All Of It: A Live Performance and In-Depth Conversation with New Age Funk Musician Josh Stokes

Hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, "All Of It" delves into the vibrant tapestry of culture and its creators. In the January 17, 2025 episode titled "A Live Performance from New Age Funk Musician Josh Stokes," Stewart invites listeners into the multifaceted world of Josh Stokes—a prolific Baltimore-based drummer, singer, and musician known for his innovative blend of blues, jazz, and experimental sounds.

Introduction: Meet Josh Stokes

Alison Stewart opens the episode by introducing Josh Stokes, highlighting his prolific output since 2016 with the release of 13 albums. His latest work, "Won't Stop Rockin'," exemplifies his signature sound—a fusion of blues, jazz, and experimental elements. Stewart describes Stokes as a musician whose lyrics embody themes of progress, persistence, and perseverance, setting the stage for an engaging conversation and live performance.

"New age funk musician Josh Stokes often says he came out of his mother's womb making music. Since 2016, the 30-something-year-old Baltimore drummer and singer has released 13 albums."
—Alison Stewart [00:38]

Live Performance: "It's Your World"

The episode kicks off with a live performance by Josh Stokes of his uplifting track, "It's Your World." The song serves as a vibrant anthem encouraging listeners to stay positive and embrace their individuality.

"I'm gonna play a song called 'It's Your World.' And it's just, you know, reminding everybody, do your thing, you know, stay positive, stay optimistic. And it's your world."
—Josh Stokes [01:17]

The performance, infused with energetic rhythms and heartfelt vocals, sets an optimistic tone for the episode.

The Drive Behind "Won't Stop Rockin'"

Following the performance, Stewart engages Stokes in a discussion about his prolific recording schedule. Stokes emphasizes his intrinsic urge to create, regardless of external expectations or potential listener fatigue.

"When I'm really feeling that urge to be like, man, it's time to put something out. I don't care if it's like a month away or two weeks away. I'm like, man, I'm dropping it."
—Josh Stokes [05:53]

He expresses gratitude for the creative momentum that fueled his recent output, attributing it to a surge of creative ideas that propelled him to continue producing music unabated.

Conceptualizing "Won't Stop Rockin'"

Stokes draws inspiration from Run DMC's iconic line, "I won't stop rockin' till I retire," infusing it with his commitment to perpetually create and influence through his art.

"Cause that's how I feel like I'm never gonna stop. I don't care if I turn into an old gray-haired, bald-headed man. I'm gonna keep making this music."
—Josh Stokes [06:22]

This determination underscores the album's ethos—unyielding dedication to musical expression and cultural impact.

Performance and Reflection: "Move On"

Stokes performs "Move On," the opening track of "Won't Stop Rockin'," which holds personal significance as a tribute to his late friend Ethan Clark.

"It was important to me for a few reasons. I wanted to pay homage to my good friend Ethan Clark, who had just passed away."
—Josh Stokes [07:30]

The song encapsulates themes of letting go of outdated ideologies and embracing personal growth, reflecting Stokes' own journey of moving beyond past affiliations and expectations.

Defining New Age Funk: A Genre Evolution

In exploring his musical identity, Stokes distinguishes New Age Funk from traditional funk by emphasizing authenticity and personal expression over the genre's historical flamboyance.

"I could just come in my long johns and shorts and say, yo, I'm still gonna bring you the funk, but I'm gonna bring it this way."
—Josh Stokes [09:20]

He highlights funk's inclusive nature, merging elements from various genres to create a sound that resonates broadly, breaking free from conventional genre constraints.

Personal Musical Journey: From Drums to Vocals

Stokes shares his early connection with music, beginning with drumming—a natural inclination as his hands gravitated toward percussion from a young age.

"My hands just got the pens and the pencils and just started beating on things. And it was just naturally there."
—Josh Stokes [10:19]

He credits his mother's insistence on singing in the choir, despite his initial reluctance, as a pivotal moment that expanded his musical horizons and catalyzed his career.

"My mother started making me sing in choir rehearsal... And I can't say thank you to her enough because that singing and playing drums has just led me to so many other places."
—Josh Stokes [10:57]

Performance and Insights: "Family"

Stokes presents "Family," a track that delves into the complexities and enduring bonds within familial relationships. He reflects on the imperfect yet foundational role family plays in shaping one's identity.

"I didn't do Thanksgiving with my family this year. I didn't do Christmas. Cause I didn't want to, you know? But I still respect my family."
—Josh Stokes [12:01]

The song serves as a homage to his relatives, acknowledging their unique influences and the role they play in his personal and artistic development.

Fatherhood: Lessons in Patience and Support

Transitioning to personal life, Stokes discusses his experiences as a father, highlighting the virtues of patience and unconditional support in nurturing his children's growth.

"You have to be patient with your children... letting your children know that no matter what they do, that you love them."
—Josh Stokes [16:31]

He emphasizes guiding his children to pursue their passions with the same fervor that drives his own, fostering an environment of encouragement without dictating their paths.

Creative Process: Balancing Performance and Production

Stokes elaborates on his dual role as a performer and producer, detailing how he maintains organization and creative direction in his music production.

"The producer helps me by remaining organized. It's showing me how far I can go in this song."
—Josh Stokes [17:50]

His songwriting process is described as spontaneous yet structured, often capturing ideas through voice memos to ensure they are preserved and can be developed further.

"If I have a lyric idea or a melody idea, I'm humming it right in my phone in my voice memo, I'm writing the lyric down in my phone."
—Josh Stokes [18:30]

Connecting with Fans: Stories of Impact

Stokes shares meaningful interactions with fans, illustrating the profound personal impact his music has on listeners from diverse backgrounds.

"A guy from St. Louis that had just gotten out of jail... told me that he appreciated my music and he enjoyed it."
—Josh Stokes [19:12]

These encounters reinforce his commitment to creating music that resonates and supports individuals in their personal journeys.

Final Performance: "Old Soldier"

Concluding the episode, Stokes performs "Old Soldier," a motivational piece aimed at encouraging those who feel weary and on the brink of giving up. The song embodies his overarching themes of resilience and steadfastness.

"This song is for every person that is feeling tired, that is feeling like quitting... it's just an encouragement song to tell people to keep going."
—Josh Stokes [19:53]

The performance serves as an empowering finale, encapsulating the episode's spirit of unwavering determination.

In Summary

This episode of "All Of It" offers a comprehensive glimpse into Josh Stokes' artistic journey, creative philosophies, and personal narratives. Through live performances and candid conversations, listeners gain an intimate understanding of Stokes' dedication to his craft, the influences that shape his music, and the meaningful connections he fosters with his audience. Alison Stewart masterfully navigates the dialogue, allowing Stokes' passion and authenticity to shine, making this episode a compelling exploration of culture and creativity.