We had the good fortune of connecting with Josh Purgason and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Josh, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk creates opportunity. Back in 2016 I was working 2 jobs and my dream of pursuing music was put on the back burner. One day I woke up to realize that the ol’ saying, “chase your dreams” wasn’t just an inspiring quote, but it was a mindset. Amazing things really can happen when you get out of the way of your own excuses/self-imposed limitations. One of my lyrics became my life’s motto: “Comprehend that you can transcend, but you’ll never stand out if you blend right in”. I had to destroy comfort zones, safety nets & jump with no guaranteed cushion to catch my fall. Slowly I was able to drop both of my jobs at Publix + Starbucks and become a full-time musician making ends meet doing what I love. Swallowing pride & nerves has led to so many opportunities that never would have manifested otherwise. Countless emails, phone calls & putting myself out there brought into existence things I could have never imagined. Destroy all assumptions: if you have an idea or see an opportunity that seems beyond your reach then REACH ANYWAY! Don’t assume you can’t, always assume you CAN & WILL.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Singer-Songwriter vibing in the fields of Alt/Rock with a knack for covering diverse genres. I’ve found past success with a band I formed in 2013: Thoughts Are Nuclear that led us to opening for major label acts such as Adelitas Way & Failure Anthem. The beginning of 2017 cultivated a path towards also pursuing a solo path: one of which thats kept me consistently booked throughout West GA, Alabama & Atlanta. Multiple singles have been released, (one of which was ranked #3 of Top 15 Songs Of The Summer by Atlanta’s 99X station titled Airwaves along with tv appearances on NBC+ ABC morning shows). I am excited to continue building both my solo & band catalog while expanding to larger audiences.
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?
Little 5 Points is an Atlanta staple when it comes to the creative arts & underground music scene. Feels like my second home & is beautifully diverse with a wide range of eccentric personalities. Top 3 breweries to visit IMO: 1) Line Creek Brewery Peachtree City, GA 2) Chattabrewchee Columbus, GA ( The only Female Veteran owned around) 3) Beacon Lagrange, GA (extremely nice, friendly & cozy)
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 mother, Cindy Purgason who is my #1 fan & biggest supporter. She has been with me from my highest highs to the lowest lows and is truly an angel walking this earth. With the abuse she endured at a young age to later with my father is a cover story for Shoutout Atlanta in & of itself. My fiancee, Mary Kojis for sticking by me when the going gets tough & seeing my potential past the hardships/shortcomings. She’s my anchor & lighthouse. I’d like to thank Charlie Hudgins for pouring gasoline on my ambition that was slowly burning out. My booking agents Angela & Drew Ashworth for helping me in countless ways both small/big & majorly gigantic. My manager, Kitt Forshee for priceless wisdom/direction and solid friendship. My band, Thoughts Are Nuclear. I love my brothers: Matt Hunter, Allen Epperson & Maurice Cooley for making me their fearless leader & 100% trusting the vision. Endless love to my musician friends who I’d be nothing without. Way too many to name in fear of living them out (they know who they are).
Website: www.joshpurgason.com
Instagram: Instagram.joshpurgason.com
Facebook: Facebook.joshpurgason.com
Youtube: Youtube.joshpurgason.com
Other: Spotify.joshpurgason.com Itunes.joshpurgason.com Facebook.com/thoughtsarenuclear
Image Credits
Charlie Hudgins Vinnie Lashley