“I don’t know how it all happened, it’s the universe really!”
There an aura which surrounds up-and-coming artist Josie Man, and that is one of pure kindness. With music focussed on messages of self-love and acceptance, falling into the dream-sphere of her work almost inevitable. Recently signed with Columbia Records, Josie is releasing pop-tune after pop-tune, getting us giddy every time a new release slides into our mailbox. Tune in to the reality of Josie Man and enjoy the greatness that is her latest single, Grow.
Hi, how are you?
I’m good, it’s a nice day so I’m feeling good. How are you?
Super good thanks! Let’s start by talking about the journey that led you to music and where you are today.
I’ve always loved music, but it’s something I never thought I could do as a job. I now can’t believe that my job is really singing! I would always sing at home. I was really shy when I was young, so if I sang I would always want to face the wall or turn the lights off. As I got older, I went to dance schools, which had singing there. The first time my family heard me sing was at a talent show in a school hall. Apparently, they were really nervous to hear me in case I was really bad and they’d have to support me! But they were really surprised and were like “Josie we didn’t know you could sing!” From then on I would sing my dad to sleep, but I’d still have to turn the light off. I went to music college and everyone around me was doing the same thing so it felt less embarrassing. When I left college I was in a band and also went to BIM, a music uni, but I ended up dropping out. I wanted to do my own thing, so I did singing videos and writing songs with the guitar and keyboard. I went through a couple of managers until the one I have now who we really got on. I don’t know how it all happened, it’s the universe really!
Who have been your influences in this journey?
I’ve always liked girly R&B like Rihanna and Beyonce, but I also loved the music my parents listened to like the Bee Gees. My sisters and I would listen to Hairspray the musical and Disney, we just love a range of music.
And how did your confidence grow?
I had to learn the confidence myself. I’m such a sensitive person that I’ve had to learn the harder way. But it’s the better way for me because it’s a big push that I’ve needed.
Yeah, and it’s a more stable way. The more people who have confidence in you, the more you have in yourself over time.
Yeah, you always grow in the end.
Your new single “Just Me” is very serene. It made me think of a sunset on the beach. Could you tell me about it?
“Just me” is all about how we all have different ways of thinking, which sometimes don’t all seem normal. But it’s about me realising that’s just the way I am. I might work things out in a different way but that’s ok because it works for me.
We’re all different, we’re not clones and that’s beautiful! I also loved how it was like 2020 DIY, but still super cool, pretty extra! How did you come up with the concept?
Definitely! The song has loads of overdramatic statements, which were very literal. I wanted it to be what the lyrics said, so if they say “I’m 10% on my phone” then I’d be on my phone. The words are dramatic, so I wanted it to be a dramatic video too.
It gives such a nice insight into your, and all our lives which are now digital. It’s a nice representation of that. Throughout your music, it feels like creating a message is really important to you. What do you hope your audience takes away from your music?
I hope it makes people feel happy but inspires people to see that, since there’s me who is fine with everything I am, then they can be fine with who they are too. I would never want it to be that people were jealous of me, simply that they can be as good as they can be themselves.
Do you think the self-acceptance came along with the growing confidence?
Definitely. I was sick of not liking how I looked, and in the end, I thought it was just easier to like who I am because I can’t change it. It’s a body I’ll live in forever, so I wanted to stop struggling to wish it was otherwise.
What do you like to see more of in the music industry today?
I’d love to see more people supporting each other and not being competitive. When we support each other we all rise up together.
There’s the never-ending cliche of female artists being put against each other.
Yeah, it’s not fun!
To finish up – What can we hope to see from you in the future?
I’ve got a new single coming out in October. And an EP as well!
Thank you so much for talking! Have a lovely day!
Check out Josie Man’s new single Grow today!
Words by Grace Powell
