Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Taerk is without a doubt one of the finest talents we've heard in recent memory. Celebrating the release of his brilliant new album, Beautiful Tragedy, we put 10 quick questions to the artist to find out a little bit more about him...
Josh Taerk chats with Female First
Where did you grow up and what’s your funniest childhood memory?
I grew up in Toronto, Canada and my funniest childhood memory was pretending to be one of the penguins in Mary Poppins. It was my Dad’s favourite movie when he was a kid, and I became obsessed with the scene where they jump into the chalk art and go for tea with the penguins. I loved that part so much that when it came on, I would run around the room pretending to be one of the penguins setting up the table. The only difference was, that all I did was throw things in the air and make a mess (laughs).
Where would be your dream place/stage to perform on?
I have two. The Stone Pony in Asbury Park because that’s where Springsteen played when he was still playing the New Jersey circuit, and Wembley Stadium because London is where I got my start and I’d love to come back selling out Wembley.
What is your favourite album of 2018 so far and why?
I think Shawn Mendes’ new album is great! I really like his modern take on classic Rhythm and Blues. It’s a very open and raw feeling album, love it.
Who would you love to duet with?
I would love to duet with Lady Gaga. I think she’s an extremely talented writer, performer and she has an incredible voice.
What are you other hobbies apart from music?
I love to travel and I’m a bit of an adventure nut. I’ve been skiing in Colorado, bungee jumping in Whistler, swimming in the Great Barrier Reef, surfing in Hawaii and I’m nowhere near done.
What is your favourite thing about the UK?
I love the pub culture, and more specifically the social aspect of it. I think it’s so cool that instead of just going home at the end of the day, you meet up at your favourite spot with your friends, or end up meeting people you don’t know who share your same favourite spot.
If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what question would you ask?
What do feelings sound like?
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
I hope to have one of my songs in the Billboard Top 40, and I hope to still be doing what I love to do.
What other fun facts should we know about you?
My favourite food is pizza and chicken wings, I’m a huge fan of anything Disney, and my favourite thing to do when we had family get togethers was to dress up and put on a show for everyone.
What’s a question you’ve never been asked, but would like to be asked? And what would your answer be?
Why do you think you love writing and performing so much? - I love writing and performing so much because I love making connections. Music is universal, and the most heartfelt way that we have of communicating with each other. That’s why I write and why I put all my energy into my live shows. I want people to connect with my stories, bring them into their lives, and know that they are not alone in thinking and feeling the way they do.
Josh Taerk's new album Beautiful Tragedy is out now - get it now on iTunes.