[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Check our interview with Baltimore-based rock and roll artist, Josh Christina, who is an old soul proudly raised by Jim and Patti Christina with a strong belief in God, country and work ethic. They’ve turned out a polite, well mannered, humble and even a bit shy son (when not on stage) that loves old cars, his family, his friends, his fans and definitely music!
He inherited his musical chops from his biological father (a drummer), his mother (Baltimore-area singer Patti Christina), and his grandmother, who was a big band singer in the ’40’s and ’50’s.
Josh spent the past 16 years honing his sound – a combination of the country, classic rock, gospel and blues he was raised on. And while most artists find the pressures of today’s[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”27635″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Hi Josh, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a 24 year old, rock and roll piano player from Cockeysville, Maryland. I grew up in a musical household, my mom was a singer and my father was a drummer, and when I was six years old, I found Elvis Presley and it changed my life. That led me to guys like Chuck Berry, B.B. King, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis. When I found Jerry Lee, that got me into piano and changed my life!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Old-soul, blues and rock and roll! (Not really three words but best I got!)
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
By far Elvis Presley. He got me into music and singing. Because of my interest in him, I was led to guys like Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry and of course those two really inspired me to write and play piano. When I was little, listening to Elvis was like an escape and his music and story is really what got it all started for me. Changed my world, really.
How did you get started in the business?
It really started when I was ten and one of my best friends and I started doing a Blues Brothers act. We called ourselves the Junior Blues Brothers and would occasionally do shows with the band my mom sang with at the time. Then in 2011, after I had gotten into playing piano, I wanted to do my own thing and started playing out solo and doing shows with my own band.
Did you go to music school?
No I didn’t. I took a few piano lessons from an amazing musician my mom worked with but then after about half a dozen lessons or so, I started teaching myself.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Throwback, original and different.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’d have to again point to guys like Elvis, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee. Later on I got into to Elton John and that really opened my eyes on piano playing and writing. Really added to what I learned from Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee. I do it cause I love it. Theres nothing that makes me happier and I love entertaining and brining joy to people.
Do you ever get nervous?
I use to a lot. Not as much now but on occasion I do. I think all artist do sometimes and its good. Sometimes it fires you up do some really cool stuff and do a great show.
What is your next goal as a musician?
Next for me is probably to continue to do what I’ve been doing. Just keep writing and recording music and growing my fan base. Keep climbing the later I guess you would say.
Do you have a tour coming up or where we can see you performing?
Maybe looking at doing a tour in the Fall out through Kentucky but right now I play a lot on the East coast and around Maryland, DC, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Back in January, my band and I did a tour through the Carolinas and it was a lot of fun. Always fun playing for new people and in new places.
Now tell us about your hit “Let’s Get Woke?”
“Let’s Get Woke” is really my take on piano-driven rock and roll. I tried to combine all my biggest influences, give it my own twist and do it in a way where I could introduce this style of music to a new generation of listeners. If you’re an Elvis fan or an Elton fan, I think you’re gonna really like the song! It’s one of my favorite songs of all the ones I’ve wrote.
What we can expect of Josh Christina in 2019?
I’m sure some more music. Not sure when yet and don’t want to say too much, but there’s definitely some stuff in the works.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
I wouldn’t say I’m a huge karaoke singer but in the car, it could be a number of things. Of course the obvious, but I really love old gospel music and find myself listening to that a lot. Can’t really narrow it down to one song though, that’s tough to do, but any old rock and roll, blues, country or gospel, I’m there!
Name one your strengths?
Music is probably my biggest strength, but out side of that I’m a good problem solver and good at coming up with solutions quickly.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Doing what you love and being with the people you love. Pretty simple I think. But of course, being on the beach in the Bahamas somewhere is always really nice and I’d say thats my happy place!
Any loves other than music?
I love working on antique cars. For the last five years or so, I’ve worked on and off as a mechanic at a shop not to far from my house. I really enjoy it! My grandfather and I also rebuilt and antique fire engine that I love.
Any exiting news you want to share with us?
Not yet, but stay tuned!
How’s a typical day in your life?
Usually pretty laid back, working on music and stuff around the house and then at night, go to work and play some music! Basically music all the time.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
I’m really involved in my church so a perfect Sunday would be church and then a gig after.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Not really sure. I do love a good steak!
And your favorite cheat food?
Chocolate ice cream! Favorite late night snack.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Easy. If she isn’t a big music fan or our musical tastes are way different.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I can’t really narrow it down to one person, but I’d have to say any of my influences. I’d love to sit down with them and talk music with them, maybe even jam a bit!
Do you support any charities?
Not right now directly. I do play several charity events throughout the year and would love to, in the future, be involved with a charity.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I hope to be touring and traveling more then I am right now. Definitely would love to get married at some point so maybe that? Its a tough question to answer.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Pretty country I’d say. I’m always in boots and jeans and love a good flannel shirt in the fall. On stage, I love to wear some pretty crazy suit jackets or shirts that really catch your eye, but, of course, boots and jeans are always there no matter what.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media has its pros and cons. I think its great for fans to be able to keep up with artist and get a more personal look at them but I think overall it can be a distraction and has really taken away from the good, old fashion conversation.
Where we can follow you?
You check me out on my website at joshchristinamusic.com or follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @JoshChristina57.
Quote: “I never wanted to be famous. I only wanted to be great.”- Ray Charles
Song: “Just Pretend”- Elvis Presley
Movie: Any Marvel movie (Avengers, Iron Man, etc.)
Travel Destination: Paradise Island, Bahamas
Sports Team: Not a huge sports fan but I’d have to say the Baltimore Ravens[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
