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Over the last 10 years, Josie Field has cemented herself as one of the finest in the local music industry! Her signature sound has earned her eight South African Music Award nominations, including Best Adult Contemporary Album, Best Female and Best Producer.
Indie Soul, the latest album released by Josie and we grabbed the opportunity to talk to her about it. Josie is currently touring with the album, which also doubles as her farewell before she travels abroad to take her new album, and career to a new larger audience.
Congratulations on the release of your latest album, Indie Soul. How does it feel to finally have the album out and touring with it?
It’s a lovely feeling, this album has taken a long time to come about for various reasons, but it is finally here for all to hear. I’m excited to showcase the songs live, I feel that this album is a really strong piece of work.
How long did you work on Indie Soul before releasing it?
It was a long process, the songs were written between 2014 and last year. It took a long time to track them in studio because my tour schedule and work on other projects was so crazy. We managed to squeeze in recording sessions every couple of months where we could, and eventually had a gap to finalized the tracks in November 2016.
What was your favorite part about recording this album?
Laying down final vocals on my new songs, it was a pretty emotional process, the songs are very current and personal so they really touched me during the recording sessions. It was good though, a good time to reflect on my experiences and put the past behind me.
How would you best explain the journey of Indie Soul from beginning to end?
The journey was frustrating at times. I generally move pretty quickly in studio as I come in well rehearsed, and in the past my albums have been quick to record because we have dedicated a large time-slot to focus on the work and get it done. This album was very different and the project was sluggish and disjointed and got me down. In hindsight however, I realized the way the recording process went ended up really benefiting the songs and album as a whole. I had time to reflect and analyse the song production as we went, changing a few things along the way, but I am very proud of the end result.
How does this album differ from your previous albums and what can fans expect from it?
It’s pretty different, the song writing has matured and feels polished. In terms of my vocals I feel like I’m a stronger more skilled singer and it comes across on the album. The material is happy / sad / cynical, but that’s usual for me, a couple more love songs appear on Indie Soul which is new for me. I feel like it’s a great collection of songs, simple and poignant, I think it’s my best work.
What songs are your standouts?
My oh My and Nothing. They touch on more or less the same theme and they were the final two songs I wrote for the album. It often happens that my latest songs are my favorites because they are fresh to me still.
Where did you draw your inspiration from for the songs on Indie Soul?
Life, relationships, living in the city, current affairs, human nature and the human experience in general.
When not recording, touring or performing, what can you normally be found doing?
Yoga and riding a bike, I have recently made exercise a big part of my life, I really enjoy it and will soon be a certified Vinyasa Yoga teacher. I also love gardening, I love plants and being in nature. Hanging out with friends and supporting live bands is a big love of mine. And have chilled down-time to really put the brakes on and be in the present moment.
Which town and venue are your favorite to perform at?
I love playing all over the place, it’s always a new experience and adventure, but I would have to say that my current favorite venue in SA is Café Roux in Noordhoek. It’s such a great evening for fans and bands.
What other plans/ goals do you have for 2017?
This year I am traveling abroad. I will be based in France for the summer and then see from there. The idea is to take the new album to a new larger audience overseas. I’m sure I will return from time to time, as South African will always be home but after ten years in the industry, I need move on at this point in my career.
Any shout-outs?
Big shout out to my long time producer and guitarist Kevin Leicher without whom this album would not have been possible.
