Happy New Year, my Frog Blog friends! Hopefully 2010 is off to a promising start for everyone.
Speaking of starting the new year on a positive note, that’s just what newcomer Josh Thompson is doing. Interestingly, the Cedarburg, Wisconsin native never foresaw a career in music while he was growing up. His father owned a cement business, and from the age of 12, Josh worked alongside his dad, helping him pour concrete. At 19, he joined a road crew, putting in long, sweaty hours working on roads and city sidewalks. Before long, Josh realized: “I didn't want to pour concrete the rest of my life and end up with a broken back and burned out knees at 35.” He’d always had a passion and respect for nature and the outdoors, so Josh decided to go to college, aiming for a degree in natural resources. He studied forestry and fish and wildlife management for two years, while continuing to pour concrete three days a week, to pay for his tuition.
When he was 21, a life-changing event occurred. Josh got a guitar. He took lessons for a short while, but once he learned a few chords, Josh tapped into a natural talent he’d never known he had. He was soon writing songs. Suddenly music, Josh said: “was almost like a drug for me. I had to do it.”
Josh moved to Nashville in 2005. He quickly hooked up with fellow songwriters and musicians, who became regular collaborators. He recalls: “I was still pouring concrete three days a week. A lot of times I'd start at 7, then wash off with a garden hose and head to a writing appointment. Some nights I'd write songs until 2:30, get up at 6, splash some water on my face and do it again.” In addition to all this, Josh also found time to put together a band and do some gigging. His big break came when a song he wrote, “Growing Up is Getting Old,” became the title track on Jason Michael Carroll’s second album.
While waiting to land a record deal, Josh released a digital 4-song EP. One of the tunes included in this package was his current hit, “Beer on the Table.” Now signed to Sony Nashville, Josh is looking forward to the release of his major label debut in the New Year. He co-wrote 10 of the songs on the CD. The project was produced by Michael Knox, best known for his work with Jason Aldean. Way Out Here is scheduled to hit stores on February 23.
If you visit Josh Thompson’s website (the link is below) make sure you try your hand at the “Whack a Beer” game. Playing on the popularity of “Beer on the Table,” he’s taken the old “Whack a Mole” game to new, drunken heights. See how many beer cans you can smash… Great way to waste time! :^)
Happy New Year, my Frog Blog friends! Hopefully 2010 is off to a promising start for everyone.
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