Joshy Josh is a journeyman DJ in South Florida who skims the fine line between South Beach and downtown. Some people know him as the spectacled dude with long hair and the perpetual three-day college professor beard, but most know him for his DJ sets of fun. Crossfade caught up with him recently for the rundown.
Crossfade: First, to get it going, let us know who you are, where do you come from and what do you do?
Joshy Josh: I'm Joshy Josh. I was born in Philly and lived in Chicago for a bit and now I'm in Miami for a bit. My musical background is playing in bands, but that didn't work the way I liked and DJing was the course that seemed to make the most sense for me at the time.
Okay, you've been DJing around town for a while now in hotspots like Purdy and joints in the downtown area; anywhere else? Any residencies? Places you'd like to spin at?
I have done gigs at most of the downtown spots. We have a weekly party called (786) on Wednesday nights at Purdy Lounge. And then I go where I'm needed. I like to keep my options open. I also really enjoy the nights I am at Fox's. I dig that place!
Is there a particular type of crowd you like? What are your thoughts about the South Beach scene versus downtown Miami, since you kinda operate on both sides of the Venetian?
I love a "music nerd" type of crowd. That's a hard crowd to pin down on a regular basis though. It seems to me like a lot of kids go out to be seen and have their pictures taken rather than care about the music. I am rather good at avoiding those places. I feel at home spinning for real people that want to hear and learn about good music.
Anything in particular that you look for in your sets? What kind of beer do you enjoy drinking while spinning?
I enjoy throwing curveballs at a crowd. I like going down a path and then switching it up on the crowd every now and again to keep them on their toes. I think it makes everyone pay a bit more attention and dance just a bit harder. And if you're digging what I am doing, I enjoy Boddington's or Smithwick's beer and shots of Jameson! Ha ha.
Any artists or styles you're digging on now? Gimme your top five songs (or albums) to get laid to.
I am addicted to the new Van She cover of "(Don't Fear) The Reaper!" I really like the new Dragonette also. My top five will be completely different by the time this goes to press. I hit the blogs all week long looking for new stuff. I gotta mention Offtheradarmusic.com, a great place for new music. At home during quiet time, I'm listening to JJ and the new Massive Attack! Violator is still the best sex record to this day I believe! Thanks and cheers!
