Joshua Gleave, a multi talented singer songwriter who’s been writing and producing for other artists, among other things, has added one more rung on his ladder of success: his first single as an artist called “Let Me Let You Go”.
The song, co-written by Joshua and Zach and Colton Swon of The Swon Brothers, is a ballad about a relationship that doesn’t seem to end and the pain it’s causing one half of the former couple, has one begging for an end.
A subtle steel guitar intro frames Joshua’s soft toned vocals perfectly. Vocally, he emits a subtle sense of heartache without going in too deep, yet amplifying the change one needs to move on. When the old lover calls, the struggle of curiosity in their well-being is overrun by the hurt that was caused, thus allowing the former partner to formally put the past in the past. The production is beautiful, instrumentally soothing yet forthcoming with a strong conviction of not giving in.
“Let Me Let You Go” is a great tune, solidly written, produced, and performed.
The Country Note wanted to find out a bit more about Joshua, his songwriting and the new single, so we recently caught up with him for a Getting to Know Q&A:
CN: Could you tell our readers a little bit about yourself?
JG: It all changed for me in 1996, and you can thank Tom Hanks. I was singularly focused on playing football until I saw the movie “That Thing You Do” and I asked for a guitar that Christmas. It was off to the races after that in bands and eventually playing bass for Christian artists and eventually Country artists. That shifted into studio work producing different artists, which really unlocked my abilities as a writer, which I think is really my strongest skill. After years of writing for other people, I had a handful of songs that I really believed in and didn’t want anyone else to record. That’s why I’ve leaned into being an artist myself!
CN: You’ve been in Nashville since 2011. What made you decide to move? Was it to produce, write, or become an artist yourself?
JG: I initially came to be a touring bass player, but through the process of being here (and in Los Angeles for a brief stint) I really became enamored with writing songs and the songwriting community. The artist thing has just been a recent development as I feel I’m finally ready to put myself out there in that way.
CN: You’re kind of a “Jack of all trades” here with being a writer, producer and now singer. Which one do you get the most enjoyment out of and why?
JG: It’ll always be songwriter first. Even when I’m producing other artists, I care WAY MORE about a lyric or melody than I do anything else. I will say, getting comfortable with hearing myself singing and even LIKING my own voice is extremely enjoyable these days.
CN: You co-wrote “Tonight We’re Dancing”, your first major cut, on Chris Young’s last album. What was that moment like when you heard your song for the first time and how does that differ from you releasing your own single?
JG: It felt surreal! Chris has been a friend and someone who has believed in me a long time. It’s not just hearing the song, or seeing your name in the liner notes but it’s also the response from Chris’ fans and how much they love that song that has been super rewarding.
Putting your own music out is a completely different feeling. People hearing your
voice, your song and saying it means something to them? Unreal and humbling.
CN: Have you written other songs for artists that we may be familiar with?
JG: I love writing for other artists, whether it’s Chris Young, Alexandra Kay, The Swon Brothers, Alee, Timmy Brown or others. I recently caught wind that a certain redheaded judge on The Voice also may have recorded a song. You can check out Spotify playlist of songs I’ve written for other people HERE.
CN: Who would be your dream artist to write for?
JG: Dream artist? Too many to name. I have a song I’ve been saving that I think would be perfect for Tim McGraw if anyone has a contact!
CN: Can you give us a little background into “Let Me Let You Go”? Was there an inspiration or instance where it might have come from?
JG: I wrote “Let Me Let You Go” with The Swon Brothers almost 2 years ago. I came in with the title after going through a recent breakup that was lingering. Theres something about your ex that knows exactly when you’re getting over them, and this song came out of that feeling.
CN: Are there future songs, maybe an album, in the future?
JG: Yes! My next song is coming out January 3rd. It’s called “Ghost Town” and I wrote it with 2 of my favorite songwriters Michael Tyler and Josh Phillips. As far as an album? Not sure. I feel like I’m gonna pour myself into each song and give it my all. Maybe someday an album will come into focus or make sense.
CN: Speaking of the future, might we see you on the road anytime soon?
JG: Yes! I also handle the Ableton playback for Sam Hunt, and so I’ll be out with him all year, and will try to do some parking lot meet ups in each city.
CN: If you were to join a tour, who’s your dream tour partner?
JG: Sam Hunt. I respect what he’s done with his career, love him as a songwriter, and he’s been a wonderful guy to work with.
CN: What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who has an interest in the music industry?
JG: You’re going to hear 10,000 No’s to every 1 Yes. Get thick skin. Believe in yourself. Stay the course, and be your own biggest fan.
“Let Me Let You Go” is available for streaming/download on most music sites.
For more information about Joshua Gleave, please visit his website: www.joshuagleave.com