For many of us, music was a big part of our lives growing up (even if we didn’t realize it at the time) thanks to children’s shows. Simple sing-along songs aren’t all that simple as they are a great way for children to learn not only basic skills and knowledge, but also about the world, emotions, and life. Josh Lovelace has always had a connection to children’s music, straight on through to adulthood. So much so that his first solo release was a family-album titled Young Folk. Two years later he’s back with Growing Up, which continues his father’s message of love to his children.
We caught up with Josh to talk about his love for children’s music, he’s passions and inspirations for the genre and more.
CN: Let’s start at the beginning. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up?
JL: I grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and still live here today. After traveling the world for over 15 years, its still my favorite place to visit.
CN: At what age did you discover music?
JL: I started playing piano when I was 3 and started my first band in elementary school. I have a bunch of old home videos of my sister and I putting on concerts in the living room and singing in church. Though slightly tempted by baseball, being a musician has always really been what I wanted to do in life.
CN: Our readers will recognize you as a member of the Christian Rock Band NEEDTOBREATHE, which musicians have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
JL: I grew up listening to a lot of gospel and folk music. My family was very musical and always had music playing in the house. I remember hearing this band at a small church in town and it was really the first time I’d ever seen a show with big sound and lights. I went up to their incredible keyboard player after the show and told him I wanted to be like him someday. Now, 22 years later, I’m doing it, and I still love it. That keyboard player was Scotty Wilbanks, who has been a great friend and mentor since, and also now plays keys for Luke Bryan. He’s a legend and one of the best guys I know.
CN: In 2017, you embarked on a solo career with the release of your debut family-style album Young Folk. Can you talk about your decision to give the solo path a go?
JL: I have always loved singing songs with kids. I used to work at a summer camp where I led the music and games for hundreds of kids at a time. When I started having kids of my own, I began writing songs for them to try and make every day activities more fun and musical. Those songs quickly became a collection of songs that we wanted to share with other kids and their families. By doing this solo project, it also gave me an opportunity to be creative outside of our band and stretch myself in new and fresh ways.
CN: Throughout your life you have had a passion for children’s music, and in fact it was this niche that inspired you to become a musician, and led to the release of Young Folk. What was it about children’s music that drove that desire within you? Was it the innocence of it? The feeling of hope and optimism?
JL: I think it is the unity that is woven throughout the genre. No one is making music for children that encourages kids to be ugly and unkind to people. There is a core value within it that wants to spread love and kindness. That inspires me. Even if the music isn’t trying to teach you a lesson, its music that can brighten even the gloomiest day. There is power in music and when you connect to it, you can move mountains.
CN: Your connection to children’s music led to you a relationship with Sharon and Bram of the legendary trio Sharon, Lois and Bram. Sadly we lost Lois in 2015, but to be able to have garnered a friendship with Sharon and Bram is so wonderful, especially for those of us who grew up with them. And they were featured on Young Folk! Tell us a little bit about how you met them, and what you learned from them both personally and professionally.
JL: I grew up on Sharon, Lois & Bram and they were the first music I really connected to. I had all their records, watched their show every day, and really felt like they were a part of our family. As I grew older, my appreciation for them grew more and more as I realized how much they influenced me not only musically, but as a human being. They never talked down to children or made them feel less than. Instead, they invited the whole family to sing along and passed along so many life lessons that I still carry with me every day. I reached out to them back in 2011 while we were out on tour to let them know how much they and their music meant to me and was able to spend time with them, including Lois before she passed. Since then, we have had many happy memories together including recording on Young Folk, playing shows together, and sharing many great meals together! They are also like grandparents to my kids which is so special. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and am so lucky and thankful to call them friends.
CN: You’ve continued that need to deliver to children with your latest family-style album Growing Up, which was released on July 26th. Could you tell us a little bit about it?
JL: My kids are 5 and 2 and are changing and growing every day. My older son, Henry, started asking some tough questions which prompted many of the songs on this record. Growing Up is my attempt at tackling some of those things while trying to build a world of love, trust and security for my kids to feel like they can even ask the harder questions. These range from being scared of the dark to how to say goodbye. It was important for me to try and be honest, even if I didn’t have the answer. There are also lighthearted songs that hopefully make people want to dance and sing. Life is messy and imperfect, full of ups and downs, and I wanted to try and include it all.
CN: The two albums give a different connotation in the titles; one sounds more responsible while the other is more carefree. In what ways does Growing Up differ from Young Folk?
JL: I think as we grow, we learn more about who we are and who we are becoming. When I recorded Young Folk, my goal was to write a love letter to my young children that hopefully echoed into the living rooms of other families around the world. With Growing Up, I want the same thing. The difference is that as my kids have grown, we have more to sing about. While we still laugh and sing about bears eating your underwear, we are also talking about what it means to show kindness to others and what to do when you feel sad. There is a space for both which I think is a beautiful thing.
CN: Growing Up is very universal both culturally and in relation to all stages of life – there’s plenty for the adults to enjoy! The songs cover family outings (“Let’s Go Drive”), the importance of being kind (“Butterfly”) and making the world a better place (“Upside Down”), but you also touch upon a very difficult topic for any parent to not only explain to their child, but for the child to understand: loss. How did “Goodbyes Are The Hardest Things To Do” come about?
JL: We had some family friends move away and we didn’t know when we would get to see them again. While it was hard on the grownups, it was also really hard on our kids who had to say goodbye to their young friends. We had to explain to them that sometimes we have to say goodbye to people and things we love but we can always hold on to good times and memories we’ve shared together. As a parent, you want to protect your children from sadness but the truth is, it will still come. We wanted our kids to know that we were there for them and that we can walk whatever may come together. It wasn’t an easy song to do, but I’m really proud of it and I hope it encourages other families too.
CN: The final track “You Are Loved” is a very personal song to you as you wrote it in honor of a dear friend. Could you share with us the story behind this song?
JL: “You Are Loved” was inspired by a childhood friend who tragically passed away last year after a long battle with addiction and substance abuse. We grew up together and were very close until college. I hadn’t seen or heard from him in awhile but thought of him all the time. When he died, I went down to my studio and started writing this song. I imagined my friend as a young kid again and tried to think of things I’d want to say to him. I wanted him to know that he was enough, and that through it all, we’re in this together. Even though I don’t have the opportunity to tell him these things face to face, I hope the song encourage other kids, including my own, to know that they are loved, valued and beautiful just the way they are. It is my favorite song on “Growing Up” and is the heartbeat behind the project.
CN: In addition to the inspirational and emotional lyrics, the songs are supported by some amazing musicians: Will Carter, Sam Getz, Jon & Bri Bryant ,Kevin Macintire and Frances England. How did this wonderful group of talented artists come together?
JL: I’ve known most of these musicians for a very long time. I grew up with Will Carter and he’s one of the best multi-instrumentals alive. He’s also a great friend. Sam, Jon & Bri are from one of my favorite bands, Welshly Arms, who NEEDTOBREATHE has share the stage with many times. I’ve known Kevin Macintire since he played for Ben Rector back in 2012. We toured together and he’s one of the best bass players on the road today. Last but certainly not least, I have been a fan of Frances England since I started listening to modern family music. Her voice, her songs, her production, have all inspired me to dig deeper and be better in the family music genre. I am thrilled that she would share her lovely voice on this record.
CN: Speaking of musicians, you are also quite the instrumentalist. Piano, guitar, banjo, drums… How many instruments do you play? Which is your favorite?
JL: I fake my through many instruments [sic]. On these records, I played most everything except a few parts that I knew would be much better played my a professional! I really love the drums but what kid doesn’t want to be a drummer?!
CN: Given that you play both piano and guitar, do you choose one more often than the other when you write? Could you take us through your songwriting process?
JL: It totally depends on what is around me. I have guitars and pianos scattered throughout my house so whenever I’m inspired or a melody pops into my head, I just run to the closest instrument. Most of the time, it starts with a melody or a chord progression and then I put a lyric to it. Some songs come out fast while others take a long time. I am still learning my process daily but the only rule I live by is to be honest. That could be lyrically or even just my expectations of what the song will be. I just want to be present, in the moment, and open to surprises.
CN: Today, children are growing up in a much different world than we did – how important is it to have family-style music available for them? And not only for their individual growth, but for families to have that core to bond over, to sing along with, etc.?
JL: We live in a world where everything is done with the individual in mind. We have our own devices, our own playlists, and our own shows we watch. I think its very important for families to bond over things that are appropriate for the whole family and I feel family music is creating that. There are so many great artists creating in this space that have not only the kids in mind, but the parents too. That should be encouraging to a parent who is searching for a way to connect with their child and do something meaningful together. Its a great time to be creating in this space and I feel honored to be a small part.
CN: Where can fans of all ages find you on the road?
JL: I will be doing more and more family shows in the coming months so check out joshlovelacemusic.com for shows near you! As always you can go to needtobreathe.com for tour dates and announcements from the band!
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
JL: Optimistic? I am always trying to hold out hope and see the best in the world. It gets me in to trouble alot.
CN: What’s next on the horizon?
JL: Rest, family, writing, playing, etc. Looking forward to getting back into the studio with the band to work on our next record. Maybe finding a new hobby? Always open to suggestions…
For more information on Josh Lovelace, visit his website at www.joshlovelacemusic.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Growing Up is available on Josh’s website here or at iTunes.