We’ve fallen in love with Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Taerk here at AltCorner. Ahead of the release of his latest single Anywhere Love Took Us on May 11, we asked Josh to tell us all about himself by taking on our A-Z challenge!
A song that made you want to make music?
“Up All Night” by Counting Crows. I heard that song and realized how powerful a good story can be.
Best rider you’ve had?
Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo Michigan. Doesn’t get much better than free food and beer.
Craziest moment you’ve experienced as a musician?
It’s a toss-up between a fan and her mother telling me they’re going to throw me in the trunk of their car and take me home, and another fan running up to me as I’m getting offstage, running her hands through my hair while heavily breathing and then saying, “thanks” and walking away.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
One that’s been speaking to me a lot lately has been, “And all the things we think just happen make us who we will become” Learning To Let Go.
Easiest song you wrote?
Me, Myself & I. It was one of those songs that just poured out of me.
Favourite song in your set?
Midnight Mustang
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Ed Sheeran.
Hardest thing about being a musician?
The time in-between soundcheck and starting the show.
Interesting fact about yourself?
I make the best Canadian Bacon Sandwiches.
Joke you like to tell?
A guy walks into a bar…ouch!
Key to writing a song?
Honesty. The best songs come from living your life.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
I traveled from Toronto to Edinburgh, Scotland for the first show of The Soldiers tour in 2012.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
Bruno Mars. Watching him perform, he goes from playing the drums to dancing to belting it out to ripping guitar solos. He’s an outstanding performer.
New band or artist you’d recommend?
I recommend listening to Mondo Cozmo’s song “Shine,” it’s really good.
Opening for this band or artist would be ideal?
Harry Styles, I love his new music.
Place you’d most like to tour?
I would love to play a show at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park New Jersey.
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” – Marianne Williamson.
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
I chose the name Stages for this new EP because, whether it’s the physical stages I play on or the different stages in my life so far; they’ve all shaped the person I am and the songs that I write.
See me live at?
May 3rd – Bedford, Balham (London) – 9:00pm
May 5th – The Roadtrip, Hoxton (London) – 8:30pm
May 7th – The Half Moon Putney, (London) – 5:40pm
May 10th – Smokin’ Aces (Bournemouth) – 10:30pm
May 11th – O2 Academy 2, Islington (London) – 8:45pm
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
No, I think that there are so many ways to find your audience these days that you can really focus on making the music that you want to make.
Unusual merchandise?
I’ve got environmentally friendly bags you can take to markets like Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, etc. So the next time you’re there look out for my bags.
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
I have a song I wrote with my friend Toby Chapman called “I’ll Live For You” and I’d love to do an EDM remix of that song.
What do your fans mean to you?
The world. My fans are the best, and it’s because of their support that I get to continue doing what I love to do.
X-rays or any treatments needed for performance related injuries?
Not really. I cut my finger once during the first song of a show in Columbus Ohio and it started gushing blood. I didn’t realize until the end of the show when I looked down at my guitar and it was covered in blood.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Definitely mine.
Zoo animal that best describes your personality?
I’d be a dolphin because I’m fun-loving, intelligent and love putting on a show.