Be sure to listen to his new Single "Your Love" Out Now
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly tell us about yours?
Growing up, I loved making beats on GarageBand on my grandma's iPad. That is what inspired me to learn how to use software on a computer so that I could record real instruments and my (at the time awful) voice as well. I wanted to be a producer didn't know how to start or turn it into a career path. Then I met a guy named Alan Thomas. He took me under his wing and taught me the basics of how to produce and how to make my demos better. I wanted to do what he did, so Alan really inspired me to be better.
New Song "Your Love" by Joseph Tilley Listen
I had little to no music connections where I live in Arkansas, other than Alan, so I thought "I'll just start writing and producing songs for myself." Ever since late 2016, I have used my personal artist project as a portfolio to reach out and produce for others, play shows, as well as everything that comes with building out an artist project. It is great fun and I’m very happy with and excited about the music that I am putting out. It has turned into something I love and am very proud of.
Please tell us about your art. What do you do / make / create? How? Why? What’s the message or inspiration, what do you hope people take away from it? What should we know about your artwork?
I make pop music in my bedroom! I have been blessed to work closely with some other really talented artists that just so happen to be my good friends, like Emilee Flood and Dillon Davis. I believe in helping your friends achieve their dreams, even if it gets put before your own sometimes. I personally believe that I have been given the gift of music so that I can build relationships and show people the love and grace that Jesus Christ has shown me. The music industry is a dark place, and it will likely be like that for a long time. If it was only about the music, I would be wasting my time. Of course I want to be successful, but the people that I meet along the way, are much more important to me. I am inspired sonically by Justin Bieber, Bazzi, Lennon Stella, and plenty of others.
Tell us about your new song “Your Love”. What inspired the lyrics? Who produced it?
Your Love is inspired by my girlfriend - She is amazing! She loves me so well and truly makes me better. We are dating long distance and I wrote this song out of that longing to show her my heart for her. Talking about how she’s back home in California “out west” and I can’t go another day without seeing her - knowing it is still going to be weeks until I see her again. Long distance is hard, but very very very worth it when you find the right person. That is kind of the theme of this track (: This song was produced by one of my very good friends and one of my favorite producers Noah Nockels (@noahnock) is the man!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can follow me on Spotify - Joseph Tilley. You can also find my music on all other streaming platforms. You can follow my Instagram @josephtilleymusic to be on the lookout for new releases and other songs I'm producing outside of my artist project
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
For me personally, success looks different in different seasons. I think success means doing what you’re called to do the best that you can do it everyday. I think the little steps you take each day make you successful, rather than accomplishments you may achieve late in your career. I think being humble and genuine is one of the best characteristics an artist can have. In an industry where it is common to have all attention on the artist, I think people stand out when they are humble and don't need to brag. Their work speaks for itself.
What's your favorite song/project you've been apart of?
I'm most proud of "Feels Like a Dream" by Emilee, or my song “Be Somebody.” This changes all the time as I write and work with more friends on their music.
Watch "Be Somebody" Music Video by Joseph Tilley
Stream "Be Somebody" by Joseph Tilley Listen
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I was a cook at Dixie Cafe, I worked at Slim Chicken’s, I detailed Cars, and now I also do graphic design on the side.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
People need truth and grace. You can't give people all grace with no truth, and vice versa.
What advice would you give up and coming independent artists?
Find what makes you unique. Find out what you want the world to know. Lean into them
What differentiates you and your art from other artists/musicians?
I'm still figuring that out for myself. Every time I work with a new artist or put out new music for myself - it's taking a step closer to that. Obviously my voice is unique to me, and the songs I sing are written and produced by me, but I am still searching and working to find that in myself.
