What Josh Thompson Has Learned About Being a Country Singer
Editor’s Note: Thirty-six-year-old Josh Thompson has been in Nashville, Tennessee, for about 10 years and has been burning up the highway for the past 6 years, performing his country and western songs all over the nation. Thompson sings country and western music and writes songs for himself and other artists. His goal is to make enough money and also have enough time to go hunting. Thompson says, “I've been hunting all my life, and I'm so proud to be a part of the Mossy Oak Pro Staff.”
I've loved country and western music all my life, but I didn’t get a guitar until I was 21-years old, when I got one for my birthday. I wanted the guitar, so I could play and sing some of my favorite country songs around the campfire. To be real honest, I thought that singing and playing the guitar would impress a lot of ladies. However, I’ve found that not to be true.
About 6 months after I learned to play several chords on my guitar, I started writing songs. By the time I was 25, I had written a pile of songs. I wanted to go to Nashville to learn the craft of song writing and entertaining in hopes of making a full time living as a country music artist. So, at 26, I moved to Nashville to hone my craft. I didn’t have any misconceptions about being an instant success. I knew that to really learn any craft and be good enough to make a living at it would require 5 to 10 years of training. I knew that making it in the country music industry was a long haul, that there would be a lot of discouragement along the way, and that the ones who made it in that field were survivors first and talented second. I was comfortable with the idea that I’d need at least 10 years to learn the craft of country song writer and singer, and to be able to make a living at it.
I had one big advantage. I was a concrete finisher, before I was a country western singer. So, I realized I’d have to put my time in and hone my skills to be successful at any craft, regardless of my talent. My entire family worked as concrete finishers. I grew up in that business and supported myself as a concrete finisher, until I could make a living as a country singer. The last time I poured concrete was 2008. That’s when my music finally took over and became my full time business. I’d been singing and performing for 4 years, before I could survive on the money I made from singing.
I’m telling this part of my story as an encouragement for young people who want to get into the music business or any kind of business. First, you have to learn your craft. Then, you have to continue to learn from other people in that same business. Hoping to get lucky is not the quickest way to the top. I think you have to get through about 2,000 No’s before you get to one Yes. In the country music business, I know that endurance, patience and persistence are the most-important tools you need for success. Then, if you can sing, write songs and perform, those are added bonuses.
To learn about me and my music got to www.joshthompsonofficial.com. There you can also see when I’ll be in your area. I’d love to meet you.
Tomorrow: Josh Thompson - My Big Break Until Today
