Meet Josh Warren | Performer & Music Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Josh Warren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josh, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
To me, risks have always been an opportunity at something extraordinary. I don’t believe we’re put on this Earth to play it safe. When I was 21 I decided to pack my bags and pursue my dream of becoming the best musician I could possibly be, and move to Canada where I would spend the next 5 years honing in on my craft. I didn’t have the funds, friends, or support a lot of my peers did, but I knew it was something that I had to do! I’ve also quit a stable job right after covid to throw everything at trying to make it as a freelance music instructor. If it weren’t for taking those risks, I wouldn’t have had the honor of teaching over 75 unique students last year! With regard to performing, there’s been many instances where I didn’t feel like I was good enough to share the stage with such great musicians, but I took the risk and it gave me so many amazing opportunities to share my love of music with people! Risks are scary, but I’d rather be scared than bored…

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I first picked up the guitar when I was 16 years old, so I had to put in some overtime in order to get to where I wanted to be with it. Almost immediately I started writing music. Over the last decade, I’ve composed over 150 songs of all different genres from pop, to folk, to Jazz, to rap. The project that brings me the most excitement is my newest EP (which is available on all streaming platforms) entitled “A Blind Eye To Youth”. This album is to this date my best work. I poured my heart and soul into this project that encapsulates the feeling of growing older, but trying to retain the kid that lives inside us all. If you’re a fan of RnB, Rock, Rap, Pop Punk, Soul than I encourage you to check it out!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well first off we’d have to and grab a coffee at the Night Owl in Fullerton. We’d probably go on a Tuesday night when they have open mic so we could catch all the best local acts! Then that Thursday we’d head over to 4th Street Market to grab some grub and catch all the best musicians in OC and LA vibe out and freestyle! Last but not least I’d take them out to The Edison in LA where we’d enjoy a fantastic dinner at a very classy steam-punk themed speakeasy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost I’d love to shout out my brother in law Andrew Martinez for being patient with me and teaching me back when I started out, and for giving me the opportunity to play in his band “Nastalja” all those years ago. I’d also like to thank my brother Chris, my sister Kassie, and my Mom for always reminding me that I could do anything I put my mind to. I’d also like to shoutout Laura Harrison for mentoring me throughout college and always believing in me. Last but certainly not least, I’d like to thank all my friends and family in the OC and greater LA area along with my friends back in Canada…and to Aaron Lee…Shake and Bake Cal!

Instagram: warrenguitar01

Other: TikTok: warrenguitar01

Image Credits
Jaron Squire