LOS ANGELES, CA – At only 21 years old, Nashville-based Josie Dunne already has songwriting credits for stars like Kelly Clarkson and Jacob Sartorius under her belt. It’s safe to say that she already has enough music industry experience that would surpass most, if not all, people her age.
Growing up, Josie has always been immersed in the arts. She grew up around three siblings, an older brother who is an artist and painter, and two younger siblings (a sister who is a dancer and a younger brother who is a graphic designer). She also took singing lessons from a cousin and learned how to play the guitar with another. Add that to the fact that she grew up in a house that listened to old Motown and R&B soul, you can hear how what’s inspired her to make the music that she’s making now.
Josie took the stage at The Hotel Cafe on May 1st where she serenaded both friends and music industry executives with three songs off of her upcoming EP “To Be The Little Fish” which will be released by Atlantic Records on June 1st.
“I got the title for the EP after I spoke to a psychic right when I moved to Nashville for my birthday, I was talking to her and she kept saying, “to be the little fish, to be the little fish that’s how you should live your life,” over and over. Then I found myself […] at the Georgia aquarium and I had that phrase in my head while looking at the fishes and I realized that being the little fish makes more sense ’cause you get to hang with the big fish and learn from them, instead of when you’re the big fish … I mean the pond is only so big, so at some point you become stagnant. So that’s how I got the idea for the title because I think that’s how I always want to live my life, being the little fish.”
In between songs, the singer reminisced about her childhood, growing up in La Grange, IL. She cheerfully talked about growing up in a gluten-free household and getting psychic readings with her mom and sister.
“I grew up gluten-free, so yeah —yes Los Angeles,” she said as she threw a fist up in the air.
Josie’s music was a breath of fresh air for me. When I first heard the single “Old School”, I was driving around my little town on a snowy and overcast day. The weather reflected my mood- I was actually having a really bad day- but the upbeat song made me feel better to the point that I ended up having the song on repeat that whole drive. Hearing Josie perform that song live made me reminisce about that day I first found out about her and made me appreciate just how much music can affect someone’s mood.
During the show, she also briefly spoke about the inspiration behind two of her songs “Old School” which was inspired by her parents, Marcy and Marty, and “Good Boys” which was inspired by past relationships.
“Old school was literally written about my parents. Their relationship is something I aspire to have with someone in the future.”
Although her set was short, her stage presence was evident, although albeit coy at times. I think a shy aura actually helps her stand out from the crowd. If she keeps at it and just keeps staying true to herself, Josie will definitely make a mark in the industry.
Be sure to check out her EP and follow Josie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
