Introducing #288 - Joshua Scarratt
Let us introduce you to indie riser Joshua Scarratt - who has his debut EP 'Riding through the desert of my dreams' due out on the 30th May.
Having spent the last 11 years promoting artists, Joshua found as the years went by a greater neglect to all forms of artistic practice and succumbing to an intense love/hate relationship with his first instrument the guitar had really taken hold. The outward performance of life looked pretty full, but internally, Joshua found his mental health at an all-time low following the experiences of isolation during the pandemic years.
Life required a simpler setting or set of circumstances with an emphasis on a return to being artistic and writing music. The key component of this was sobriety, which led quickly to reconnecting to music, film and books in an intense but healthy manner.
He took a moment to talk to us about his new single 'Summer of 21' and what his EP has in store for us.
Hey there Joshua - how are you? So your track ‘Summer of '21’ is out now - can you tell us what it is about?
Good afternoon! I've just taken a week off and am feeling somewhat rejuvenated. How are you?
'Summer of '21' is the turning point. It's about people, places, things and ultimately, my narratives, which no longer serve me. I'm listening to it now and I sort of wish we'd recorded it a bit faster.
Where are you from and what are your favourite things to do there?
I was born in Taunton, Somerset, but moved to London when I was 18/19. I've been in London ever since, but have often found myself dreaming of relocating to New York, Paris, or Berlin. I've never left and right now very content with London, it has so much to offer and really is a beautiful city.
I enjoy seeing an exhibition at Estorick Collection, eating cake on the top floor of Dover Street Market at the Rose Bakery, having coffee at Velasquez and Van Wezel, breakfast at Fischer's, walking on Hampstead Heath, and seeing a movie at Prince Charles Cinema. Record shopping at World Of Echo, watching music at Cafe Oto or The George Tavern.
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
It's probably the approach to structure, instrumentation and recording processes of all the indie & alternative music I was listening to as a teenager (and still do). The last 20 years of my life, in short.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
I'm partial to using the word classic.
Now the track is out there - what's next for you?
I've go my debut EP 'Riding through the desert of my dreams' out on the 30th May and a headline show at The Shacklewell Arms, omn the 18th June. After that, I'll be recording new music and continuing my deep dive into Tara Brach's podcast. I just started the first episode from 2010.
