THEAUSSIEWORD.COM meets up with US singer/songwriter Joseph Eid.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I was always writing poetry as a child and have kept a journal since the age of 6. There’s always been a desire to share my point of view and my writing. I found the best way to express all of that was through the craft of becoming a singer songwriter. It brings me a lot of joy.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I am a psychologist by nature. I’ve always been the one family and friends come to for advice and a fresh outlook. It comes naturally for me and I’m fascinated by the human journey. This is where I go to for inspiration and this is the place where the songs come from. Making connections in my own experiences and observing the patterns in people around me inspires me and gives me so much material to draw from. It’s important for me to write from an honest and personal place but also to write about subjects that people can really relate.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
The biggest goal for me is to have my music reach people all over the world. I want to connect with as many listeners as possible. It excites me whenever I reach someone new and folks outside my immediate network. I will always write songs, produce albums and perform. That is the part that comes naturally. The goal is in reaching and connecting with the world!
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I am very excited about this new track “Listening to Madonna” so I am spending my summer promoting it and playing shows to spread the word and support the single. I’ve got more than a handful of new songs I’ve written this year so by autumn, I expect to be back in the studio recording.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
“Listening to Madonna” is a song that has been waiting to come through me for years. It’s a personal release for me and a deeper acceptance and embracing of my journey. I was an MTV generation kid who grew up obsessed with music videos. Madonna was an artist who woke me up to life. I remember feeling like I could do and be anything when I watched her. At the time, it wasn’t the coolest thing to be a young boy into Madonna where I grew up in the suburbs of New York. So I remember sometimes I would hide my love the pop star. I didn’t want to be bullied or judged. My dad wanted me to play sports and be more into that sort of thing but I loved hanging out with my sister and her friends, dancing, listening to music, on my own writing, etc.. So I wrote this song for that kid! To tell him that he was alright, he was cool, that I love him, respect him and that he was exactly where he needed to be. Madonna was an artist who not only opened doors for other artists but fought for change and inspired many young people to be who they are and accept and embrace their own uniqueness. This song is about loving and embracing your own unique journey in life and following your passion no matter where it leads you. You are better off when you are true to yourself. As the bridge in the song asks “do dreams come true and does it matter if they do, cause ain’t a trip to your soul, a trip that is worth taking after all?”
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Observing my own life and the life around me. Whether it’s my own processing of experiences or the observing of what someone else has gone through, that is the stuff I draw from. Life is art, it’s always artful when you look at it that way. Whether it’s painful or joyful, I always see it as beautiful. It’s just a story. A series of stories. So many stories to write about.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I don’t know that it’s hidden but sometimes when I write something, it feels channeled and it teaches me something when I’m finished. When that happens, I don’t necessarily know where the song is going, I just write what is coming through and then it starts to come together. That’s always fun. But I don’t intentionally hide any messages in my music or lyrics. They are pretty straight forward.
Success, what is the secret to it?
To keep going. That’s it. If you can wake up everyday and continue to produce art, you are successful in my eyes.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
This moment. Releasing this new song. Artistically, personally, it’s an exciting time because I feel people really connecting with it. I always want to feel like the present moment is the moment of my best work. Also,
Last year my song “It’s Only love” was placed in a film starring Sharon Stone called “All I Wish.” That was pretty cool. 🙂
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Obviously the star mentioned in the title of my latest release is one. I admire her artistry, work ethic and bravery. I am a huge fan of folk music and the work of Bob Dylan has had a deep impact on me. His poetry is so unique in that it captures the thing he is saying so simply and so powerfully at the same time. I like his delivery and attitude. I was also deeply inspired by the band Indigo Girls and their many many albums. They are such gifted writers and also have a lot of depth. More contemporary artists I like who I think do very honest and masterful records are Ray Lamontagne, Avett Brothers and John Mayer.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Always. New songs are being written always so I’ll be recording again by autumn.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
I have been in this business for many years already and it’s so hard to predict. I like to see myself releasing many more songs and reaching many more people. To just keep growing. That’s what I want.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
My least favorite part is that it seems like if you have tons of money to promote your music, you have a much better shot at being heard these days. So many amazing songs will never go anywhere when the artists don’t have a budget to market and promote. However, the cool thing about all that is that there are many different ways one can reach an audience on their own these days. With YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, periscope, etc… you can take what you are doing and share it over and over. It works and people connect that way. That’s how i connected with you. So in that way, it’s an exciting time for an independent artist and anything is possible.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
INXS, Sia (she’s really cool too and nice – she was a regular at a restaurant I used to work at in Hollywood). Savage Garden had some good songs!
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I think it’s a good thing. It allows for much more diversity in music and options for people to listen to. Better than having just several stations dictate what’s popular.
How do you plan on cracking the international market?
With the help of DJs and music curators who are independent and champions of fresh music and independent artists. People in the music industry who are out there searching for quality music they can help break out. People like yourself – so thanks for the opportunity to be heard by your listeners. It’s means a lot.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I don’t usually collaborate as a writer. As a producer, yes I do. Ted Wulfers who co produced and engineered “Listening to Madonna” is a tremendously talented guy. We worked so well together and he really nailed it. My wish list … I think it would be fun to cut a record with John Mayer. If Madonna wants to co-write, I’ll make an exception for her too and we can write an emotionally driven and inspiring mega hit. :))
What advice do you give for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Keep on going. That’s how you get better. That’s how you grow. Everyday you reach more people. Read motivational books, follow artists who inspire you, hang out with accomplished and driven friends. Do all the things that keep u uplifted and motivated. All the things that keep you going. And when you have a slow time, don’t spend that time being worried and depressed. Know that things happen in waves and cycles and that the busy season is coming. Just keep going!! And take care of yourself. Eat well, sleep enough, exercise. This is a long road and you need your energy.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your fans?
I enjoy using Instagram so I probably post on there most frequently. You can also send me a personal message through my website and i will get back to you. Join the email list on the homepage to keep u with latest news. I also respond to messages on my Facebook public page.
Any last words?
Thank you for sharing the music.
Website: www.josepheidmusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/josepheidmusic
Twitter: @josepheidmusic
Instagram: @josepheidmusic
Apple Music: Joseph Eid on Apple Music
Spotify: Joseph Eid on Spotify