Singer, songwriter, nomad: Joshua Radin takes the stage in Pittsburgh
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By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger
Down-to-earth, devoid of bells and whistles, unafraid, vulnerable and minimalist – these are all words that describe Joshua Radin.
The world-renowned artist counts among his credits a staggering 1 billion streams and 1 million records sold — an exemplary feat he accomplished simply, with a guitar in his hands and a song in his soul.
A Musician’s Journey
When it comes to becoming a musician, you could say that Radin was a late bloomer.
“I’ve always loved music and went to many concerts during my lifetime, but hadn’t really accomplished much creatively,” said Radin, who, by the age of 30, had sold a few screenplays.
When he finally purchased a guitar, his intention was to use it primarily as a “meditative device.” That changed soon after his friend, actor and “Scrubs” star Zach Braff, heard Radin play a song in his New York apartment.
“I was going through a breakup with a girl and Zach thought the song was really good,” Radin said, adding that Braff passed it on to television producer Bill Lawrence.
Before long, the ball started rolling and social media began taking notice.
“This was the Myspace days, and people were asking me where they could find my albums,” said Radin, pinpointing the moment when a lightbulb went on in his head.
“I can do this,” he said.
Radin explaied that he has always been creative, starting out as a painter, then going into screenwriting, always seeking an audience. When people began noticing his singing and songwriting, it was like a whole new world.
“It was the first time people began writing to me, and it was organic, and now I’m traveling all over the world,” Radin said, listing places he’s visited, from Antarctica, to Buenos Aires, the American Midwest and the East Coast.
Taking Stock
Radin’s solitary lifestyle due to COVID, led him to another light-bulb moment.
“During the pandemic I was locked away in my house for so long that I began consuming more things, but none of it was kindling any kind of joy for me, so I decided to give away my things and live as a nomad” said Radin.
It’s a decision he made approximately two years ago and one he hasn’t regretted. The experience provided him inspiration for his most recent EP “though the world will tell me so.”
Now when Radin goes to gigs, he’s not weighed down by excess baggage.
“It’s like a second life for me and I meet the most incredible people everywhere I go,” he said.
On Being Vulnerable
Radin’s performances lack the bells and whistles on which many other performers rely.
“I think one of the reasons people are so loyal is because I try to make myself as vulnerable as possible,” said Radin, speaking of the symbiotic relationship he has with his audience.
“I try to write about things that I’ve gone through and the more vulnerable I make myself, the more the audience tends to respond,” he said.
Hope Alcocer is a fan who hails from New York and learned of Radin’s talent while watching “Grey’s Anatomy.”
“After hearing ‘Fear You Won’t Fall,’ I was hooked,” she said.
Alcocer has been a fan ever since and has seen him play at least 12 shows over the past 15 years.
“My love for Josh’s music is something that I kept in my heart and played at different times during the highs and lows in my life,” she said, adding that when she was ready to let someone in, she took him to a Radin show and much to her surprise, he proposed.
“Josh saw it and serenaded us, inviting us to return for the next night’s show,” said Alcocer, adding that, at the wedding, instead of asking the guests to sign a guestbook, she asked them to sign a Joshua Radin vinyl record instead. “He finds the beauty and humor in the rollercoaster of love and continues to create for his listeners around the world.”
Radin said that it’s times like these that he really appreciates his experiences and is excited for what the future holds.
“The more regions I travel to, the more experiences I’m going to have. I’ve realized my soul is aided by hopping on a different train and not knowing the destination. Every day is like a clean slate,” he said.
The singer/songwriter will be taking the stage at Pittsburgh’s City Winery located at 1627 Smallman St. on Tuesday, March 26 and Wednesday, March 27.