Canadian Pop Singer-Songwriter Josh Alexander Wins Grand Prize of 11th Annual Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program
Montreal-based pop singer-songwriter Josh Alexander was named the Grand Prize recipient of the 11th Annual Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program.
As the Grand Prize winner, Josh will receive a cash prize of $20,000, performances at Canada’s Walk of Fame events including the Canada’s Walk of Fame 25thAnniversary Celebration in Toronto in December 2023, and private studio recording time at the renowned Metalworks Studios.
The announcement follows Josh’s highly-anticipated recent single release “Keep On Giving The Love.” This captivating musical creation is complemented by an equally impressive music video that promises an immersive visual and auditory experience not to be missed.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey everyone, I’m Josh Alexander. For those who don’t know me yet, I’m a 23-year-old singer-songwriter based in Montreal, Canada. My musical genre is something I call Cinematic Pop.
Congratulations on winning the Grand Prize for Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program! How does it feel to be recognized for your talent and hard work in the music industry?
First off, thank you so much, it truly is an honour! I’ve got to say that it is pretty surreal. I’ve wanted this my whole life and to start achieving these dreams is pretty incredible. I love creating the melodies I hear in my head and knowing that my stories and my music are resonating with the industry is the greatest gift. I’m grateful that my messages are getting through.
Can you tell us more about your recent single “Keep On Giving The Love” and the inspiration behind it?
“Keep On Giving The Love” is dedicated to my listeners and my younger self. If I had heard this song as a young boy, it would have meant a lot to me, and been my anthem. I sometimes got made fun of for being a singer and although I continued pursuing what I loved, the sense of shame found its way into my mind and it took some time to let that go. Now, older and proud of who I am and what I do, I wanted to create an inspiring song that spreads love to all. Plus, it’s a fun bop to dance to!
How do you balance your roles as a songwriter, composer, and performer? Do you have a favourite aspect of the music-making process?
I think it’s a wonderful thing to do all three. I love all aspects of music. Composing and bringing to life the melodies in my head is just amazing. Whether I’m composing on the piano or freestyling melodies through singing, I can hear and almost ‘picture’ the instrumentation that would accompany it all, something I love. As a songwriter, I get to express the stories that spark in my head, bringing it all together. And then with performing, I get to go up on stage and share it all. I’m looking forward to the day when I’ll be singing with crowds who know the songs and sing them with me as an ensemble.
How important is your Quebec City and bilingual background in shaping your musical identity and style?
I’m proud to be fluent in both English and French. Growing up in a French-speaking city with an Anglo family and attending English school, made it so I was always thinking, speaking and living in both languages. Therefore, when it comes to songwriting and my music, I believe it’s only fitting that my listeners get to fully immerse themselves in what it means to be me. My music is mainly in English, but I love to surprise my French music lovers every now and then.
You’ve accomplished a lot in your career so far. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians looking to make their mark in the industry?
Go for your dreams! No matter what anyone says, if your gut is telling you to run, bolt, if it tells you to jump, you go as high as you can. If the people around you don’t support you, find yourself a new circle, because there are people out there who will love and cheer you on for being you! Go for your dreams and dare to be free.