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Posted: Mar 20, 2008 in Music
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Josh Garrels strives to be in this world, but not of it.
The singer-songwriter is firmly rooted in the Midwest, yet his music is a mix of surf-infused folk, Afro-Caribbean hip-hop, and Southern spirituals. He is a mystic Christian who believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God, but who isn't totally at home in the modern evangelical church.
Navigating those waters has been difficult for the 27-year-old. Still, a growing number of people have connected with his honest approach. Now in the midst of recording his third proper album, he is on the verge of making a big splash.
Garrels, who grew up in a creative, musical family, said he has been "recording little snippets of things" since he was 12 years old. He made music as a teenager, but didn't start working seriously on solo material until after he had an intense spiritual awakening.
"Stonetree," his first collection of songs, was recorded in 2001 in the quiet room of a house shared by interns of a nontraditional church in Muncie. At its height, it was 14 seekers living, working and learning together, Garrels said. "It was a safe place to live out our ideas."
One of those ideas was to distribute the income made from roasting coffee beans -- the group's method of supporting itself -- based on the needs of the members.
That experience spawned a small community of support for Garrels' music. He followed "Stonetree" with 2003's "Underquiet." The mostly live recording was released by Bellywater Press, a small collective of artists that included his older sister, Gala, and his future wife, Michelle.
Meanwhile, a Bible study started by his pastor in an Indianapolis cafe had grown into a church. In 2004, he and Michelle relocated to Indianapolis.
While in Indy, the couple began work on the album "Over Oceans." Michelle produces the art for Josh's records and often contributes her voice or poems to his work as well. Released in 2006, the record generated a lot of interest and several of Garrels' songs were used in "Walking on Water," a surf documentary produced by a Christian outreach group.
Garrels doesn't promote himself as much as he attracts attention by being himself. The singer now lives with his wife in a large house belonging to a friend and benefactor north of Muncie on the banks of the Mississinewa River.
Garrels is comfortable with the decisions he's made thus far, but the prospect of trying to turn greater profits with his intensely personal, intensely spiritual music gives him pause.
"I put a voice to those things in song that stir emotions and understanding. The tension of selling that ... I don't know," Garrels said.
It's a tricky proposition, but the singer's audience responds to his attempt to live according to spiritual principles without disassociating himself from the rest of humanity.
"There's a huge growing energy and longing for that," Garrels said.
Make sure to check out the video. Josh has a unique and versatile voice. I dig it.
Josh Garrels is the Truth, y'all!
Pure talent.
I was so glad to see this article about Josh. He performed at my university several years ago, and I absolutely loved his voice. I'm happy that his talent is being recognized.
Not just a truly unique, exceptional talent, but an excellent human being. I'm glad we finally got our act together and did a feature on him.
Josh limits his audience by choosing to sing about his Christian beliefs. Without a doubt, Josh's closest comparison would be Jack Johnson, one of the most widely known active musicians today. Arguably, Josh has more to offer than Jack, in that his vocal stylings are more versitile as is his music. Whereas Jack relies on the same simple structure on each new effort, Josh proves to be more imaginitive with Over Oceans. An album that combines Josh's signature drum beats, exotic samples, and of coarse his singing/rapping capabilites, as well as new additions of live musicians of many different instruments. The only flaw are the many references to God. Much of what Josh has to say about his religous beliefs could be rephrased as universals, therefore not limiting his audience to Christian followers. Personally, I just want Josh the recognition he deserves. His talent is too great to be kept within the confines of the Indianapolis Christian community.
That is an incredibly misguided statement. Rephrasing his beliefs as universals or curbing his references to God is exactly what he does not want to do. In this article he makes it clear that he is not doing this for money. He wants to reach people and touch them with his music and his profound lyrics. He simply does not want the world's ideals impressed upon his music and won't water down his lyrics for the sake of status.
I never saw this article on Josh...glad it came back around. He's a great guy, with a good voice and lyrics. I've known him since my Muncie days, but didn't know he had Indy.com fame and clout. Congrats on the article Josh!
There is no music that even comes close to Josh Garrels music. I worship God through his music. It is the soundtrack to my life and my faith. It is beautiful. I praise God for putting his music in Josh Garrels!
I don't even know the words to use for Josh. Fabulous. Amazing. Inspirational..Quickly becoming my favorite artist (going to edge out Martin Sexton??). As to the Christian lyrics...There is freedom in being who you are. It's not about the numbers JG! Besides, I LOVE how he sings about life with honesty and truth. He doesn't just sing the regular tripe we so often hear. He is honest, real, and a cool edgy! Thanks for the awesome music and all the inspiration Josh!