(Interviewed on November 22, 2005)

Genre: Singer/ Songwriter

Home: Las Cruces, New Mexico
D.O.B: May 16, 1980
Instruments: Guitar
Favorite Get Away: camping in the Gila National Forest in s.w. NM

PC: When did you begin your music career? 

JG: Well, my Mom had me singing in the church when I was very young, and my Dad had me listening to great country music at the same age. I've always loved music and can't ever remember not being a very important part of my life. I taught myself how to play guitar so I could accompany myself singing in high school. A girl broke my tender high school sophomore heart and that led to my first song. I guess all those things kind of culminated into what I'm doing now. 

PC: Who are your main musical influences? 

JG: I'd have to say, in no particular order: Merle Haggard, George Strait, Dave Matthews, Nickel Creek, Roger Miller, Waylon Jennings, Robert Earl Keen 

PC: Where can someone get copy of your CD? 

JG: Lonestarmusic.com, joshgrider.com, and a few Hasting's stores...we're working on more. 

PC: If you had to pick a couple of songs you have written that you are most proud of, what would they be and why? 

JG: From our current album I am really proud of Shotgun. It is a song I wrote about my dad. I wrote a song for my wife when we got married that is pretty special to me also. I know it is convenient, but Mama, is also one that I'm very proud of, and glad that people seem to like it.

PC: How did you feel when you found out your were on the Texas Music Chart? 

JG: It was a total trip, a good one, especially this week, going into the top 10. It validates what you are doing, to a certain degree. I can go home this Christmas and when people talk about what happened over the year I can say, "I had a top ten single on the Texas Charts," and I'm really proud of that. It's nice to see results from all the effort we put out. 

PC: What approach do you take when writing your songs? Do you have any specific routine? 

JG: They all come different. Sometimes a lyric or hook will generate a tune and a chord progression, sometimes the music leads to the words. I just try to keep it musically satisfying enough for the players but still accessible enough for the audience. It can be a tough line to straddle, but it is rewarding when you succeed. 

PC: Where do you want to be in the next few years with your music career? Any long term goals? 

JG: We're just going where the wind blows. Long term, I want to be a daddy and raise a family. For now I'm going to ride this music thing as far as I can. I'd really like to play Billy Bob's, I'd really like to be invited on the Big Ski Trip one of these years. I'd also like to play one of the free Texas music series at Hill Cafe. 

PC: What's your fondest career memory so far? 

JG: Making the top ten on the Texas Chart definitely has to be one of them. I have a lot of fond memories from a band I played in during college also. 

PC: In your CD player right now, what CD would be found? 

JG: I listen to everything, and I just got into the Ipod thing, but the thing I'm playing in the truck right now is Nickel Creek's new album, "Why Must the Fire Die" 

PC: What is the best way to keep up with all things Josh Grider Band? 

JG: I just go a myspace account: www.myspace.com/joshgriderband and there is always the website www.joshgrider.com

Members

Artist URL

Josh Grider--lead vocals, rhythm guitar

Josh has been a musician from day one. Born and raised in Las Cruces, NM, Josh was brought up on the legends of county music; Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, George Strait and all the rest.

When he moved to Texas in 1998 he was introduced to a new flavor of country music, that which is very loosely referred to as "Texas Country"; Pat Green, Cory Morrow, Robert Earl Keen. The true life, realism those artists conveyed in their songs inspired him greatly. Josh and his dorm room neighbor, another Josh (Stumpf), formed a band and called themselves Riverside. Riverside released two full length albums and EP in their efforts to join the Texas Music scene.

Five years later Riverside has disbanded and Josh and his band are now embarking on their solo career with a brand new self titled album. The agility of his deep baritone voice catches many audiences off guard, and the music  well the music speaks for itself. Playing acoustic guitar and fronting the Josh Grider Band is the one place Josh truly feels at home, and it is
evident in his performance. Take it or leave it, you can't argue that Josh has an evident passion for what he does and loves every minute of it.

Josh Stumpf--drums

Josh Stumpf was born in Minnesota, raised in Colorado, and finished high school in San Antonio. He wound up in Waco where he and Grider met at Baylor University in 1998. They've been playing music together ever since. Stumpf taught himself how to play drums and had his first gigs in a heavy metal band while he was still in high school. Stumpf has left his heavy metal roots behind for the Josh Grider Band but he'll tell you he just loves to play, and is perfectly happy to be right where he is.

Seth Allen--bass, cello

Seth is a classically trained cellist and is currently earning a master of music degree in composition at Baylor University. He also plays a pretty mean bass, he and Josh have been playing together since 1999.

Seth's musical ear and outstanding talent is often the glue holding any band he's playing with together.

Born in Austin and raised in Waco, Seth's contribution to the Josh Grider Band cannot be overstated nor can his desire to do his part, and do it well.

Seth will be the first one to shake your hand at a show and last to make you fee like an outsider, better friends or musicians are hard to come by.

Kris Farrow--lead guitar

Toting a degree in jazz saxophone, singing harmony, and shredding a guitar like few can, Kris Farrow makes great contributions to Josh's songs. Moving to Austin from New York in 2003 Kris played with a few different bands and met Josh not long after making his move.

His ear for arrangement, and desire to do only what is best for the music makes him a true asset to the songs and future of the Josh Grider Band.

Ryan Reese--lyrical genius

Maybe not a genius, but San Antonio is home to one of the best unknown song writing talents in the business.

Ryan is never in the pictures and never on the stage, but his contributions to the band are unquestionable.

Josh and Ryan met in college and began writing together sometime thereafter, and reactions to their collaborations have been all smiles. Four of the ten tracks on the new album feature Ryan as a co-writer, and there will be many more to follow.

For More Information on Josh Grider go to www.joshgrider.com

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