Joshua Alxndr Finds Strength in Starting Over on "Brand New"

Walking away is rarely as simple as it sounds. Even when the signs are clear, people often stay in relationships, careers, or situations that no longer serve them because the fear of change outweighs the discomfort of staying. On his latest single, "Brand New," Canadian independent artist Joshua Alxndr transforms that emotional crossroads into an intimate and empowering R&B anthem about choosing yourself.

Blending contemporary R&B, pop, and soul, Joshua delivers a performance that feels sincere rather than performative. His vocals carry a quiet confidence, allowing the emotion behind every lyric to take center stage without relying on unnecessary vocal theatrics. It's a restrained approach that gives the song its emotional weight, inviting listeners to sit with their own experiences rather than simply observe his.

What makes "Brand New" particularly compelling is its balance between vulnerability and hope. The production creates a tension that mirrors the uncertainty of letting go, while subtle melodic shifts gradually introduce a sense of optimism. That progression reflects the song's central message: healing doesn't happen all at once, but every new beginning starts with a difficult decision.

Joshua's songwriting also avoids clichés by focusing on emotional honesty over dramatic storytelling. Rather than assigning blame, he explores the internal conversations that lead up to someone finally deciding they deserve better.

With influences ranging from Michael Jackson's artistry to the melodic craftsmanship of Usher and Chris Brown, Joshua Alxndr continues carving out his own identity. "Brand New" isn't simply a breakup song. It's a reminder that growth often begins the moment we stop waiting for things to change and choose to change ourselves instead.

“Brand New” is about choosing yourself over familiarity. Was there a specific experience that inspired the song, or is it a reflection of multiple chapters in your life?

Brand New is a reflection of multiple chapters in my life, but there was one experience that really became the catalyst for the song.

Years ago, I was seeing someone I genuinely cared about. We connected effortlessly, had so much in common, and everything felt like it was moving in the right direction. Then one day we had an argument. I figured we’d do what most couples do: take some time to cool off and come back together to work through it. Instead, she chose to get involved with someone else simply because she was angry with me.

That moment changed a lot for me. I was hurt and disappointed, but I also realized that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is walk away. I didn’t ask for an explanation or try to convince her to stay. I just accepted what happened and kept moving forward.

Looking back, that experience became bigger than heartbreak. It taught me about self-worth and choosing peace over familiarity. That’s really what Brand New is about. It’s about understanding that sometimes the hardest decision is also the healthiest one, and believing that by letting go of what no longer serves you, you’re creating space for something better.

Your music consistently focuses on emotional honesty rather than trends. How do you know when a song feels authentic enough to release?

I have a small circle of people I trust who hear my music before anyone else. The biggest test isn’t whether they tell me they like the song, it’s whether they can describe the exact emotions I was trying to communicate without me having to explain them.

When someone says, “I’ve been through this,” or tells me it reminds them of a chapter in their own life, I know the song has done its job. That’s the moment it stops being just my story and becomes something people can make their own.

I’ve never wanted to chase trends. Trends come and go, but honesty lasts. If a song feels genuine and has the ability to make someone feel seen, then I know it’s ready to be released.

You cite Michael Jackson, Usher, and Chris Brown as influences. What lessons have you taken from each artist that continue to shape your own sound?

Each of those artists inspired me for different reasons. Growing up, Michael Jackson showed me what it meant to be a true performer. The way he commanded a stage, told stories through movement, and made every performance feel like an unforgettable experience made me fall in love with entertaining. Before I even wanted to become a singer, I wanted to dance because of him.

Then artists like Usher and Chris Brown came along and expanded that vision. Their vocal styles, musical versatility, and ability to blend incredible performances with genuine emotion showed me what kind of artist I wanted to become.

The biggest lesson I’ve taken from all of them, though, is the importance of vulnerability. Behind all the choreography, production, and performances was honesty. They weren’t afraid to express love, heartbreak, confidence, or pain, and that’s something I carry into my own music. I want every song to feel like a real conversation. Whether I’m celebrating, hurting, or growing, I want listeners to hear the truth because I believe people connect with authenticity more than perfection. The production on “Brand New” builds tension before arriving at hope. How intentional was that sonic journey while creating the record?

It was completely intentional. Whenever I write a song, I don’t just think about the lyrics; I think about the emotional journey I want listeners to experience from beginning to end. I want people to feel like they’re stepping into the story with me, almost like they’re living those moments in real time.

With Brand New, I wanted the production to mirror the emotional progression of the lyrics. It starts with uncertainty and emotional tension before gradually opening up into something more freeing and hopeful. That transition reflects the journey of choosing yourself. The production and lyrics were always meant to work together so that listeners don’t just hear the message; they feel it.

You talk about wanting listeners to feel understood after hearing your music. What’s the most meaningful piece of feedback you’ve received from someone who connected with one of your songs?

I’m still at the beginning of my journey as an artist, so I don’t think I’ve experienced that defining moment just yet, and honestly, I’m looking forward to the day it happens.

Even now, though, hearing someone tell me, “It feels like you wrote this song about my life,” means everything to me. That’s when I know the music has connected on a deeper level.

At the end of the day, that’s the impact I hope to have with every release. If someone can put on one of my songs after a difficult day and feel understood, comforted, or simply reminded that they aren’t alone, then I’ve accomplished exactly what I set out to do as an artist.