Interview with Josh Middleton

Nina Bohata
Jul 31, 2020
3 min read

"Somebody (Sorry)" is Josh Middleton’s latest single from his upcoming

album “A Mild Case of Insomnia” and was co produced with BadFuture’s Paul Gala. He once again teamed up with Johannes Schoutsen, a Canadian videographer who has worked on various Netflix originals, for the music video. The soulful pop ballad shows off his beautiful tone and shows us all that we’ve only seen the surface of what the young talent has to offer.

Josh first caught our attention with his single “Stay” and covers “Supermarket Flowers”, "Call out my name/Earned it” and “Clown” Since then he has gained popularity with his single “Caught Up” that has charted on major radio stations throughout South Africa. The sky is the limit for this young hardworking 17 year-old and in our interview with him we learned more about his musical influences and advice he’d give to other artists starting out in the industry.

Interview

1. How would you describe your sound as a musician?

JM: Soulful, alternative, pop.

2. A rite of passage with all musicians is when you finally hear your song on the radio. We would love to hear the story of where you were when you first heard one of your songs on the radio and what that experience was like for you?

JM: It’s always great knowing that your music is supported by radio stations, but it really is the best feeling when it plays in the public, whether it be the mall, the gym or in an Uber. I love surprising Uber drivers.

3. Which artists would you credit as your music inspirations?

JM: John Legend, Rag-n-Bone Man, Lewis Capaldi and Finneas.

4. Every musician's journey comes with its ups and downs. What was the biggest obstacle to get to where you are now?

JM: The biggest obstacle would have been loosing my inhibitions and realizing I need to be my authentic self, instead of someone I’m not.

5. What would you say are some differences and similarities in the music industry in South Africa versus London?

JM: The music industry is advanced, forward-thinking and straight-to-the-point in London. This can also be seen throughout Europe and other territories. However, the South African music industry in my opinion, as great as what it is, is mostly archaic due to a poor investment into the arts as a whole, which is failing to educate musicians, producers and industry professionals.

6. What does your writing process look like and how do you find inspiration for your songs?

JM: This is why writing is so interesting, the process is different every time. Ideas usually come to me out-of-the-blue, at home, in the car, at the gym or studio. Whether it be lyrically or melodically the process consistently changes.

7. Your music tells a story of a mature man far beyond your years. Is there anything that helps you feel like a normal teenager in the midst of all your success?

JM: To be honest, I’ve never felt like a teenager. (Friends always joke, I kind of skipped that stage.) I don’t mean to be stereotypical but I guess my interests have always been more than relationships and partying. I seem to take on as much as possible, I work well under pressure.

8. As a music artist we are sure you more than most can appreciate good songwriting. Is there a specific song that you’ve connected with and wished you had written it yourself?

JM: Of course, Liability by Lorde. This song is truly incredible both lyrically and melodically. It tells a story, a very true one.