Interview: Josh Gwin
Faith-driven singer songwriter Josh Gwin talks to Louder Than The Music about his new song 'Sittin Here', and his plans to release more music this year.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Yeah, so I’m Josh Gwin - I’ve been around music most of my life, but honestly, I’ve spent a lot of years behind the scenes producing and recording other artists. I never really pushed my own music out there until recently. I’m a married father of two boys, and now that I’m a little older, I feel like I finally have some stories worth telling - about life, love, faith, and trying to balance it all.
Tell us about your new single 'Sittin Here' and what the inspiration behind it was?
"Sittin' Here" is really about reflection and finding your way back. I wrote it during a time when I was looking at my own life and realizing how easy it is to drift - not all at once, but a little at a time. You know, Satan doesn’t try to rip us away from God overnight - the trick is getting us to make small compromises along the way until we look up and wonder how we got so far off track. For me, the song’s about that moment when you stop, take a breath, and say, I’m done running. I’m ready to come back.It’s honest, it’s personal, and I think a lot of people can relate to that journey.
Do you have any plans to release more music in the near future?
Definitely. Sittin’ Here is just the beginning. I’ve got a few more songs lined up - one of them is called "Nikki", and it should be out by the time this article drops. Nikki is a really personal story about a girl searching for hope and a place to belong. It’s one of those songs that reminds you we’ve all got our battles, and sometimes just being seen can make a difference.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I want people to know there’s hope in Jesus Christ - no matter what they’re facing. We all go through peaks and valleys, and none of us have it all together. We’re all broken, leaky vessels in one way or another, but God has this incredible way of patching us up and still choosing to work through us. That’s really the heart behind my music - it’s about grace, second chances, and knowing that even in the middle of the mess, God can still use you.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I’d say my taste in music is really eclectic - I’m kind of all over the place. I love classic rock, classic Christian metal, pop-punk, emo, singer-songwriter, country, and even uplifting hip-hop. That probably comes from my background as a producer - I’ve worked with so many different styles that I’ve learned to appreciate what makes each one special.
Growing up, my parents only let me listen to Christian music until I was about 19 - unless it was something from the ’50s or ’60s. So I got a steady dose of Elvis, The Beach Boys, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan… especially when Mom wasn’t paying attention. But the moment that really lit the fire was when I saw Michael J. Fox play Johnny B. Goode in Back to the Future. I was six years old, and I picked up a guitar right after that. I knew I wanted to make music that made people feel the way that scene made me feel.
For me, if a song gives me goosebumps or gets my heart rate up, I don’t care what genre it is - I’m in. The only thing I can’t stand is having to deny myself an amazing song because of bad lyrics or a negative message. I just love music that moves you - that makes you feel something real.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
If I could work with any artist, it’d probably be on a song written by Michael W. Smith, sung as a duet with Avril Lavigne, and produced by Mutt Lange or Dan Huff. I know - that’s a wild combo, but that’s totally me when it comes to music!
In my head, the three of us would create this monster faith-based anthem - something emotional, powerful, and full of life. Michael brings the heart and message, decades of amazing songwriting and performance, and he’s just a world-class performer. Avril would bring that raw energy and edge that makes every lyric hit a little harder, and I’d just be in the middle trying to hold it all together, smiling the whole time.
That blend of faith, emotion, and energy - that’s what music is all about for me.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
I think every artist wants to be successful - you have to be if you want to keep doing what you love. But for me, it’s not about fame or chasing numbers. It has to be God-led, and it has to stay in balance. I’m not willing to lose my family, my friends, or my faith over it. Honestly, if you’re blessed enough that people appreciate your art and it allows you to support your family - and maybe even have a little extra to pay it forward and help others - that’s real success. The fame and spotlight fade, but what you build in people’s lives lasts.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Honestly, I can’t answer that question - my brain just shuts down when I try! There’s no way I could pick one favorite album. I’ve listened to so much music across so many genres that it’s impossible to narrow it down.
Some days it’s U2 or Switchfoot, other days it’s Blink-182, Ed Sheeran, Dean Lewis, or Adele, and sometimes it’s something classic like Elvis, B.B. King, or Stevie Ray Vaughn. I just love great music, no matter what box it fits in - if it moves me, it’s on my list.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Well, if I’m stuck on an island, it’s hot, I’ve only got enough battery for one song, and there aren’t any Starlink satellites overhead, then I’m just gonna lean into the island vibe and play “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley - you know, “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing’s gonna be all right.”
At that point, I’d just kick back, watch the waves, and trust that God’s got the rest handled.
What does the next year hold for you?
Honestly, the next year looks like a lot of work — but the good kind. I really want to keep honing my craft and getting better at the gifts God’s blessed me with. I’m independent right now, so a big part of this season is making smart marketing decisions and figuring out how to get the music out there in the right way.
I’m also hoping to get the support of radio - that’s still such a powerful way to reach people and share a message that matters. More than anything, I’m praying the songs connect - that listeners relate enough to add them to their daily playlists. If that happens, I’ll feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
