Double page spread interview text

Interview with Josh Pride
“The “Rocker” returns to his roots”
First interview since 1999!

Where have you been all this time?
Oh well I’ve been to almost everywhere in the world naming the places would take me hours. Places I especially remember for their kindnesses are places in Europe like Germany or Switzerland but also on the other side of the world like Beijing and Shanghai. However I did not do the tour for money, for me, instead for my charity. I started traveling at the beginning of the tour a year ago.

What was your experience?
Well that in every country they have their own little culture. Like in Germany they all like drinking beer and eating these big hot dog looking like sausages. In Amsterdam they legalize weed. However, it would take me a along time getting used to the conditions in countries like Africa or Indonesia, because it’s hot there almost every day year round.

How where you first introduced into the music business?
When i was about 16 playing out on the streets in Boston a man came up to me and asked who I was. I responded and he invited me to his office. I later on found out that he was a big music producer. He started me playing small gigs for various clubs in Boston and after about a year he discovered I have a good chance in the music business. That’s how it all started.

Where was your first onstage performance?
My first gig was in a club called “Calibre” in Boston I never really forgot that place because the reaction from the crowd was amazing. They were really surprised that somebody like me from my back round could play and produce something like that.

Yes, speaking of back round, how was your childhood?
Well my father left me and mum when I was 2 from then on the times got rough. At the age of 6 I found out that my mother was using drugs, I tried getting help through the school but that was really hard. When I was a teenager I started hanging out with people I shouldn’t, bullets were flying and I started dealing drugs. After about a year I walked by a music store and saw the most beautiful guitar ever. I started saving and because the money was good, a week later I bought the guitar.
I started teaching myself how to play. At the beginning it was really hard but after a while it got easier. Since my mother didn’t have a job we somehow had to pay the rent. So besides being a dealer I started playing on the streets in rich areas of the city. That’s when the man saw me and my life took a turn

Are you planning on doing a concert here in Boston?
Well actually yes I am. Since today is Tuesday the 4th 2009 I would say most probably on Saturday. The money raised will again go my charity called
“Money for the helpless”

What do you think about politics?
Well I think that they play an important role in a country but sometimes they’re just talking complete bullshit. Going on about how they want to help the poor and change the world when they are doing nothing and putting it all in the army.

One last question Mr. Pride! Who is your favorite artist?
I’d have to say it’s a mix between Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix. They inspired me a lot when I started playing. Probably more Jimi Hendrix because he was still around.