<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2QJTX6_0vkuBzB600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2QJTX6_0vkuBzB600" width="673" height="469" ><figcaption>Amsterdam EDM artist Lil Josiey is working on his album "Catharsis" and will appear Sept. 29 at Second Act Spirits in the Amsterdam Clock Tower building. Photo Provided</figcaption></figure>AMSTERDAM — While it may be true that certain areas have more of a predilection towards fostering specific genres of music more so than others, there are sometimes curveballs thrown into the mix. Coming out of Amsterdam, slightly unexpectedly, is EDM artist Lil Josiey. The artist, whose other influences include rap, hip-hop, rock, and punk, is currently in the process of making his album “Catharsis.” Stated to reflect all of his repressed emotions throughout life, Lil Josiey’s main goal is to spread positivity, and stem the flow of loneliness in listeners that resonate with his music.For those that wish to catch the artist live, Lil Josiey is set to appear at Second Act Spirits in the Amsterdam Clock Tower on Sunday. Follow the artist’s upcoming endeavors by going to www.facebook.com/liljosiey or following on Instagram @liljosiey.I had a chance to sit down with Lil Josiey recently to discuss the album, his career, and more. What follows is our conversation, edited for length and clarity.Lucas Garrett: Where did your stage name come from?Lil Josiey: When I was really young, they always used to call me Josiey a lot; that was a nickname that stuck with me as a kid. From that, I listened to a lot of rap and hip-hop, and I threw “Lil” in front of [my nickname].LG: What are some of your main influences behind your art?LJ: If I was to pick my last artists I could ever listen to: Juice WRLD; Justin Bieber; I like Lil Peep a lot. My favorite rock band is from the UK called Neck Deep — that’s a punk band. I like Green Day a lot, too. [I also] like Fall Out Boy; Pierce The Veil; classic rock: Aerosmith; Guns n’ Roses; Tom Petty.LG: What’re you working on right now, musically?LJ: I’m working on an album, and I’m doing shows. I just partnered up with Sticker Mule to launch my merch shop online. My album is going to be called “Catharsis.” Catharsis is a process of releasing repressed emotions, whether it be strong emotions, or something that made you upset. I want the audience to connect with me in a different way so they can feel less lonely at the end of the day.LG: I see that you’ve put out music, as well as performed in front of people. What do you get out of making music, both in the studio and in front of people?LJ: It’s a sense that people tune in and they actually listen. I can connect with people because at the end of the day, it’s all about love and connection. Everyone feels alone, and if I can make a difference through my music and this album, that’s the goal. I know what it feels like to be alone, so I know that the next person does. I want everyone to know they’re not alone; we all feel the same.LG: How has your artistic journey been thus far?LJ: Before COVID, I was coming up with my first song that hit 3 million views on SoundCloud — which I’m extremely blessed to be able to do. I was just doing my thing in high school. After I did my first gig — I played at the bonfire in Amsterdam, which was a couple of years back — I really wanted to harness that, but COVID hit. It was hard to find shows or do anything, to be honest with you. Everyone was so worried about getting sick, and I did [get COVID]. I was really sick from that and that whole year was wrecked for me.After [COVID] I’ve been really good; I’ve been focusing on my craft. I have a show at this new place in the Amsterdam Clocktower, called Second Act Spirits. It’s a new distillery that opened up. That show will be on Sept. 29, from 2-5 p.m.I’ve been grinding and connecting with a lot of people from all around the world. That’s why I really want to do it. I was just going to take this as a hobby, instead of aiming for it as a job, until I’ve seen how they were impacted by it.LG: What are some of the main themes in your music that you want people to get behind?LJ: I just want people to know they’re not alone going through a certain thing. Sometimes people feel all alone going through a certain subject. I don’t want no one to feel like that. I want people to know that love is real; it’s not something you can ignore.LG: Can you elaborate on that?LJ: You know when you truly love someone how it never goes away? I talk about the aftermath of failed relationships, if you’re going through something. Love is real: sometimes it fails; sometimes it can crush us. The whole album is a reflection on me and my 23 years of my life. I’m calling [the album] Catharsis because it shows repressed emotions throughout my life that I’ve been feeling.I’ve written down in a huge journal all my emotions; I started when I was 18. I plan on taking the journal and adding pieces of it to songs I create so people can feel what’s going on in my brain and feel less alone through certain subjects.LG: How many songs are on the new album, and when is it coming out?LJ: There’s going to be 10 songs on it, and I’m going to release it on New Year’s Day. I’d really like to start from scratch; if I start [then] I’ll know how much per year I make off album sales. I can bring that [info] to executives at labels.LG: What does the idea of success mean for you?LJ: The idea of success… Being able to pay all my bills on time, man, and to be able to travel — having freedom. Out of a 9 to 5 you have to give up time you’re not promised in life for a dollar. I’m blessed that I get to have freedom. I just started doing the music thing again, and it’s starting to kick off.LG: Would you say you’re looking to become famous? How high of a level are you looking to go with this?LJ: I really want to get a record deal; I want to be a touring artist that tours the world playing songs for people. I feel that would truly make me happy. I know it comes with a lot of stress and responsibility.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Q&A: Amsterdam’s Lil Josiey talks EDM career, upcoming album ‘Catharsis’

AMSTERDAM — While it may be true that certain areas have more of a predilection towards fostering specific genres of music more so than others, there are sometimes curveballs thrown into the mix. Coming out of Amsterdam, slightly unexpectedly, is EDM artist Lil Josiey. The artist, whose other influences include rap, hip-hop, rock, and punk, is currently in the process of making his album “Catharsis.” Stated to reflect all of his repressed emotions throughout life, Lil Josiey’s main goal is to spread positivity, and stem the flow of loneliness in listeners that resonate with his music.