Josh Charles is a singer songwriter who is proving that there are still people in the world who do things for the right reasons and sometimes the right reasons reap a much greater reward than success. To quote his Twitter Bio “Musician/Activist/-Makin’ music,playing piano,writing songs Love, Work & Money in stores now. I tweet alot by the way”

Born in La Jolla, California but growing up in Kansas City, Josh’s musical background is as diverse as the places he’s called home over the years. Beginning classical piano training at 8, he quickly realized Jazz was the sound that described fluidity and passion, something colorful and personal. Something a child with a deep love of music could hold on to and never let go of. Throughout his teenage years, Josh cut his teeth around the clubs in Kansas City playing everything from Jazz to Rock and Roll.

Where are you answering these questions from right now?
At the desk of my hotel looking out over downtown Dallas

How did you get started in the music business?
I moved to NYC when I was 19 and was determined to sign with Columbia records as a jazz musician. I was almost signed to them within a year of arriving to NYC. I made a big band record which featured members of Harry Connick Jr.’s band but unfortunately, it never came to fruition

What are your fondest musical memories?
A few stand out .. meeting Dr. John when i was a teenager , spending the afternoon wtih Allen Toussaint playing piano and songs.. being on stage with Bob Dylan at the Grammys

We hear about some of the odd things artists put in their contract riders, so what’s the one thing you really need in your backstage area?
I am pretty basic and I ask for warm bottled water, coconut water if possible, towels, and that’s it at this point. I’m no diva:) As I begin to get bigger, I’d ask for fresh juice, protein shakes, apples, tea w/ honey … and some food but as of now i’m doing alright with water and a towel.

What current projects are you working on?
I’m currently on tour promoting my debut album , “Love, Work & Money”

What are your favorite things to do outside of music?
Movies, going to dinner, relaxing in front of the tv, working out

What current event has your eyes and ears?
Oil Spill- This is our country’s biggest environmental disaster and the effects of it are going to be felt worldwide. It’s beyond sad and I’m donating 10 % of the profits from my Healing Time foundation to help the Gulf Coast

How do you use Social Media in your industry for productivity?
I think you can cultivate a fan base using social media who will come to your shows, buy your music and become your friends

What is your favorite website?
Huffington Post

If you had a Super Power what would it be?
Invisibility

Which famous musicians do you admire?
So Many, Bono is one of my favorites because he ‘s as passionately involved with making the world a better place as he is fronting the biggest band in the world – u2

What is your favorite movie?
That’s a tough one but This Is Spinal Tap is my all time favorite comedy- it just doesn’t get any better especially as a musician

Favorite snack?
Perfect oatmeal from starbucks because it’s healthy and easily available

What are 3 items you CAN NOT live without?
Water, Food, The Computer

How do you balance your music with other obligations?
I ‘m single right now but dating and I need to learn how to find a balance that’s for sure , haha

Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?
I never get nervous but I don’t like the waiting around before a show.. I just want to get out and play..

Do you or your band have a ritual before each performance?
I limber up physically and stretch and then vocalize for about 10-20 minutes before a show and even earlier throughout the day

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be, and what would say to them?
I’d love to have a sit down with President Obama right now and find out how he really feels about what’s happening in the Gulf

What is your hobby or do you collect anything?
I don’t collect much but I do buy tons of music!

What chore to you hate?
Laundry…never have time to do it

Do you have an animal?
I used to have a doggie named Duncan who’s the cutest Maltese in the world. He lives with my ex-girlfriend and is very happy.

Apples or Oranges?
Apples

Mac or PC?
Mac

Craziest thing you have ever done?
Worked on cruise ships haha

http://www.JoshCharlesMusic.com
http://www.twitter.com/joshcharles
http://www.shorefiremedia.com/clients/jcharles
http://www.reverbnation.com/joshcharles
http://www.myspace.com/joshcharlesonline
http://www.crescendoartists.com