Joshua McCooey, a talented rock musician from the San Francisco Bay Area, has been capturing hearts and minds with his evocative and relatable music. From a young age, Joshua was instilled with a philosophy by his mother that every situation is a learning experience. This mindset has driven him to experiment and explore various facets of music, resulting in a unique and compelling sound.
Joshua’s journey into music began in 2020 with a simple heartbreak song. Although the lyrics were not initially groundbreaking, the process of creating music provided him with a sense of relief and self-discovery. “Music was a way for me to find myself, and come to terms with my own emotions,” he shares. Growing up in the scenic San Francisco Bay Area, Joshua draws inspiration from the nostalgic beauty of his surroundings, especially the iconic fog rolling over the Golden Gate Bridge.
A significant challenge in Joshua’s life was his sister’s illness, which began when she was just 11 years old. This experience taught him the values of faith, hope, and perseverance. His family has been a continuous source of inspiration, with his brother teaching him to sing and his father teaching him to play the guitar. This familial influence is evident in his music, which Joshua describes as a diary of his teenage life, sharing the highs, lows, and in-betweens.
Joshua’s music aims to foster understanding and connection. “I want people to understand me. It’s always nice knowing that someone out there can relate to my own experiences,” he says. His greatest achievement as a musician is having his own songs recognized and appreciated by friends and fans, a surreal experience that began in the confines of his room or dorm.
Joshua’s songwriting process is dynamic and inspired. He often uses the Demo app to come up with chords and lyrics, finding inspiration in everyday experiences, such as walking down the street or riding the subway. One artist he dreams of collaborating with is Joshua Bassett, whose music he admires and whom he has looked up to for several years.
His latest single, “Smile Paradise,” is a testament to his positive outlook and vibrant energy. The song embodies the joy of sharing a smile, the warmth of the California sun, and the sense of community. Joshua hopes that listeners will feel a bit of paradise, no matter where they are.
A typical day for Joshua involves a lot of dancing, especially during his intensive summer programs with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. Balancing his dance training with online classes and gym sessions, songwriting serves as his escape and reflection.
Joshua is eager to share his journey and music with the world. “I’m always looking for excitement! In my music career, I hope to never bore an audience. I want people to know me, and who I am as a performer, as well as to relate to me. Get ready, it’s going to be a great year!”
Listen to Joshua McCooey’s music on
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