Nanaimo, BC-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Joshua Gellman shares his joyfully eclectic new full-length album Speak To My Dreams, led by the heartfelt and horn-laced opener “Walkin’.” The album is a vibrant showcase of Joshua‘s diverse musical roots – spanning soul, R&B, jazz, Latin, and more – and is grounded in the clarity of a singular artistic voice. Overflowing with warmth, groove, and emotional honesty, Speak To My Dreams is a celebration of connection, evolution, and the spirit of collaboration.

“Walkin’” captures the confident energy of emotional truth – an expressive declaration of love moving beyond friendship. Rooted in jazz sensibilities and rich with radiant horn lines, the track’s groove is effortless yet deeply felt. “It’s telling someone, ‘I’ve been walking by your side this whole time, and now I want to walk with you in a different way – something deeper, something more,'” says Joshua. “I wanted it to feel like the easy, confident stride you get when you finally decide to be honest with yourself and the person that you care about.”

Chosen as the album’s opening track, “Walkin’” immediately sets the tone for the journey ahead – a lively, uplifting burst of energy that welcomes listeners in with rhythm, soul, and personality. The song features a stellar cast of collaborators, including Anatol McGinnis on bass, Andrew Rollins on drums, Tristan Armstrong on electric guitar, Marta Garrett on backup vocals, Phil Hamelin on trumpet and horn arrangements, and an ensemble of Vancouver Island Jazz Studies alumni: Matt Carter, Ron Gaucher, Darren Nilsson, and beloved teacher Steve Jones.

• What can you share with readers about your new project?

Speak to My Dreams is the most personal and musically adventurous project I’ve ever worked on. It’s a full-length album that blends funk, soul, jazz, R&B, Latin, reggae, folk and rock — all genres that have shaped me as a musician. Each song tells a different story, but they’re all connected by a shared thread: the desire to express something honest, emotional, and raw. The album was recorded at Mountainview Studios in Nanaimo with producer Rick Salt, and it features an amazing group of musicians — including some of my teachers and peers from the VIU Jazz Studies program, as well as international session players I connected with through Musiversal. I wanted it to feel like a musical conversation between people from different backgrounds, and I think that really comes through in the energy of the recordings. More than anything, this album is about dreams — not just the ones we have at night, but the ones we carry inside us. It’s about love, frustration, longing, and hope, and I hope listeners find something in it that speaks to their own experience.

• How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

This release is definitely a step forward for me, both musically and personally. In the past I worked on projects where other people were the main songwriters, and this is my first adventure into releasing my own music. It’s the first time I’ve created something so expansive and cohesive. Stylistically, it’s more diverse than anything I’ve done before, and it’s the first time I’ve combined local and international musicians on a recording.

• What about this single makes you most proud?

It’s extremely fulfilling to have a vision, and hear it come to fruition. Walkin’ captures the energy of live performance while still feeling polished and intentional. There’s a real sense of movement and momentum in the groove! The musicians on this track brought it to life. The rhythm section laid down a tight, funky foundation that drives the track forward, and horns give it that punchy, celebratory edge.

• Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I wanted to capture the feelings in my heart and translate them into music that can touch the hearts of others. This album isn’t about chasing trends or fitting into a specific genre box. IT’s about being honest with myself and creating something that feels true and meaningful.

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

Music can express things that words alone can’t. Music has a deep, almost spiritual power. It speaks a universal language that crosses boundaries of culture, age and experience. I’ve always been drawn to that ability it has to move people, to make you feel something real.

• 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.

There are so many artists that inspire me because they are fearless in their creativity. People like Jacob Collier, Phish, Bon Iver, Derek Trucks, Bjork, Herbie Hancock, Lila Downs, Stevie Wonder. I could go on for a really long time about different artists that I would love to collaborate with!

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

I was just listening to a very funky electronic influenced mix of Brazilian music, but my musical taste is quite varied (as shown by the multi genre approach on my album). 

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

Find me on facebook, insta, X, spotify, youtube and more! I have this website that has more in depth info about me and my new album: https://joshgellman.wixsite.com/joshua-gellman-music

• I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Thanks for having me!