how did you learn?

Much love! I've been producing music for the past five years. Prior to that, I played numerous instruments on and off until I found my love for flamenco guitar. I took one guitar class my senior year of high school and was able to figure the rest out from there. I'm still learning to this day with God's help of course!

I personally use Ableton 9. I was put on to this DAW by one of my brothers and multi-faceted musician; Dylan Deekay. He would make these insane fire EDM/trap songs and I would sort of spectate in the back of my mind with the stank face meme and my brain engulfed in flames. Seeing the greatest he was able to achieve (with the help of Ableton) is what made me gravitate to and utilize Ableton.

What are your favourite pieces of gear and why?

My favorite pieces of gear are Multiac Nylon Duet Ambiance, Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo USB, and Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO. I've been all across the globe with these three. Even when I was homeless and had to pawn off music gear to survive, I never let these go. They keep me in tune with the message that God is communicating. That makes them invaluable and thusly my favorite! 

What are your favourite software plugins and why? 

Pretty much ALL Valhalla DSP plugins for the heavenly ambience. FabFilter Pro Q for the precise optical eq. And Lastly, Izotope Neutron/Ozone and Camel Crusher for their wide array of mixing/mastering purposes. 

How would you summarise your approach/workflow when creating a track?

I pray and meditate to cleanse the area around as well as within. Then I begin playing the guitar, sequencing drums, or perhaps immediately laying the vocals down. I have no set way to approach the track I just sit back open my mind and let God lead the way!

What resources do you use to improve your craft?

I find that on the journey to betterment looking to or relying on outside means can often add more confusion. In many cases, we are present with a simple answer to what we believe as a complex task or vice versa. Listen to yourself for within each of us dwells God. That's the only resource we need!

What is the last YouTube tutorial you watched that you would recommend to other Re-Ex Members?

Smart Artists Do This         -          How To Grow A Fanbase

What knowledge or advice do you wish you'd learned earlier?

That major studio engineers and personnel will slow down the workflow in order to capitalize and exploit your time and energy! If you're not a mainstream artist signed to a major label don't let the allure fool you. The rich get richer while the poor get poorer; if we let it stay that way! Invest in yourself and your own set up so once you do blow you already know. Trust in yourself and God; that will never lead you astray! 

What challenges related to making music do you face and how do you overcome them?

Understanding when to say enough is enough. A lot of times we get bogged down in making things 'perfect'. Whereas if it's pure in heart perfection is what follows. I overcome them by understanding that aspiring for perfection is synonymous with fear. We fear what we do not understand. So no longer to seek to understand music I overstand it.

Can you share any killer tips or techniques?

When you are stuck in a rut whether it be in production, songwriting, or promo, take a minute (literally a minute) and think beautiful thoughts wrapping yourself in light. That light will manifest through you and shine true in and on all you touch. 

Do you try and get feedback or suggestions to improve your music? If so, how?

I don't seek feedback or suggestions. Being that music is an energy I do put every iota of positivity into it. When that positive energy is transferred to the listener it transmutes any negative and reinvigorates the positive. The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only changed from one form into another or transferred from one object to another. So even though I don't seek feedback I naturally receive it in this manner.

Which track are you most proud of and why? 

I try not to be proud of something that is not mine. Though I am physically creating it the music I create is of God. But if I had to choose a song to put on display I would say my most recent release, God's Acre Healing Springs, featuring Oceanically. There is a piece of land deemed to God titled, 'God's Acre Healing Springs' located in Blackville, South Carolina. The water there has been used for centuries to miraculously heal the wounded and sick. I released this song after visiting the land and bathing/drinking from the waters. With the help of Oceanically, I was able to bottle the energy and healing received there into a form that you don't have to visit these lands to receive. 

God's Acre Healing Springs [ft: Oceanically] by Joshua. 🌍

Has RepostExchange affected the way you make music? If so, how?

Yes! It has encouraged me to keep going! For that, you all have my utmost appreciation.

Desert Island Gear (top 5 software or hardware)

Top L-R: Multiac Nylon Duet Ambiance, Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo USB.  

Bottom L-R: Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder, Solar Power Generator Backpack, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro.

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This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

This week, we catch up with Columbia, US-based producer Joshua!

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