In this interview spotlight, I chat with Josh Gray about the latest music, AI in music, dream collabs, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

AI (aka Artificial Intelligence aka Chat GPT 4.0)… How is it changing the music world? What are your thoughts about this new trend?

I’m not the least bit concerned about AI in music. I think technology could potentially be useful when it comes to song or video editing. My focus when it comes to music is lyrics. To me the best songs capture human experiences that the listener can relate to or at least empathize with. A computer program hasn’t lived the experiences it writes about so there will always be something lacking. 

Can you choose a favorite song of all time? Or is this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what’s your current Top 3?

Favorite songs of all time is tough, I’ll name a few. Leonard Cohen – Sisters of Mercy, Guy Clark – Dublin Blues, Blaze Foley – If I Could Only Fly.

What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I’m proud of the songwriting on this album and for trying new things. I had never done a duet before, or a hard rock song, or even a psychedelic instrumental. I never want to make the same album twice, no matter how well one is received. I have to keep things interesting for myself. One thing I did consciously attempt is to make this album a little less songwritery. What I mean by that is to avoid hitting the listener over the head with poetic line after poetic line. I tried to alternate a bit more between poetry and lines the listener could just sing along to.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

I enjoy picking up the guitar and figuring out new melodies. I like playing with language and trying to look at the world from different angles. Of course I want to keep growing and sharing my music with more people. But my main inspiration for creating will always be to express myself.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

I’m not against collaborating but it’s not something I really seek out. My style of writing often takes months, which doesn’t really work for collaboration. I would have liked to just sit down and grab a cup of coffee with Leonard Cohen, that would have been cool.

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

The last song I listened to is one of my favorites from Townes Van Zandt, “Our Mother the Mountain.” Favorite artists are Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams Sr., Guy Clark, John Prine, Michael Hurley, Blaze Foley, and many others.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

You can find me at www.joshgraymusic.com . Make sure you join my email list so you’ll be the first to hear about new music!

I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?

Thanks, this was fun. I’ll use this space to plug my friends Jason Erie ( www.jasoneriemusic.com) and John Dennis ( www.johndennismusic.com ) who are both doing cool things in Nashville.