22-year-old Josie Man makes music with the intention of ‘spreading love, happiness, kindness and goosebumps,’ and after just one listen, it’s clear that Josie does just that. Half Chinese and half British, Josie grew up in South East London—and after struggling to fit in and feel comfortable in herself—she began creating music focused on acceptance, self love and growth. “I grew up shy and different,” she says, “But I learnt that there is more than one way to be. Rules of being can be blurred.” After releasing her first single, ‘Colours,’ in 2019, she then released her debut EP ‘aLOVINGboothang,’ a 5-track masterpiece which introduces listeners to the soft and dreamy world of Josie and showcases her musical magic through the genre of Identity Pop. Her newly released single ‘Cuts and Bruises’ is her self proclaimed “favourite yet,” and Sheesh Magazine was lucky enough to chat with Josie about the message behind her music, personal creativity, and up-coming creative projects.
How did you get into music and how has it led you to where you are now?
JOSIE MAN: I’ve always connected with music. It makes me feel safe, and when something makes me feel safe my whole heart is in it. It sounds silly but I truly think the universe led me in this direction. Even the age that I started doing music properly was the right timing because I was ready to fully be me. Accepting myself as an artist is very important.
What artists, albums, movements or eras inspire your sound?
JOSIE MAN: I was in love with (and still am in love with) Rihanna. It was always a fun time listening to her and I love when music lifts your mood. Then, as I got older, I loved Frank Ocean’s album channel ORANGE. Listening to that album makes me feel like I’m a carefree teenager again.
What have you been up to recently?
JOSIE MAN: I recently shot a video for my new single “Cuts and Bruises” which might be my favourite yet. I’ve also been singing lots in my room and eating.
Your debut single, “Colours,” was about growing up and exploring your identity. Could you talk a little more about what the song means to you and why it was important to share?
JOSIE MAN: It feels like so long ago now! I just wanted people to know that they are good enough the way they are and that we don’t need to be validated by anyone else. I’ve grown a lot since releasing that song and it resonates with me more now than it did when it came out.
What do you hope people can take away from your songs?
JOSIE MAN: I just hope people can feel safe and loved for a moment. There’s nothing like that feeling. Music is self expressive and a release for me. It can move our cells and help release stuck emotions and I think that’s magical.
How has lockdown impacted your creativity?
JOSIE MAN: The first lockdown was just a complete NO creatively. I think my body was in a freeze response. I was anxious and sad, but I learnt by letting it be and accepting it, it makes you feel less pressure. I create when I can and that’s all I can do.
What is it like being a young woman in the music industry?
JOSIE MAN: I feel lucky that the people who I’m around are great people. I feel like I’m in safe hands, but there’s always subconsciously a tiny worry in my head meeting new people.
What is the message behind “Grow” and how did the track come about?
JOSIE MAN: The song is about how when you’re going through hard times there’s often a positive hidden message behind it and that is the thing that pushes you to become your better self. I created the treatment for the video then passed it to a wonderful director, Nwaka, who then brought it to life.
Click to see Josie’s lyric breakdown for the track here!
What advice would you give to aspiring creatives who want to get into music?
JOSIE MAN: Always be yourself. No matter what! Never change what you make or who you are to please anyone. There’s only so much pretending you can do and what you’re doing is good enough whether 72726262 people think it or 2!
Plans for the future?
JOSIE MAN: I plan to play live and release more music. Also, I’d actually love to collaborate with more artists and brands (LV, Gucci, Chanel and PRADA hint, hint!)
Keep up with more exciting things from Josie on Instagram and TikTok. And don’t forget to stream her brand new single ‘Cuts and Bruises’ on Spotify and Apple Music!
