It’s that time again, when our man on the ground Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer All Music Magazine UK spotlights a bands or artists he thinks are going to have a big 2024/25 bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve
So welcome to JOSHUA SCARRATT
Indie newcomer Joshua Scarratt launches debut single ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Mind’, out now
Deep fears, heartbreak, isolation & loneliness, insecurities, performance, being too online, obsessive thinking, old and nu-love, are all themes found within the songwriter’s debut effort, but ultimately,
‘Can’t Get You Out of My Mind’ addresses unchecked thinking and fantasy, whilst also like all great pop songs is a love song. Speaking ahead of its release, Joshua explained: “An infatuation with someone during a journey of self discovery learning to find clarity around myself and the world as well as figuring what an honest existence could look like, threw up a lot for me. I couldn’t seem to get her out of my head, but I started to realise how this did not serve me. The low level addiction to social media we all seem to have was unnecessarily leading to narratives based on thoughts, others performance, rather than truths. I wanted to exist in reality, whilst also accepting my desires and human connection exist within this too. Having written the song exactly a year ago, I don’t think anyone did anything wrong, but I wanted to know what my part in it all was.”
Performing on the track alongside Scarratt is primarily collaborator Nick Hinman (Fast Money Music) , as well as musicians Gamaliel Rendle Traynor on cello (Fat Dog, Fat White Family, Crack Cloud) and Callum Brown on drums (Ulrika Spacek)
Ahead of further new material slated for early 2025, Joshua Scarratt’s ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Mind’ is out now and available on all digital platforms.
1. What first got you into music?
My Dad playing Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged album in the car and AC/DC and Fun Lovin’ Criminals when I was a child. I only became a fan of two of those artists in my early teenage years and I remember when the “You Know You’re Right” video came out. I’d flick between Kerrang! and MTV2 with my bowl of cereal before school. Thinking back to that time, the imagery I was seeing on a daily basis is quite mental. But it wasn’t until my mid-teens and I saw videos of The Strokes and got hold of Arctic Monkeys’ demos that I realised it was something I wanted to do.
2. Tell me about your music journey
As a kid, I tried to fit in, to be a regular boy playing football. I was awful (in my head, I wasn’t, but I’m told I was) and cared more about my hair resembling David Beckham’s. At age 10, I fell incredibly ill with Crohn’s disease. It was a gift from God, and following that, something switched in my mind, and I wanted to learn the guitar. In secondary school, I started a band, which continued into college, and we played at the Glastonbury Festival in 2007. I was then in and out of a few bands until my mid-twenties, my favourite being Brazil (mainly for having used the Terry Gilliam film as the name, something I can’t take credit for).
Cut to summer 2023, having not made music in 8 years or so, and in therapy, I had a realisation that if I wanted to be creative/write music again, I had to get sober. I did that and here I am.
3. How would you describe the music that you typically create?
There is a timeless quality to it. Whilst it falls into the indie/alternative genre, I like the idea of it being classic. I’m happy with it not sounding like whatever is the here and now.
4. What is your creative process like?
Most songs start from lyrics I put into my phone. That can be into Notes or I find myself cycling around London and am hit with a lyric and melody idea. I try to pull over and get those recorded into the phone. Then commences the upload to DropBox and then I’ll present these to Nick Hinman (Fast Money Music) and we’ll mess around with them with him playing piano. It’s that or I’ll figure out a song with just me and my guitar.
5. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I think opening for any artist who has left a strong impression on me would feel like an achievement. I have felt like a massive outsider all of my life, so this would temporarily ease that for a few days. I also like the idea of supporting someone massive at a stadium and there’s a lack of context. I don’t make sense on the bill. Give me a challenge.
6. What is one message you would give to your fans?
Find time for artistic practice.
7. What is the most useless talent you have?
I’m not sure there is such a thing as a useless talent. I recently discovered I had a lot of shame and fear around being decent at ten-pin bowling. I’d bowled for my county over some years as a teenager…Go figure.
8. Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I feel sorry for those who don’t.
9. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Pub?
10. Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues?
I’ve yet to perform this project, but my favourite venues in London are probably Cafe Oto, The George Tavern, ICA and the Barbican. Camden Arts Centre too! Anything bigger, I’m not that phased by, but I like to be seated. My least favourite? Where to begin…
11. Do you have any upcoming shows?
I’m opening the Citizen Live showcase on the 14th November at Amazing Grace. Fast Money Music is also performing.
12. What is your favourite song to perform?
The show mentioned above is my debut, so this is TBC. I’m excited to see how these translate live and how they feel to perform live. We’re just starting rehearsals, so ask me again next week.
13. Which famous musicians do you admire?
I’ve really admired Kali Malone’s career to date. I got to see her at Le Guess Who? in 2019 before the pandemic which I’m very grateful for. I just saw her here in London which was inspiring. I’ve always felt Alex Turner and Arctic Monkeys have been very true to themselves and their creativity. Picking and choosing the right moments. A very tight, close, even closed-off group. A real gang. Their last two albums are by far their best on so many levels. I think it’s quite sad how they sort of got written off by a lot of people.
14. What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
If I stay here trouble will find me
If I stay here I’ll never leave
15. What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Let go.
16. What’s next for you?
I’ll be putting out my second single at the top of 2025. I’m really looking forward to next year and seeing how this can evolve and grow. I feel the most creatively inspired I have ever felt and as a result true to myself. Image research and lyric writing are at the forefront right now
FOLLOW JOSHU SCARRAT
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
