Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Josh Ross - Singer, songwriter, Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Richard Ktona - Piano
Ken Dudek - Drums
Lea Wojciechoski Ross - Vocals
Rebecca Veneeke - Vocals and violin
William Jensen - Electric Guitar
Roger Sanders - Guitar & Background Vocals
Chris Jensen - Bass
Cameron Hachigian - Electric Guitar
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to going solo? How long has the band been around?
Before embarking on a solo career, I was in a few different bands including 12 O' Clock Daydream and The Disciples. I really enjoyed being in bands, but I found that I wanted much more and desired a professional career more than the others. I also did dueling pianos for a couple years. But in 2012, I decided to start my own solo career. I have been playing with my backing band: the B.A.S.I.C. Band for the past three years.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
When performing with my backing band, we call ourselves, Josh Ross & the B.A.S.I.C. Band. BASIC stands for Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Though many of our songs are not explicitly Christian, our faith impacts the music and how we conduct ourselves on and off stage.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I write all my songs. Though my wife sometimes helps with the lyrics (and the grammar. haha). I also wrote two songs with Richard Ktona, the pianist. Most of my songs are about real life experiences, relationships, love, and hope.
As I grow older, the specific content of my songs change, but I always like to incorporate some truth and paint a hopeful picture. I believe that no matter how difficult things may get and no matter how much suffering there is in the world, love will always win in the end.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
I love Journey, One Republic, Jason Mraz, and Passenger. Their melodies, soaring vocals, and rhythms inspire me to write better and better songs.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
I find somewhere private to do my vocal exercises. It's pretty mortifying to make cat noises and other vocal sounds in front of others if they don't understand what you are doing. I also will rehearse the songs, staging, and transitions.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
One of the biggest highlights was headlining a summer concert this past July for nearly 400 people. I was surprised how many people came to the show and supported us. It was also a blast to play a mixture of popular and original songs.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Bon Jovi, Journey, and One Republic. They sound great live, put on an excellent show, have fantastic fans, and they know how to have a good time.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I just finished all the tracks for my upcoming album "Love Never Fails"!!
You can pre-order the album at bit.ly/loveneverfailsjosh.
The songs are an honest, raw, yet hopeful exposition of love and relationships. Each song on the album could be played during the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and during dancing.
For the best listening experience, I recommend drinking wine, driving, or dancing while listening (but please don't do any two of these activities at the same time). I am not liable for any wine induced accidents...
The full album will be available January 16, 2017. But you can pre-order the album today!
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Joshrossmusic/?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshrossmusic4u