Josh Fudge was fortunate enough to discover music at a young age, and he fell in love immediately. He never quit playing or lost love for music, and went from playing on the street in Oklahoma City to playing in front of thousands at venues and festivals all across the U.S. Now, as a young adult, Fudge is continuing to relentlessly chase his childhood dream and bring music to everyone who is willing to listen.
How did you get started?
I got started in music when I was four years old, from what I can honestly only describe as a stroke of luck. Nobody else in my family is musically inclined whatsoever. I am the oldest of four kids, and when my dad heard that he was having a boy he was so excited because he thought I’d be an athlete (sorry dad). After he put me in sports and I preferred staring at my shadow, he quickly realized that it wasn’t for me. Around this same time, my neighbor was throwing out an old piano. A 1924 Haines and Co. piano that was beaten down but played. My dad brought it into the house, and I quickly fell in love with making sound. I started in music by sitting and improvising at that piano. It was such a freeing way to express myself. I found myself improvising for hours on end throughout my childhood, a practice that eventually evolved into songwriting and production, which eventually led me to where I am today!
Did you always want a career in the music industry?
Honestly, yes. Ever since I was a child I was infatuated with everything that had to do with music. I continued to chase that dream, and am still chasing it now. The love that I have for music has always driven me to pursue a career in it.
Most Recent Successes / Placements / Accomplishments / Projects? Career highlight?
I just played Lollapalooza this year, which is a personal highlight for me! I have also played at ACL and Red Rocks, and gotten more than 20 million streams on Spotify. I’ve gotten to tour with Bastille, Big Wild, and some other bands, as well as putting out two albums of original music with more on the way.
What is your favorite Oklahoma music venue, music store or recording studio?
I have always been partial to The Criterion, as I have seen so many good shows there, but I also love the new venue Resonant Head in Oklahoma City! The vibe of that place is awesome.
Networking and connecting with others who share your dream or vision is a vital aspect to the music industry. Can you share which Oklahoma organizations (if any) have contributed to your success and are there Oklahoma organization you would recommend other connect with? To help further their craft or promotion?
My most positive experience with an Oklahoma organization was attending Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute (OSAI) when I was in high school. It is an incredible place filled with the best young talent in Oklahoma. That place is beyond inspiring and does nothing but good for the artistic development of Oklahoma youth.
How can we follow you? Best place to purchase and listen to your music (if applicable)?
You can follow me on Instagram @_joshfudge, and listen to me on all major streaming platforms under my name, Josh Fudge! You can buy my merch at my website, joshfudgemusic.com.
Advice for someone interested in working in the music industry.
Understand that working in the arts is going to be difficult. You have to love what you do more than anything, be willing to work very hard, make sacrifices and endure criticism. The music industry can be incredibly confusing, but if you are going to succeed, you have to always trust your artistic intuition regardless of what other people tell you will succeed or is right.
What are some of the benefits of having a music career in Oklahoma?
The low cost of living is definitely a plus in Oklahoma, and the people are lovely if you know where to find them. I have found Oklahoma’s music scene to have some real hidden gems.
Each featured individual or business is given the provided questions to answer in their own voice. Other than formatting and grammar, the answers are personal to each featured voice, and are not provided by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office.
