Josh Charles Interview: SXSW 2010

Josh Charles is a singer/songwriter whose music could be described as a flashy combination of jazz, soul and rock and roll. With a clear voice, relatable lyrics and an obvious talent for playing the piano, Charles draws a diverse audience and fan base. Since bursting onto the music scene, he's become involved in various benefits -- donating proceeds to New Orleans rebuilding efforts, 9/11 charity and inner-city projects. He will be performing March 17 and March 20 at the 2010 SXSW festival.

Describe the sound of your music in your own words.

I call the music on this album "Notown" which is a combination of New Orleans R&B and Motown. I was mentored by Dr. John and my folks are from Detroit, so I always heard the sounds of Motown in my house. That sound makes up the music on this record and it's definitely soul music.

What inspired you to begin creating music?

I had an affinity for the piano and began picking out my own melodies and improvisations very early on. I wanted to start writing songs in my teens, and I started the process where the music was definitely better than the lyrics at that age. I didn't have a lot to write lyrically. It's always been hard for me to write lyrics, but easy to write the music even to this day. I think I've caught up in some way by now.

What music influenced you growing up?

As a piano player, it was the New Orleans pianists [Dr. John, James Booker, Professor Longhair] and Jazz musicians like Thelonius Monk and Duke Ellington, but my all time favorite bands were U2 and The Police. I heard so many different kinds of music growing up, like Motown, The Band, Hall and Oates, Sam Cooke, James Taylor, and Lionel Richie. I loved all of it. I had huge phases where i was heavily into R.E.M., The Smiths, The Clash and then I turned to Donny Hathaway, Ray Charles, Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder, all of whom became big influences on me. I love soul music because it speaks from the heart and it's just as real as it gets.

Do you have any favorite musicians today?

I love Ben Harper, Alicia Keys, Ray Lamontagne, Kings of Leon, U2, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. I also love the Diane Birch record and keep discovering new artists out there. I think are there some incredibly talented musicians on the scene.

What is your relationship like with New Orleans?

I love New Orleans -- everything from the music, the food, the architecture. But most of all, I love that the people of that city are unlike any I've ever met. Such graciousness and kindness -- and they have faced the worst of times and still stand strong. This is really the year for New Orleans with the Saints winning the Superbowl. After all the tragedy that has shadowed New Orleans since Katrina, it's amazing to see a positive light placed on the city. I moved there four days before Hurricane Katrina struck and went back to start this album. I am very close to the musicians of the city and having been mentored by Dr. John as a teenager, it will always be my favorite place in the world.

Why did you decide to the donate proceeds of 'Healing Time' to the city?

'Healing Time' was written to help the people of the city find comfort and peace in such turmoil. Being able to donate 100% of the royalties from the song to help rebuild the city is something I'm honored to do. It's the least I can do. I'm also donating 10% of the net profits from 'Love, Work & Money' to help heal New Orleans as well. It's a never ending journey to give back to a city which has given me so much in return.

Have you done any other benefits since 'Healing Time?'

I have done many benefits, including a 9/11 tribute concert, a performance to help raise money for inner city schools, as well as fashion benefits to help bring students to college. I am currently in the process of working with several Veterans' affairs organizations to help soldiers readjust to normal life. I feel privileged to be able to give back in any way I can.

What has been the highlight of your music career, thus far?

I spent an afternoon with Allen Toussaint recently, getting a chance to sit down and play my music for him. It was an amazing experience for me. Also, this is my debut album and I'm very excited to be able to finally to release it to the world. Everyone involved put lots of blood, sweat and tears into it and I'm very proud of how it came out.

What's your favorite part about performing?

I love the feeling of being on stage and giving everything I have in my body and soul to the audience -- finding that connection between performer and audience and taking them along on the journey. It's my favorite place in the world to be -- on stage. I live for it and I can't get enough. I started playing in clubs when I was 16 in Kansas City and I had this ability to connect to my audience. If they didn't pay attention at first, I worked as hard as I could to win them over by the time I was done with my set. All those years of honing my skills in clubs has led me to be the performer I am today. The second I go on stage, I'm on auto-pilot and I have no idea what's happening. It's an out of body experience in a way -- the ultimate high.

When you're not making music or acting, how do you spend your free time?

I enjoy going to see shows, movies, traveling when I can, reading books, hanging out with friends and going out to dinner. My schedule is fairly hectic right now so I don't have a lot of free time anymore [which isn't a bad thing]. When I'm in New York, I spend nights out and about on the Lower East Side checking out the scene.

Where do you see yourself, musically speaking, in 3-5 years?

I love all kinds of music and I think the next album will be more rock and roll dirty, but still heavy on the soul vibe. I write a lot on guitar and I was in a rock band for several years, so I think you're going to see some of that side of me over the coming years. Still, the piano is part of me and I'll just keep working hard to become a better piano player, singer and songwriter.


Wendy Gould is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.