Called a straight shooter, Josh Desure says what is on his mind and his songs reflexed that of him. His songs reflect many of the events that are happening in his life. He mentions on his bio page that music is his therapy and it is his way of saying what is on his mind.
As of this interview, Desure is currently touring with country music artist Dwight Yoakam and Midland. He has been busy with the tour and the release of his new self titled EP, Desure. Digital Beat had a chance to chat with Desure for a few moments about the tour and the new EP.
Digital Beat Magazine: I would like to start off by saying thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview and congratulations on the new EP. It was just released on May 3, 2019, what has the response been to the new EP from your fans?
Desure: It’s been pretty amazing. People telling me they dig it, which makes me really happy. We’ve been playing almost the entire EP live on tour and it’s been getting a great response.
DBM: How long did it take to write songs for the album? Is there any type of procedure you go through when writing for an album? Or are you always writing, in your spare time?
Desure: It took a bit of time over a span of a few years. I write about real experiences and this album reflects everything that was going on in my life at the time.
I typically start with guitar and play a few chords and just sing into my phone recording whatever comes out. My songs don’t change much after that until the actual production side of recording them. I write everything on an acoustic guitar, so they change a lot in the studio.
DBM: It’s been mentioned, in your bio and in other interviews you have done, growing up you listened to bands like Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. Would say, it has a big effect on your music?
Desure: Growing up with that music was everything to me. I’m very thankful for my parents and their taste in music. They had lots of vinyl which is important for a young person to dive into and learn about music that way. Bob Dylan changed the way I felt in such a powerful way, same with Neil Young and Cat Stevens.
DBM: On your web page, in the bio section, you mention how songs are therapy to you. In a statement you mention,”… I have to release it, or else I get in my head. It starts with a need to say what’s on my mind and what I’m feeling.” Can you elaborate on that a bit?
Desure: My wife can contest if I don’t write for a few days or so I start to act weird. It’s a release for me to be able to tell people how I feel. Now that my EP is out, the world knows what I went through and the shit we got into along the way. My songs are straightforward and honest and totally me.
DBM: Is it true that you were a tour manager, until the band you were managing needed an opening act. Would ever go back to being a tour manager? How does it feel to be on the other side of the preverbal fence? Is it more satisfying being the creative talent than managing? Would you ever go back?
Desure: It is true! The band was Midland and it was really fun and terrifying. They have been some of my best friends for a very long time and the opportunity was too good to pass up. I also needed to get out of LA and clear my head.
I don’t think I would ever tour manage again, no. Music is so important to me and making and writing it is what I’m meant to do.
It taught me a lot about the ins and outs of touring, all the bullshit no one wants to deal with, you get to handle. All the grunt work is put on you. Now that I’m touring myself I know what goes into touring.
DBM: You are going to be hitting the road with some big names, such as Willie Nelson and Dwight Yoakam. How do you feel about that? Have you met, either Willie or Dwight before this tour?
Desure: It’s been awesome. We opened two nights with Willie and I got to shake his hand and have a quick chat. He’s a legend and I’ll never ever forget that moment and that time sharing the stage.
We’re currently on tour with Dwight and he’s awesome. Turns out he’s a fan of my music and hearing that is unbelievable. He’s written some of my favorite songs and we love his whole team. It’s been a dream come true.
Before this tour, I had met Willie from tour managing Midland and we toured with Dwight also. It’s been one hell of a ride.
DBM: Speaking on the road, how do you handle the downtime, between gigs? Is there something that you do to pass the time, while on the road?
Desure: There isn’t really downtime if we’re touring. We drive either right after our set for a few hours or in the morning so it’s either sleeping or driving or recording on any sort of downtime. If we do have a second, we find a place to play pool or bowling, and some of the guys like to golf. We’re constantly on the move though.
DBM: I am always curious to get the perspective of the music industry, from people who work in it. What do you see happening with the music business in the future? Do you see changes, either in the music itself or the business?
Desure: I’m really curious about what’s going to happen. A lot of the industry hasn’t changed in a long time, while others are trying to get ahead of the change. It’s going to be interesting, but you’ll see new companies popping up trying to make a change. Record labels need to change in order to keep up. The old ways can’t work forever. I’m just so thankful I have the management and team that I have. They are some of the smartest people I’ve ever gotten to know.
DBM: If you don’t mind, I would like to change gear for a moment. I would like to ask you a few off the wall questions. I am always curious about the responses I get from these questions. What profession other than your own, would you like to attempt?
Desure: I’ve always wanted to work with kids, so maybe some sort of teacher. I like to cook, maybe a chef of some kind. It’s a tough one to think about because I don’t have a shitload of other skills.
DBM: What profession would you not like to do?
Desure: President, seems like no one’s ever gotten it right.
DBM: What does the future hold for Josh Desure?
Desure: I am having a baby in November! Other than that, just a lot of new recordings and touring all over the place
DBM: Is there anything else you would say that I didn’t cover in this interview?
Desure: Please check my website, www.desuremusic.com, for tour dates and come catch a live set if you haven’t already!
DBM: Thank you for time and congratulation on the baby and good luck with the EP.
