Meet Ishani Joshi | Artist/ Songwriter

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

Hi Ishani, why did you pursue a creative career?
The energy and pure joy I feel when I pick up a mic is unmatched. When I’m performing, I feel like the most confident and vibrant version of myself, and I couldn’t imagine pursuing anything different. While I’ve always felt at home on stage, I found a new love in the art of songwriting when I moved to Nashville. There’s something indescribable about sharing an intimate piece of my heart and connecting with people through my music. Growing up, I always thought that writing and performing my own songs was a “maybe if I’m lucky” kind of dream – something that happens to the one-in-a-million. Living here in Nashville has shown me that I can make this “dream life” my reality. I’ve met so many talented, creative, and ambitious people that have helped me find my footing as an effective story teller and communicator through song. I’ve immersed myself into the music scene and after lots of exploring, I feel like I’ve found my sound – the type of music that feels most me. I feel so lucky to pursue a career as an artist and have an impact on my community by sharing heart and soul with others. I hope that my music can help others feel like the most genuine and uninhibited version of themselves and just bring a sprinkle of funk and joy into their lives. If my art can bring a smile, tear, the feeling of being understood, or even a little excuse to dance, to a listener, then I consider my job more than fulfilled.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Being a Pop/Soul artist in the home of country music has been such a fun experience. I’ve learned to release my insecurities about sounding and looking different than many of the artists here and have really tapped in to my authenticity and energetic spirit. My latest release “Loud,” features my new and refined pop/ funk sound and inspires listeners to just vibe and bounce! I am so excited for the songs that are in the works for later this year beecause they are unlike anything I’ve ever created. They tell stories about different phases of life and every ounce of my personally shines though these tunes.

My journey as an artist has been a long and winding one. I’ve been singing for my entire life, but my professional switch happened while I was working at Sony Music in NYC and realized, “I want to be one of these artists” The music industry is no walk in the park. With intense competition, self-doubt, creative lulls, and constant rejection, I really have to lean on my support system and my raw passion for creating music. I remind myself each day that this is what I’m meant to do, and nothing brings me more joy. This journey has helped me become more confident in myself, even if I’m “faking it until I make it” at times. I once heard someone say, “Every artist needs to have a little bit of delusion when going into this industry,” and I totally agree. It requires a sort of unwavering certainty in yourself, even on those more difficult days. If you don’t believe in yourself and your art, who will?

When people think of my brand and my music I want them to feel release. When my songs are played, I hope listeners can tap into the lightness and joy inside of themselves and find an escape from the heavier aspects of life. Like popping your head out of the sunroof and basking in the feeling of being alive.

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.

Okay first, I live for itinerary making and I will forever and happily be the planner friend. SO my besties are coming to visit, we would have to get some yummy Thai food – smiling elephant and Eastern Peak are my fav (red curry & drunken noodles combo is unmatched). Maybe even some Two Ten Jack, Emmy Squared Pizza or Virago. OR Assembly Food Hall. For dessert, we would HAVE to get five daughters donuts because you haven’t lived without these donuts in your life. There’s so much good food here in Nashville.

The nightlife is so much fun too with bars like Old Glory and Rosemary. Of course it isn’t Nashville without live music so Bourbon Street Blues in Printers Alley is always so much fun. The Listening Room is iconic every day of the week or even any music venue in East Nashville. A MUST would be to go to one of the open jams – Eastside Jam at Inglewood lounge or Flamingo Invite. It’s hours of talented musicians improving and jamming all night and I’ve had a lot of fun growing my improv skills there.

For a nice, chill last day of the trip, I would go hang out at Centennial Park or even the pool to recover & read because I am in my reading era right now.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The biggest shoutout goes to my parents! Since the very beginning, they’ve encouraged me on my artist journey. The house they raised me in holds all of my musical roots. My childhood bedroom where I “produced” my first song on garage band (it will never see the light of day lol), the old upright piano where I belted songs about love and heartbreak before I even held someone’s hand, and the basement where I made my first YouTube videos. My parents were by my side supporting me the entire way. I want to to thank them for driving me to voice lessons, getting me my first guitar, being in the audience for all of my performances, and helping me make the move to Nashville. These gestures meant the world to me and were a constant signal to me to keep going with my dreams. Their unconditional love and support keeps me going through the difficult moments that come with pursuing a career as an artist. I know I can always count on them for words of encouragement and likes on TikTok (thanks mom). My parents are the original dreamers and I look up to them everyday for creating a beautiful life here in the states and starting small business of their own. I’m so lucky that we have each others’ support as we navigate this life together and keep chasing our dreams.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ishanijoshimusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ishanijoshimusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7cyZYxyLL5wDvbanxavNXg

Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ishanijoshimusic

Image Credits
Winter Wilson