Equally influenced by indie and emo music, Edward Joseph is an upcoming singer-songwriter you should definitely keep an eye on if you’re on Drooble. If not we dare you to get connected right away. With a history in bands, Edward has eventually decided to pursue a solo career. Why and how is he making this happen – learn in our interview with him!

Hello! Tell the world about yourself. How did you grow up to become the musician you are today?

My name’s Edward Joseph. I’m from North Attleboro – a medium-sized town in Southeast MA, USA. I’m a lifelong musician and started writing my own songs in 2008. I started playing bass guitar when I was 9 and switched to guitar when I decided I wanted to write my own songs. My goal is to have really influential music that many people enjoy. Someday I’d like to be touring and selling albums. I don’t necessarily want a “rock star” status, I just want to be well-known in some circles, especially the ones I’m a part of. I grew up to be the musician I am today with a lot of inspiration, practice, and trial-and-error. And I still have a lot of that left to do I think.

Introduce your current musical projects and tell us what makes each one special for you!

My current musical project is myself. I’m a singer-songwriter and do everything solo. I really like the independence and the ability to manage myself however I want. Also, I’m currently getting started with a career in music teaching. That’s my backup plan if the performing artist dream doesn’t play out.

How do you find the drive and inspiration to keep making music?

That’s a good question, I guess my motivation to keep going comes from how much progress and hard work I’ve put in so far. If I give up, all that goes to waste. But more importantly, I still have the same drive I’ve always had since I first decided I wanted to learn an instrument. It’s just a need to express myself musically, that’s the only way I can explain it.

How is your local music scene in your perspective? Do you feel like you belong there?

My local scene is definitely good for bands. I live about 15 minutes from Providence, RI where there are tons of venues, and about 50 minutes from Boston MA, where there are even more. Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a singer-songwriter scene, at least not that I’m aware of. I’m going to look harder once I actually have some material to play shows with. I guess I’d say I don’t really feel like I belong to the scene that I’m familiar with. So, I’m always on the lookout for new ones.

What is your all-time favorite record and how did it change you as an artist?

It’s really hard for me to pick a favorite record. “Orange Rhyming Dictionary” by Jets To Brazil is my favorite go-to album to listen to from start to finish, but it doesn’t really influence my songwriting. I’d say “At Home With Owen” and “Ghost Town,” both by Owen, “Either/Or” by Elliott Smith, “Fevers and Mirrors” by Bright Eyes, and last but not least “Summer Fences” by CSTVT are all pretty big influences on my playing style. These albums changed me as a songwriter by showing me that it’s very possible to be successful as a singer-songwriter with an indie/emo influence. They also taught me about alternate tunings, which I use a lot when writing songs.

What are your favorite software and hardware tools for music production?

I use Logic Pro X on my MacBook to record my music. I have a Tascam interface that connects my mics to the computer. I’m mostly self-taught with Logic and I definitely have a lot to learn. YouTube tutorials are very helpful.

What is your songwriting process like?

My songwriting usually starts with the guitar. I’ll write riffs in sections (verse, chorus, pre-chorus, bridge, etc) then arrange the structure. Most of my structures are pretty basic, which I’m trying to work on. Once the guitar is written, I move on to the lyrics. When I’m done writing them I actually practice and learn the song. Most of my songs I write before I can even play them well. So it’s like teaching myself my own riffs.

Out of all the live shows you played, which one was the most memorable, and why?

I’d say my most memorable live show was with my old band Fatechange. We played a local festival that had around 300 people there. It was my first show of that size, and I’ll never forget the feeling of playing for that many people. Another thing that made it memorable is that tons of my friends came to support us. However, I still don’t have a very memorable show as a solo artist. If I had to pick one, I’d say it was an open mic night I played that tons of people I knew came to.

What is your biggest musical goal?

My biggest music goal is to make a difference with my music. I want my music to effect people emotionally. I want to promote positivity, kindness, good will, and happiness. This world is so divided, but I believe music is one of the best ways to unite people. I’m hoping I can do that with my music. Also, I want my music to leave a legacy.

How has being on Drooble helped you as a musician?

Drooble has helped me by showing me a new way to promote my music. I think it’s a brilliant social network with a lot of potential, and I aim to be a big part of it!