Josiah Leming
An interview with singer - songwriter Josiah Leming
by Tina Hall
October 2010
Josiah Leming
Josiah Leming is likely most well known from his appearance on the seventh season of American Idol (he was cut right before the semifinals). The Idol stage is a long way from his hometown of Morristown in East Tennessee. He began writing his own music by the age of 16. Josiah has four previously released EP’s and his newest album Come On Kid is out now on Reprise Records and will play the Loft in Madison, WI on October 22nd with Tyler Hilton.
Maximum Ink: I have read that would you rather end up dead in a ditch somewhere than to not be able to make music. Is that true? What do you think you’d end up doing for a living if not for the music? When did you first know you had to be a musician?
Josiah Lemming: Music is my thing and it makes me feel alive; it’s the only thing that does that and it’s the only thing I can do successfully. The statement stands strong, just maybe not quite as dramatic. If I did anything else it would still be music-related. I knew I wanted to pursue music around age 15.
MI: What was it like to come from East TN and end up playing for millions on American Idol? What did you learn from that?
JL: For me that wasn’t a dream come true because the ultimate dream is being on stage playing my own songs, so that was just a quick taste of what I’m going for. I’ve learned so much since then; I’m in a completely different mindset now.
MI: What aspects of home do you miss most? Do you think coming from where you have has left an impression on you musically?
JL: I miss my home, of course, and things being simple and the personal connections; you have to connect with people on a basic level there and it’s different when you’re in a big city. I like writing about my experiences from home.
MI: You come from a rather large family. Are they supportive of your career? How has your career enabled you to help them make ends meet?
JL: My family is very supportive and really proud of me, but they wish I was around more.
MI: How has you life changed most since you left Morristown? Do you any advice to offer others in regards to living in small, rural communities?
JL: You have to stay focused; everything is in a bubble when you’re in a small town so it makes things seem impossible but they’re still do-able. You just have to stay focused and remember that things can work out.
MI: Do you think music has been helpful in dealing with life in rural America and all the challenges that come with that?
JL: Yes.
MI: How does your new album compare to your past work?
JL: It is more complete and developed; the older stuff was more about trying to find the sounds to surround the song with and with this one we finally nailed it.
MI: Where would you like to see your career go next?
JL: I’m going to work hard and keep writing and see where it goes.
MI: What do you like to do when you aren’t making music?
JL: I like to play soccer.
MI: How would you describe your music?
JL: Take a listen and you’ll see.
MI: Is there any little known facts about yourself that your fans wouldn’t expect?
JL: I’m pretty open with my fans, so there’s not much to tell…
MI: What projects are you working on for the future? Where can fans go for the latest on all that? Is there anything you’d like to say to them?
JL: I’m focused on supporting this album right now; I’m headed out on tour all over the US so I hope to see everyone out at a show.
• Wiki
Josiah Leming
CD: Come On Kid Record Label: Reprise Records
• Download Come On Kid on Amazon