Josh Rosenthal

Interview #4 (Part I) by Christina Stock

July 9, 2009 by joshrosenthalmusic

Christina Stock and my wife met in Spain working with Campus Crusade for Christ. At my request she sent me some questions from her home in Dallas, Texas.

What in the world made you want to become a musician in the first place?

I either wanted to be a doctor, pastor or musician. Oddly enough I found the things I desired in medicine and ministry to come together as one in music. I can write songs and use them as instruments of healing in the lives of the people I love.

I met Becky on a Campus Crusade trip to Spain when we were in college and next thing I heard, she was marrying you! I enjoyed the songs on your CDs that were obviously about your relationship because they were honest. What’s y’alls story?

We dated for three months before getting engaged. But we knew of each other for years. We went to junior high and high school together but never noticed. She was the hot popular girl who drove a Jeep Wrangler and I was the punk kid who drove 1984 Mercury. We didn’t really run in the same circles. Once we were both home for the holidays. It was love at 3,872^nd sight. We don’t notice each other until exactly the right time and we got married within the year.

You’re right. A lot of my songs start from Becky and me. We’ve got a great marriage, but we work hard at it. We want to use our mistakes to teach other people what to avoid if at all possible.

A family member once described his songwriting process as “someone turning a radio on in his head.” How does your songwriting process go?

It’s funny; it really has little to do with music. My greatest inspiration comes from, but isn’t limited to, things like Grey’s Anatomy. Its writers are geniuses. Their story lines are so specific yet so universal. That’s what I want to do with my songs. If a circumstance in life strikes me and makes me feel a strong emotion, I try to capture it in a song. If music didn’t move me the way it does, I’d be content in any profession that provides people cathartic outlets for healing.

On a scale of 1-100, how much do you like playing live shows? What’s your favorite and least favorite part?

100. Some guys I know love the studio and play shows out of necessity. I’m the opposite. I’m intrigued by moments. So far I’ve only been able to capture so much in the studio. But at a concert you can create a moment with a song that moves people. There is something special about a live show that allows for emotional moments.

My least favorite part? Setting up gear and tearing it down.

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Farewell “Inspired by Tuesday”

July 7, 2009 by joshrosenthalmusic

In 2004 I couldn’t decide if I should get a Wiessenborn Lap guitar or spend the money to make an album. Finally, I thought, “I should spend my money on something that will make me money.” Or at least I hoped it would. I did just a bit better than breaking even, but I learned that I could make something people would actually enjoy.

Every Tuesday night I used to get together with friends at Joe’s house and talk everything that mattered in our lives. It was a time where all 10 of us needed a safe place to vent. Through those conversations I wrote enough songs to justify making my first recording. Caleb Jude Green, Chris Worsham and I all went to Caleb’s house on the wide open plains of New Mexico and we recorded for a day. I learned a lot that week. There really are place one can stand and see nothing man-made for miles and miles. Literally, the lights from this house were the only manufactured lights in sight. I also learned that reaching people through writing and recording is what I want to do.

At long last I’ve decided to remove “Inspired by Tuesday” from existence. It’s kind of like growing up and going to college. It’s hard to leave your roots behind, but we all know its for the best. That said, now is your last chance to buy that album on iTunes, BestBuy.com or any other online .mp3 store you prefer. It should be fully removed from all digital outlets in the next month or so.

Farewell “Inspired by Tuesday”. I don’t know where I’d be without you.

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A Word About the Show w/ Brandon Heath

July 3, 2009 by joshrosenthalmusic

Josh Rosenthal at Brandon Heath Concert

Last night’s show with Brandon Heath was incredible for two reasons.

1. The folks who volunteer with People For Christ (concert promoters) showed me what it means to serve. Their commitment to putting on a great concert shows. I hope to work with them again soon.

2. Brandon Heath’s live show inspired me and his songwriting challenged me. Also, he was a really nice guy. His keys/organ player, Joe Morales, killed it (in a good way).

Thanks to everyone who came out to see me. I hope you enjoyed Brandon as much as I did. And a special thanks to Patrick Prum for taking the photo above!

Posted in Concerts, Uncategorized | Tagged Brandon Heath, Josh Rosenthal, People for Christ | Leave a Comment »

Interview #3 by Jeff Howard

July 1, 2009 by joshrosenthalmusic

Of all the people I stay in touch with regularly, Jeff Howard (and maybe Zak) have been in the picture the longest. Jeff has done a lot to give me hope as a performing songwriter/entertainer/blah blah blah. When he lived in Richardson, Texas he let me play for the youth group of which was in charge. Now he’s in Denver doing what he does best at New Life Evangelical Free Church. At my request, Jeff sent over a few questions.

Who/what are your biggest influences when it comes to songwriting? Also, be sure to use the words “banana”, “marsupial”, and “license plate” in your answer.

My number one influence is a group named “March of the Marsupials”. They were a group of program guys at a Young Life camp I played at in Colorado. Ghoti Hook’s album “Banana Man” also changed my life in a really anticlimactic way. I considered getting a vanity license plate that said GO T HOOK. It was that good.

My other influences are Paul Simon, John Mayer, Grey’s Anatomy, So You Think You Can Dance, Salt Lake City sunsets, interaction between generations.

You have had a series of songs that you played live for awhile that never made it to a recording such as “prize fighter” and “trip the light fantastic”, what was your reason for abandoning these songs or will they end up on another recording in the future?

I can’t believe you remember those songs. I vaguely remember “trip the light fantastic” but “prize fighter” is buried too deep. When a song doesn’t resonate with me, I figure it doesn’t resonate with anybody so I get rid of it. If I can’t believe what I’m singing, how can you? If people are not identifying with my lyrics, then most likely I’ll never hear or see them again. I think those songs never really attached themselves to my overarching message.

What was the worst date that you have ever been on?

The time you, Zak White and I watched Spice World. Your mom walked in and really made it awkward for everyone involved.

When we were younger we got together and watched “Spice World” at my house, are you proud of this or are you embarrassed that I brought it up?

Proud/embarrassed. Proud that I’ve seen a movie that so heavily influenced our culture and my decision-making abilities. Embarrassed that I had to watch it with you.

There has been a slight backlash to your song “Gotta Get Out” from people in Lubbock. Do you think the backlash was a lack of understanding of the song or jealousy because you got out and they are still there?

Steering clear of that one.

Speaking of Lubbock, which is known for it’s fine eating establishments, what is your favorite restaurant in Lubbock?

I miss Rosa’s most of all. There’s nothing Tex-Mex in Salt Lake City. Too bad.

You have a reputation for being a brutally honest songwriter, do you ever feel the temptation to write songs that are not based on truth or your experiences?

Yeah. Those songs usually don’t last very long. Like the one’s above, they hinged more on a cool lyric than on a universal emotion or struggle. Honest songs are the best because more than likely I’m not alone in my struggle. A lot of people can identify with the way I hurt or the way I celebrate.

What is the best song ever and why?

Good question. To answer that, I’ll consult iTunes to see the long I’ve listened to the most…

…Looks like it’s “Restless” by Alison Krauss. 26 times in the past few months. I’ve put that song on repeat because I love the melody and background vocals. Bigger than that, I love the concept of restlessness. We all feel it, but only Alison Krauss can sing about it like that.

Posted in Interview, Uncategorized | Tagged Ghoti Hook, Interview, Jeff Howard, John Mayer, Josh Rosenthal, March of the Marsupials | Leave a Comment »

Idaho

June 30, 2009 by joshrosenthalmusic

I pulled up to the conference 45 minutes before David and Ben last Friday. Just enough time for me to get all the gear unloaded and unpacked as they arrived. Convenient.

Some guy in a Florida Gators shirt offered to help – great, more Tim Tebow stories. It turns out that guy was Matt, the pastor the church that hosted the conference – NorthRidge Fellowship of Jerome, Idaho. I talked a little bit of trash to him about how good Texas Tech football is compared to them, but he wasn’t buying it. Me neither.

Robert and Chris put on amazing conference about what it means to be a man. Not the manhood we tend to see on TV – overweight, lazy husband who only loves beer, sex and personal freedom. Through Dr. Don Whitney and a few other speakers we learned that God’s call on men is to serve their families tirelessly, actively love their wives and concern themselves with instruction from the bible.

While barbecuing, Tracey asked if I was lucky or blessed to do a handful of conferences like this every year. Either one works for me. Regardless, I’m fortunate and thankful for the opportunity to be near men like that who challenge me.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Ben Robie, David Askvig, Idaho, Jerome, Josh Rosenthal | 1 Comment »

Interview #2 by Aaron Hale

June 25, 2009 by joshrosenthalmusic

Aaron Hale used to call me a lot of things. In our ten-year friendship, the most memorable is “Dead-Eye Dick” while we were dove hunting in West Texas. I wasn’t the best shot. I may have missed every bird that day. Dead-Eye Dick was Aaron’s way of saying “you are not a good shot.” My hunting experiences are sponsored by PETA.

Aaron sent over a few questions at my request with the title: questions for PeeWee Dubendorff – another weird nickname. I never knew/cared what it meant but it always made me laugh.

Aaron’s writing (good) songs (http://www.myspace.com/aaronhale) and living Kansas City with his very cool wife Heather. Here it goes:

1. What did you dream about last night?

Nothing. But the last dream I can remember took place in New York City where I’ve never been before. I was walking the streets with my wife after dinner one evening. She informed that she would run home, so I took a cab which I only know how to do from the movies. Hours later, still no wife. So I went off looking for her around town, yelling her name. Finally I get over to Tobin and Julie’s house where Becky is hanging out. I was pissed. Still am.

2. Who is your favorite superhero, and why?

A kid on my brother’s soccer team made up a comic book character named ‘fat man’. Period.

3. If you could go to Disneyland with any person (dead or alive) who would you go with, and why?

Ronald McDonald. I used to dream that he and Pluto would fight over being my best friend. After they’d fight, I would throw change at the loser, usually Pluto, and say – “Call a cab. We’re through.”

4. What was your first job?

Chick-Fil-A. It was also my second job. The first time I was fired. My coworkers convinced me that if I got fired, they would too. So I did. They didn’t. I walked out all alone. Four months later I convinced them to rehire me. But my high school band, Crash Test Pete, presented a scheduling conflict. So my bass player, Zak White (twitter.com/cadillaczak) drove through the drive-thru with me, ordered a water and aggressively pulled up to the window. They handed him the water and he shouted “Josh Rosenthal quits”, threw my work clothes through the window and sped away without paying for the water. I didn’t go back for a third try.

5. In the song Yankee Doodle, is he calling the horse or the feather “macaroni”?

That’s obvious.

Posted in Interview | Tagged Aaron Hale, Interview, Josh Rosenthal, PETA | Leave a Comment »

Venture Outdoor Festival 2009

June 23, 2009 by joshrosenthalmusic

Josh Rosenthal at Venture Outdoor Festival 2009

Josh Rosenthal and Josh Wilson June 2009

A surprise to all who attended or tried to attend the Venture Outdoor Festival, the sun finally came out and the rain went away! At about 8pm, right as Josh Wilson ended the song, Here Comes the Sun, by the Beatles, the sun actually did just that. We enjoyed about an hour of good weather and all the folks who stuck around were about to enjoy the show. We actually ran out of songs and started to sing songs not in the set list and even a few together with Josh Wilson. It turned out to be a great success and we hope to be a part of the festival again next year. The Venture Outdoor Festival is held every year in the Millcreek area of Salt Lake City at Canyon Rim Park and features booths from outdoor activity companies as well as events throughout the day and concerts. If the rain kept you home this year, you must come out next year for one of Salt Lake’s best summer festivals.

Also, check out the concert page, from the top navigation bar, to find out about the upcoming concert with Brandon Heath on July 2nd.

Posted in Concerts | Tagged Concerts, Josh Rosenthal, Josh Wilson | Leave a Comment »

Interview #1 by Allison Oliver

June 16, 2009 by joshrosenthalmusic

Once a week I will be posting a short interview with myself from a friend, family member, or fellow blogger. Hope you find it interesting, entertaining, or maybe just silly. Here’s the first installment from Allison Oliver in Austin, Texas.

1. If you were locked in a room and forced to listen to one of the following songs over and over again, which one would you choose and why: “Barbie Girl”, “Mmmbop”, “99 Luftballoons”, or “Achy Breaky Heart”?

It’s hard to say. They’re all stupid. But if had to, I would choose “Achy Breaky Heart” for its complexity. It’s one of those songs that challenges the listener to think beyond the surface. How could one song be responsible for the massive growth in Billy Ray’s career while also responsible for the horrific downfall? I would love to have been in the room when Billy Ray and his posse heard the songs and said, “guys, guys. This is the one.” They all look at each other, hi-five, smile and hug. Further, when standing in the studio, his team still liked the song. Wow. On tour, people chose to sing along and encourage it. Impressive. No matter how many number one songs Miley gets, Billy Ray will always be the purveyor of hits in that family. And I will never grow tired of it. Lock me in the room and give me Billy Ray…please.

2. What made you decide to cover “The Sign” by Ace of Base in some of your shows?

Honestly, it represents one of the most vivid memories of my elementary life. Kurtis Ness got the new Ace of Bass CD during his Jehova’s Witness holiday. I was spending the night. While his parents enjoyed sake, we enjoyed the infectious melodies and meaningful lyrics of Jenny, Jonas and Ulf. Covering that song is my attempt to recover that night from so many years ago.

3. As someone who is shamelessly addicted to sugar… if you could only eat one type of candy for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?

Come on Allison, I thought we were friends. Reese’s, Skittles, Starbursts (roasted and non-roasted), Peanut Butter and Syrup (in a bowl), cherry sours, Peanut Butter M&Ms.

4. Would you ever let me sing a duet with you? Why or why not?

Absolutely. I think fans of my music would love to hear something stupid and awful. Great idea.

5. A movie is going to be made about your life. The director has given you the following list of celebrities to choose from to portray you in the film: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mr. Bean, Arnold Schwarzenegger, or Gary Coleman. Which one would you choose and why?

Mark Paul. I believe that in the story of anyone’s life, the actor portraying him/her ought to look how the other feels. I feel ambitious. Mark Paul looks ambitious. Also, I would totally have used Lisa Turtle to get to Kelly.

6. Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?

Let me answer your question with a question. What?

To check out Allison’s blog go to The Blogivers

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Venture Outdoor Festival w/ Josh Wilson

May 31, 2009 by joshrosenthalmusic

On June 20 in Salt Lake City I am playing the Venture Outdoor Festival with Josh Wilson. It’s a great day of fun for the whole family. My friends West Bench takes the stage at 6pm, Josh Wilson, 7pm and me at 8pm. The details are below. The festival expands far beyond just music. There are tons of booths, games for kids and adults. Learn more at MillcreekOutdoors.org.

Venture Outdoor Festival

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Introducing The Brewpub Studio

May 25, 2009 by joshrosenthalmusic

I’ve spent the last year setting up a studio in my house. Today marks its beginning. We’re tracking one of the four albums to be released in the fall. Ben is tracking electrics while Josh Wilson produces and engineers “Amy, Please”. I wish you could be here. It’s for the best you’re not – the room is full as is.