Rising Singer-Songwriter Josh Alexander Releases New Holiday Single “Stormy Haze” Following Breakthrough Year
Over the past 18 months, we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Montreal-based singer-songwriter Josh Alexander, one of 2024’s most exciting breakthrough artists. His upcoming holiday single, “Stormy Haze,” releases November 29th via Believe Music. Originally written in French, the track captures the raw emotions of heartbreak during winter, balancing melancholy with resilience.
This year, Josh earned the Grand Prize in the 2023 Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program, performed at major events like Casa Loma’s Sunset Concert Series and Team Canada Fan Fest, and joined the 2024 RBC First Up Program.
We’re thrilled to talk to Josh about “Stormy Haze” and what’s next for this rising star!
First off, what have you been up to since we last spoke?
Since we last spoke, I’ve been diving headfirst into live shows, connecting with audiences in a way that fuels my creativity. Beyond that, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the studio, working on my next EP. It’s been a busy but wonderful time, and I’m excited about what’s to come.
Your new single, Stormy Haze, is deeply emotional, dealing with the end of a relationship during the cold winter months. What inspired you to write a song with such raw emotion, and how did the season influence the lyrics and mood of the song?
The story behind Stormy Haze is super personal. I went through a breakup during the winter, which was a tough experience. But I realized that I wasn’t alone in facing this kind of heartache during a season that’s mostly joyful. Writing the song felt healing, like a way to offer a voice to those who may feel out of place during the holidays. I wanted to create something heartfelt yet relatable, a sad Christmas bop for those who need it most.
The song was originally composed in French before being translated into English. How did the transition from French to English impact the storytelling or emotional tone of Stormy Haze?
While the core of the song remains the same, the English version feels more direct and raw. My French version is more poetic with layered tones, whereas the English version allowed me to strip everything down and be more straightforward about the heartbreak. I think the transition allowed the story to resonate with a broader audience while keeping its soul intact.
You’ve worked with Alexis Leroy-Pleshoyano on this track. How did your collaboration shape the sound and feel of Stormy Haze? What aspects of his production style resonated with your vision for the song?
Working with Alexis was wonderful, as always. The process started with a jam session, just a guitar, and me freestyling melodies, and before we knew it, the song had almost written itself. It was such a fresh and raw story at the time that everything just clicked. Alexis has this incredible ability to tell stories through music alone. Even without the lyrics, the instrumentation carries so much emotion. That’s what I love about his style, he doesn’t just produce, he creates a musical narrative. And yes the song is sad, but Alexis brought a subtle sense of hope to the arrangement. It’s like the music tells you that even in heartbreak, there’s light ahead.
2024 has been a major year for you, with notable performances at events like Team Canada Fan Fest and the Markham Village Music Festival, as well as being named the Grand Prize recipient of the RBC Emerging Musician Program. What have been some of the highlights of this year for you, both personally and professionally?
2024 has been a whirlwind. On a professional level, performing at events like Team Canada Fan Fest and connecting with new fans has been incredibly rewarding. But I’d say the biggest highlight has been spending so much time in the studio, working on new material with amazing producers like Cartier Préféré. The studio is my safe space, it’s where I can be fully creative and let everything out. Personally, it’s been healing and comforting. Writing and creating fuel me in a way that nothing else does, so having the chance to immerse myself in that process this year has been a gift.
Looking ahead to 2025, what are you most excited about in your career? Are there any new directions or musical styles you’re eager to explore on your forthcoming EP?
I’m so excited for the next EP. This project will be my most personal yet. It’s all about reconnecting with your inner child, embracing who you truly are, and letting go of the things that no longer serve you. Musically, I’m exploring new sounds, and more intimate tones while still keeping the energy and emotional depth of my listeners expect. My goal is to create something that feels like a warm hug, something that comforts and inspires. It’s still going to feel cinematic. When people listen to this EP, I hope they feel heard and loved!
Connect with Josh Alexander:
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