Meet Joshua Morata | Music Man & New Age Romantic

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Morata and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, why did you pursue a creative career?
Initially it was to gain some form of public attention. I just wanted someone to notice me and say “he seems cool”- Starting out I was making beats at 13-14 years old and so on, I wanted to be famous and nothing more…looking back at those days now I was pretty cocky and I didn’t know what I was truly doing. By the time I was 15, I got into songwriting and actually utilizing my voice as a means to vent out my problems- ‘Round that age you’re just frustrated with everything and you need something to help you let it all out; Issues ranging from first relationships to my feelings on High School. Moving forward I started seeing music as a “conduit of expression”, at least with my recent stuff, that statement’s more so apparent than when I started.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others…that’s something I don’t really think about ’cause I’m pretty much just another peg in a square hole. Like I know I’m not gonna be the hot ticket of the year or whatever, but I sure would like to have my music resonate with others that could relate to what I’ve been through. What really fascinates me about songwriting is that, at times, the words could never come out fast enough, that’s when you know you’ve written something good. Though this isn’t my best vocally performed song, “Dying Dream” is a tune that I feel had the most weight writing, admittedly I choked up at times recording that one. The inspiration for that song went like this: I had a girlfriend and she meant a lot to me- Now we are adrift in our own boats in the ocean we call life…except my boat has since capsized and is at the bottom of the Pacific, also I’m dying and she’s the last thing I see as I shuffle from this mortal coil…I view things in such a way, it’s humorous to me at times.

I feel like it’s about time to share this…I’m incredibly excited for my album to release this year! I spent a good two years writing away and perfecting this record and I’m really proud of the time I spent being away with it. I used to go about this habit of releasing a new album every year or so- I ended up burning the candle at both ends. Doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, whilst It’s an exciting venture to work hard and continue with that, at some point you have to give yourself a break. With my last album I needed some time away from writing and releasing ’cause that burnout was completely apparent on that one; Soon as I got back into that creative frame I promised myself to take time with this new record, and suffice to say that promise is reigning true. I’m very excited for people to hear this album, and I hope they have a good time with it.

Now professionally speaking It wasn’t entirely easy to be in my current position, whatever that is.. I had to learn that collaboration is most important, and nobody should go about achieving success alone- It’s an obvious uphill battle that can be won if you have the right people standing with you. I had worked with other artists in the past who wanted more than what was possible of obtaining, and yeah that’s a keen mindset to have, but that said mindset will eventually come to a halt and you’ll end up slipping creatively; I’ve had to part ways with those same artists for those exact reasons, apart from other things like, personal indifference, but anyways it’s never easy- What matters most at the end of the day is that you’re staying true to yourself and you’re constantly working. Constantly taking more chances, and you have a good team behind you that’ll always be around to help you get to the finish line.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
You know what? I spent a week in Montreal to meet a good friend of mine for the first time, and they showed me a fantastic time around the city- Introducing me to amazing smoked meat sandwiches and cool sights in the snow… If ever the time comes they end up visiting me in Honolulu, here’s how it’ll go: We hit up Hungry Ear records at Kaka’ako (shoutout to Jim), grab a bite at Scratch Kitchen, and maybe hit up Ala Moana…that’s where all the cool kids hang out, right? I haven’t been out in a while hahaa.

I’m a complete homebody to tell you the truth- It’s very rare to see me out and about with friends, which even then I’m usually kept to myself; I’m never good with conversation about the newest TikTok trends or what the newest Netflix show is.. mainly because I don’t care. Say if my friend does visit me for a week, I assure you a majority of that time will consist of staying indoors writing music and me cooking for them. That being said, Loto, get your ass over here, I still need to make you sautéed mushrooms.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My father is one to mention- He’s shared with me numerous stories of his life, as well as his own experiences with the entertainment industry. His words and advice truly resonate and I carry that every time I feel out of it creatively.

“The Disaster Artist” by Greg Sestero is a book I highly recommend- Recounting his experience befriending and working with Tommy Wiseau on the classic “so bad it’s good” film The Room, it’s incredibly inspirational. Here’s a guy, this mysterious vampire-looking man with a vaguely European accent and interest in football, shooting for the moon with a dream of becoming a famous filmmaker…To keep that momentum going after having been laughed at by the general public during AND after the release of your passion project takes guts, and that book has helped me get through things at times. My copy is incredibly battered and worn, so I’ll have to get a new one sometime soon…

Website: https://beacons.ai/jmoratamusic/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmoratamusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCky2SE86kKV4t3_81n_OVxA