His experience of being in a toxic environment a little over a year ago served as the basis for Poison Apple. The song is about escaping toxic environments and realizing that even the brightest things occasionally have a lot of drawbacks. Poison Apple is, in other words, a song about reclaiming your freedom, letting go of negativity, and maintaining your strength. The refrain โDonโt want to eat your poison appleโ is his favorite line in the song because it stands for resisting someoneโs toxic and abusive control. This song should encourage listeners to advocate for themselves.
Are you able to identify the Poison Apple? Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
JOSH TEPPER: I grew in New York City, and always loved singing. It was always my happy place.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
JOSH TEPPER: Yes, I trained vocally with Badiene Magaziner, and attended New York Cityโs Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts as a vocal major. ย
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
JOSH TEPPER: My first music influences were definitely Selena Quintanilla, Tina Turner, Santana, Rob Thomas, and Peter Gabriel.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
JOSH TEPPER: I think my listeners like my music because itโs honest. My sound depends on my mood and where I am in life so it changes from track to track.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?
JOSH TEPPER: I have always loved pop, and as an artist I have put my own spin on it.
6. Whatโs your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles โ and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
JOSH TEPPER:
My music represents where I am spiritually.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
JOSH TEPPER:
I hope people feel inspired, free, peaceful , and empowered when listening to my music.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
JOSH TEPPER:
I begin the process with always a hook and a story. The beat usually comes second for me.
9. What has been the most difficult thing youโve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
JOSH TEPPER: I like to only focus o the positive.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
JOSH TEPPER: I am pleased that people are listening and enjoying my music.
11. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
JOSH TEPPER: my music comes from personal experinces, however, I want everyone to interpret my tracks in their own way.
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