When I first met this guy it was in a hole in the wall bar right here in Indianapolis. By the night’s end we were hanging out in a hotel in downtown Indianapolis with other Indyconcerts.com favorite in Ernie Halter, Trey Lockerbie, and Tony Lucca. Since he continues to play shows nearly every night of the week. He has hit over two million plays on MySpace and is currently on tour with Andy Davis. He brings a sense of style to the stage and knows how to melt the ladies’ hearts in the crowd. Sit with me today, as I am happy to introduce you to Josh Hoge.
What is your first memory of the guitar?
Well my first memory personally is that my A.D.D was way too bad to ever learn how to play it, but my brother turned me on TO Stevie Ray Vaughn and watching him was a sign that i shouldn’t even bother playing!
How long have you been performing?
I have been playing for about five years professionally.
Who was performing first, you or your brother Will?
Will has me by about a decade.
Have you guys ever tour together?
No, we are just so different musically. But I do hope that we decide to at some point!
Who would win in a pillow fight between Ernie Halter and Curtis Peoples?
Probably Ernie because he rolls with his own pillow. Plus Curtis probably wouldn’t see it coming because he would be fixing his hair!
Out of all the guys you have toured with who is the most fun?
There are so many different types of fun. I I can not believe that I lived to talk about the tour I did with Ryan Cabrera. There was so much alcohol! Natasha Bedinfield most fun to look at. Elliot Yamin was hot too! (Laughs)
Tell me about your new album.
My main album is an album that was written about one big relationship both good and bad. I feel like everyone can relate. I wrote it all from experience.
Where can I get a copy of that new album?
The easiest place is on iTunes. You can even buy it in your underwear! I guess you can get it in stores too!
What about some Josh Hoge merchandise?
You can get it on my website or at any of my shows!
What inspired you to record Ain’t No Sunshine?
My brother taught me when I was younger and it’s been my favorite since. I love Bill Withers!
Do you write all your own songs?
I co-write them. Since I do not play an instrument it is pretty hard to do it alone.
Tell us something about Curtis Peoples that only you would know!
I have dated many girls who take less time to get ready!
Where do you get inspiration for a new track?
It is usually something that either happens to me, my friends, my family, or just anyone close to me. When someone is talking to me and I always listen just in case they say something that inspires an idea.
Tell me about your connections to Caitlin Crosby.
She is my baby’s momma! Kidding. I met her in LA while making my album. She came in and sang on the debut “Space” and I fell in love with her vibe and voice. She then signed to my label, and we have remained super close friends!
What is the biggest crowd that you have ever played for?
25,000 in California at a huge radio festival. It was huge.
The smallest?
13 people in Cincinnati a few years ago! It sucked!
What are your thoughts on MySpace?
I’m a an. I like anything that allows fans to be more a part of what you do and allows you to communicate with them. Plus I have discovered many cools acts on there that I might not have heard of without it.
Are you on Twitter?
I am addicted to it! You can find me at twitter.com/joshhoge.
How did you react when you heard the news about Michael Jackson?
I was in Atlanta. My exact thoughts were, “I now know how my dad felt when Elvis died.”. MJ was our generations Elvis and as far as anything musically goes. It truly is sad.
Do you actually wear glasses or is that a fashion statement?
I actually do wear glasses but I never wear them. I always wear fake ones that are totally a fashion statement.
Tell me about Blackledge Music.
It’s a small label out of New Jersey that is run through Atlantic Records. They only have four acts. It’s cool but the indie world is a different world. Luckily I think that I, and they, are in that!
Describe your genre in one word.
Pop.
Where are you originally from?
I am from Franklin, Tennessee. It’s 20 minutes from Nashville.
If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you go?
(Thinks) London? New York City? That’s a hard question. I have not been out of the states that much.
What are you drinking on stage?
Jack Daniel’s and Sprite or or vodka and soda if it’s a drink. Probably Jameson if it’s a shot. Lately it’s been water during the show because i am trying to cut the drinking back. I want to live a few more years!
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Michael Jackson, my brother Will Hoge, Jackie Wilson, Bill Withers; I could play this game all night!
If you could meet anyone alive or dead who would it be and why?
Dead I would say Martin Luther King, Jr. because of obvious reasons for what he stood for and what he made happen. Alive would be bill withers. He’s my favorite artist.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully doing the same thing for a bigger fan base.
What do you want to be remembered for when this all said and done?
That I never changed who I am for anyone or anything. I am who I am, what you see is what you get. I also love my fans and would do most things for them.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
Fuck.
