13 yr-old, Josie – better known as JOSIE SAL, Singer/Songwriter.
At just 13 years old, Josie Sal is already carving out her own path in country music, blending classic influences with a fresh, youthful energy. From an unexpected dare at age 10 to performing on stage with Jelly Roll in front of 26,000 people, Josie’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. With original songs like “Two Cents,” “Country Gold,” and “On My Way,” she is proving that age is no barrier to making an impact in the industry.
With a passion for storytelling, a love for both country and rock, and an unstoppable drive, Josie is quickly gaining recognition. She has earned a nomination at The Josie Music Awards, performed at CMA Fest, and even received a VIP invitation from American Idol. Despite her rising success, she remains grounded, balancing school, songwriting, and performances while keeping her sights set on big dreams like playing the Grand Ole Opry and collaborating with some of her idols.
In this interview, Josie opens up about her inspirations, challenges as a young artist, and the excitement of what is to come. From her biggest performances to her latest single, “Fake Friends,” she is only just getting started. Let’s dive in.
Your journey into music began at age 10 after a dare from your father led to your first public performance. How did that experience influence your decision to pursue a music career?
I realized after that dare, that I could sing! I loved everything about the moment I started to sing. The energy in the crowd, the smiles on people’s faces, and the way music makes people feel.
At just 13 years old, you’re already making waves in country music. How has your journey as an artist evolved, and what challenges have you faced as a young musician in the industry?
Since I started, I went from singing Van Halen in School of Rock to singing and writing my own original country music. From that dare I sang at karaoke places and now had my first headliner show! The biggest challenge so far is simply being young. You can’t do a lot of things and some do not take you serious.
Your single “Two Cents” carries a strong and confident message. What inspired the lyrics, and how do you relate to the story behind the song?
As a 13 year old in the public eye people have lots of opinions. Most are positive and supportive however some are negative. So this was my way of telling people that if you believe in yourself and you are confident the naysayers should be ignored.
You’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with incredible songwriters and producers. What was it like working with such an experienced team on “Two Cents,” and how did they help shape your sound?
This is my 3rd original produced by Noah Henson, lead guitarist for Brantley Gilbert. I was incredibly lucky to have been introduced to Noah through a family friend and on my very first trip to Nashville. When I recorded my first song with Noah he helped shape my sound a lot. He helped me mix country and rock to make my perfect sound.
You’ve already released original songs like “Two Cents” and “Country Gold.” Can you share the inspiration behind these tracks and what messages you hope listeners take away from them?
“Country Gold” is about the legends of country music who filled my grandpas house and inspired me to chase my dreams. The message I wanted to get across for “Two Cents” was to not let the Naysayers put you down, and stay true to yourself and not let people tell you how to live your life.
Your first original song, “On My Way,” was released in March 2024. What inspired this song, and how does it reflect your personal journey in the music industry?
What inspired “On My Way” was the people who told me I am too young and I should just be a kid.
You’ve had remarkable opportunities to share the stage with artists like Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll. Can you describe what it was like performing “Save Me” with Jelly Roll in front of 26,000 people?
It felt unreal. From the moment the security came to get me and we followed him backstage it was as if the audience and behind the stage were two separate moments. Being in front watching a show, now seeing thousands of people with their phones out watching you. Crazy, exciting, scary, now real moment. I remember thinking don’t forget the lyrics now Josie! Jelly waved me to the front of the stage and then I realized I could not hear myself. No in ear monitors, Jelly picked up on that and started pacing me and I felt better trying to finish the song. I loved feeling the energy of the crowd, the cheers, and simply how much Jelly cared about me up on that stage.
Performing at events like Tootsie’s 64th Annual Birthday Bash and the CMA Fest in Nashville are significant milestones. How have these experiences shaped your growth as an artist?
Honored to have played at these events and I think it gives me more confidence for this journey I am on. I guess I feel like it is reachable.
Your rendition of “Black Velvet” was featured in The Hollywood Times. What drew you to cover this particular song, and how did you approach making it your own?
I was at my mentor’s house, Mr. Mike Riley, whose band is The BoogieMen out of Southwest Florida. We were visiting and practicing some songs, and he introduced “Black Velvet” to me and thought It would fit my vocals. Once I heard it, I loved it. Noah Henson produced it and he let me sing it they way it felt right to me.
You’ve been nominated for the Junior Artist of the Year Award at The Josie Music Awards. How does this recognition impact your aspirations and motivation as a young artist?
It was such an honor to be nominated with so much talent. Even though I did not get the award, being at the Grand Ole Opry with all these great artists made me feel like we were one big family. I met another artist in my category, and we have become great friends. It has inspired me not to feel that I lost but to feel that I have new friends in my journey.
You received a special VIP invitation from American Idol to go straight to the LA auditions when you’re of age. How does this opportunity influence your future plans in the music industry?
Honestly, I still have two years to go for the invite. I don’t really get to think about it much and when I do I get excited about the thought of it. Two years seems forever right now and every week my journey gets more and more exciting.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals for your music career? Are there any upcoming projects or dream collaborations you’re excited about?
My biggest goals in the music career is to one day play at the Grand Ole Opry, to get a nomination from the Country Music Association, and to have my own tour! My goal is to keep writing, recording, and to release a song every eight to 10 weeks weeks. I want to work on a tour for the fall and my dream collab would be with Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, and my idol Billy Joel.
Balancing school and a music career must be a unique challenge. How do you manage both, and do you find that your experiences as a student influence your songwriting?
My school is online classes and I manage that when I can in the week. My biggest influence for my songwriting is my own experiences and my siblings experiences. I am the youngest of 4 and the older ones give me a lot to work with!
Your music blends influences from country artists like Lainey Wilson to classic rock icons such as Billy Joel. How do these diverse inspirations impact your songwriting and performance style?
I love how Lainey has fun on stage, and I try to do that at my shows. With Billy Joel its his music and story telling that makes me want to write.
Your website features a “Tip Jar” section. Can you explain what it is, how fans can use it, and what their support means to you as an independent artist?
My Tip Jar is a way for everyone to support me with my journey of recording songs, making videos and sometimes after I perform the tip jar is to make it easy for someone to tip me.
You’re just 13, and you’ve already accomplished so much! What’s next for you? Are you working on a new single or maybe even planning a tour?
Yes, I just finished recording my next song release called “Fake Friends,” expected to drop around 6 weeks. I am working on a possible tour, getting a showcase in The Listening Room, the SONG SUFFRAGETTES, and hopefully getting to open for some bigger artists at concerts.
Thanks for doing this, Josie. Is there anything else you’d like to share with me here today?
I just want to thank my incredible team that we have put together and for believing in me.
In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Always God first. I thank my mom and dad, without whom I could not do this. My siblings Johnny, Jimmy, and Helena for their support. My family, friends, and fans who believe in me, THANK YOU!
