Josh Rouse has been lauded for his special talents – creating little slices of heaven with words and music that have captured the hearts and minds of both critics, and fans, the globe over, whether it is the New York Times talking about his “pop-folk introspection”, Filter lauding the “wide-eyed ‘thank you, ma’am’ songs that could have grated in their earnest angle if they weren’t so damn wonderfully executed” or Uncut raving about the music as “warm, molten gold, a long bath in the serenity of well-gauged bittersweet balladry” and proclaiming him “a talent to outrank Ryan Adams or Conor Oberst.”
Over a storied career, from the engaging debut Dressed Like Nebraska, through his ‘golden era’ with 1972 and Nashville, and right down to the 2011 latin-bossa nova-tinged release …and the Long Vacations, Rouse has created a series of unique, and distinctive records, filled with sparkling melodies and enchanting lyrics.
And there is no disputing that his most recently released album The Happiness Waltz again proves that he stands apart from the crowd, producing yet another set of delicate, intelligent, nuanced pop songs, all destined to become fast favorites.
We were lucky to have Josh take the time to answer some of our questions! Read below to see what Josh has to say about his funniest moments, his pre-show rituals and his writing style!
What is the strangest thing a fan has done for you?
Supported my career!
What is the funniest moment you have had as an artist so far?
We’ve played drunk more than a few times so that’s always funny (sounding). I can’t recall any one particular moment, however I have often forgotten the city I was in while saying thank you at the end of the night.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
A bit of stretching and usually just some quiet time.
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
Warm.
How do you connect with a crowd?
Sometimes I don’t…there usually has to be a good mood in the room and then you get that feeling going.
What is the very first show you remember attending?
A battle of the bands that some friends of mine we’re playing at.
How do you describe your writing style…and where do you find yourself being the most creative?
I’m the most creative when I’m not trying to be, usually while I’m talking to someone while playing the guitar. I would describe my writing style as sloppy but I have people who help make it legible for the masses!
Catch Josh Rouse playing at Terminal West on April 19!
