Things don’t have to be this way.
Hailing from “The Magnolia State” of Mississippi in the US, Josh Waters has consistently found ways to capitalize on what can only be described as a genuine gift for music.
With a voice that embodies deep wells and depths of emotion and the warmth of his homeland’s sun, Josh captivates audiences with his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Not one to let himself stagnate or be complacent, this talented musician immediately began etching his legacy into the modern soul and R&B scene. Waters has every tool needed to thrive in this scene for a long time.
Rooted in Mississippi’s rich musical heritage, Josh Waters’ music journey began in his formative years. Influenced by the nostalgia of classic R&B and contemporary sounds, he cultivated a style that straddles the line between both to achieve the best of both worlds.
Waters’ significant talent hasn’t gone unnoticed either; he’s graced stages alongside renowned artists like J. Holiday, Big Krit, and the legendary Rakim, enchanting audiences with his magnetic presence. Factor in his listing as an upcoming artist by the Grammy Awards, and Water’s ascension seems certain.
The first thing you notice on Waters’ latest release, “Crash and Burn,” is a peppy drum that almost makes you believe the heartbreak isn’t coming. Water’s smooth and sensual vocals put your head in the clouds as he sings lines like “Look at the mess we made / you took it too far,” but somewhere within the hazy soundscape Waters has created, the pure emotion and turmoil in Water’s voice brings you back to earth. This is an emotional release; make no doubt about it, but what truly makes “Crash and Burn” work is Water’s captivating ability to make you feel invested in the story.
Josh Water’s latest release, “Crash and Burn,” shows the upcoming artist continues to prove why he’s one of the hottest talents in the business. With a musical passion as strong as the Mississippi River and a voice that lingers in the soul long after the song ends, Josh Waters isn’t just an artist to watch; he’s a musical force poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of R&B.
Welcome to Buzz, Josh Waters! We loved “Crash and Burn;" what a heart-wrenching release! We had to ask what inspired this release, and were you drawing from personal experience?
Thank you so much. I genuinely appreciate it. Crash and Burn was birthed from a real situation. I entered a relationship, knowing I wasn’t ready for it. ultimately ignoring what I knew to be true, we both knew better to be honest. I allowed my ego to swell in that time and allowed myself to make some mistakes that led to the demise of that situation in that season. Actually, writing the song with my brother, Jamaica Smith, was one of the most therapeutic sessions and experiences in general that I’ve ever been a part of. This song was a release in more ways than one.
What is your favorite part of the creative process, and can you take us through the creative process for “Crash and Burn?"
My favorite part of the creative process is when the magic happens. I think the magic is when everybody in the equation becomes free enough to allow the creative energy to flow freely through them and be expressed authentically. When that happens, I’m lit up every time.
Making Crash and Burn was one of the most therapeutic things I had ever done as an artist. I wrote this song with my brother Jamaica about a year and a half ago, maybe two years now, and I can remember just being in a vulnerable space that day. I can remember us actively conversing about what I was going through, and my brother Hero played a couple of beats for me. When he got to this one, it just l grabbed me, stuck out to me, and because we were already having a conversation and it was so honest, the song practically wrote itself you know what I mean. we just told the truth.
What do you enjoy most about making music, and do you have any advice for all aspiring musicians?
What I enjoy most about making music is the fulfillment of knowing that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing when I’m making music. It feels right, I’m happy, and I’m at home. I think my advice to any aspiring artist would be to have fun, follow your heart, and keep your “why” somewhere close to the front of your mind.
If your audience could take one thing away from your music, what would you want it to be?
If my audience could take one thing away from my music, I would want them to take my heart. One of my biggest goals is to give people different perspectives on giving and receiving love from the lens of a brother from Mississippi. So I pour my heart into the music, seriously. I hope that’s what’s being felt out there. What's next for me is more music.
What’s next for Josh Waters, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
I owe my fans more music, and I think what I would say to my fans is just thank you. Thank you for being patient with me. It’s been two years since I was released, so all the support I’ve been getting so far really means a lot. I couldn’t do any of this without them, so thank you.