This week, we have a special spotlight because for the first time, we are going international! This week’s spotlight is on Josh Beddis from West Wales, UK. Josh has been playing music on and off for around twenty years. When talking to Josh about when he first started playing music, he told me, “I’ve been in a couple of bands before deciding to write and record my own music around seven years ago. I come from a family of musicians, so music and bands were always just a part of growing up.” 

I’ve noticed in recent years that every artist has their own way to describe their sound, so when talking to Josh about his sound, he said, “My sound varies a little. I did a 5-track EP that’s a lot more stripped back and folky compared to my other songs, which have a more traditional Country and honky tonk feel.”  Who are some artists that have influenced Josh the most? He said, “I really like the Bakersfield sound, guys like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Dwight Yoakam. As well as more modern acts like Jesse Daniel and Silverada. Aswell as Don Williams, Waylon Jennings, and guys like that, I’m definitely more inspired by that classic Country sound.”

Almost every artist has a favorite show or venue they’ve played. For Josh, he said, “I got to open a sold-out show for Sierra Ferrell a few years ago when she toured in the UK. That was an incredible experience and probably my biggest crowd, not including festivals.” Most artists can think back to a time in their career that they’d consider a turning point. What was that point for Josh? He said, ” Getting to tour with Jesse Daniel on his first UK run was massive for me. I’m a big fan of his music, so getting to play a run of more intimate shows with him was a huge deal.”

Balancing life and work is difficult for almost everyone, so how does Josh do it? He said, “Balance can be tricky sometimes, but family comes first. I have three kids. My wife is really supportive too, which makes things a lot easier when I do get busy. I’m still working a day job as well, so I can afford to do the shows I want to do instead of worrying if the bills are paid or not.” 

Any artist who’s been in the business for a while has some advice for the ones just starting out. What’s Josh’s advice? He said, “Just be yourself, social media puts pressure on artists to fake it till they make it, but the trouble with faking it is that people eventually find out. Music is as much a social skill as a creative one, so connection is important. I’d also say be OK with not everyone liking what you do or getting it right away. Music is very subjective, and you’re never going to please everyone.”

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Thank you for reading this artist spotlight! I hope you enjoyed getting to know who Josh Beddis is behind his music. Go check him out, and catch him at a show. As always, be good to yourself, stay western, and stay tuned!