We caught up with New Brunswick’s own Josh Norrad for this segment of Five Questions With. He has announced he will be working with Jason Barry, along with Dean Brody’s band for his new single, so that’s something to look forward to, but until then, check out his video for “Backroads” below.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Yes, for sure! Hey everyone, my name is Josh Norrad. I am from Upper Miramichi, New Brunswick, along the banks of the world-famous Miramichi River. My journey began after I taught myself how to play guitar at the age of 15, however, it was not until I was 19 that I began to sing. After a few years of playing in a rock band, I eventually reconnected with my country roots. In early 2011, I released my first single “Backroads”. I received such an amazing response from my fans that I decided to continue pursuing a career in country music. Since then, I have gone on to release a full-length album, along with a number of singles. I have been nominated for 6 MNB Awards, including two time Country Artist of the Year; and have received nationwide airplay on TV and radio. I have also had the opportunity to perform for one of the biggest music festivals in Canada, Cavendish Beach Music Festival!
Currently, I am in the studio recording a new single. I am working on the new release with one of Canada’s top producers Jason Barry. I will also be accompanied by Dean Brody’s Band who will be performing all the music on this new single.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
I like my music to be either loaded with fist-pumping energy or to be very real, reflective, and soulful. It is very rare that I will write anything in between. I also have a tendency to write for a live audience. You could call some of my songs “anthems”. Catchy and something that the crowd can sing along with even if it’s their first time hearing the song.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
Since my focus is on recording at this time, we are currently only booking live shows for the winter months. You can keep up with our tour dates at WWW.JOSHNORRAD.COM
Concerning our live show, I love performing live! It is the time when you get to connect with your fans face to face, not through a poster or a phone/computer screen. I have always been so honored to have people attend my live shows; because in reality, they could be anywhere, but they chose to come and watch me. In my opinion, they deserve the best performance that I can give them. If I was to describe our live performance, I would sum it up as high energy performance, with a focus on crowd involvement.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
I would suggest that you go back to the very beginning and listen to my song “Backroads”. This song was written in honor of one of my best friends who passed away suddenly. It will encourage you to hold on to the memories that you have with a person you may have lost, and that in doing so, they are never really gone.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favorite Canadian bands/ artists?
I follow many Canadian acts, I love watching them work and grow. Some Canadian country acts that I have been following recently are Tim Hicks, Dallas Smith, Dean Brody, Kalsey Kulyk, Jason Benoit, Tenille Arts, The Hunter Brothers, Leah Daniels, and the Chris Buck Band to name a few.