Ears Wide Open: Joshy Soul

Kevin Bronson on February 3rd, 2022

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Long Beach-via-Utah-based Joshy Soul mixes style, skating and soul — the multi-faceted artist expresses himself as a singer-songwriter, producer, fashion model, stylist, art director and, even, roller-skating enthusiast.

Born Joshua Strauther, he has released three solo singles so far, ranging from dreamy neo-soul to party-hearty funk. The latest, “New Lover,” falls in the latter category, as Joshy Soul channels his inner Prince as he mashes the vibes of “Let’s Go Crazy” and “1999.” It’s a perfect song for new beginnings.

“New year, new me, ‘New Lover,’” he says. “The song is about me having a rough year focusing on pleasing people and others. This new year I found myself a new lover (which is myself). Taking care of my mental health and not always putting others before, especially my romantic relationships.”

It’s a step in the future for the singer, whose Utah-based based band Joshy Soul and the Cool embraced a more vintage soul sound. He has a new EP on the way in March, and after a couple of festival appearances, Joshy Soul kicks off a tour supporting Curtis Harding beginning in April.

||| Stream: “New Lover,” “Dreams” and “Celebration”