A Live Performance from New Age Funk Musician Josh Stokes

Summary

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.

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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]

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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.

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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.

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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.

Transcript

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[Josh Stokes]

Listener supported WNYC Studios.

[Alison Stewart]

This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. 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 release 13 albums. This includes his most recent titled Won't Stop Rockin'the. Entire album features blues, jazz and an experimental sound that she has become part of Stoke's signature. Her lyrics convey messages about progress, persistence and perseverance. Today, Josh Jokes joins us live for a special live performance and to talk a little bit about his career. Hi, Josh.

[Josh Stokes]

How you doing?

[Alison Stewart]

I'm doing well. You're gonna kick things off with a performance for us. Tell us about the song you're gonna play.

[Josh Stokes]

I'm gonna play a song called it's yous World.

[Alison Stewart]

It's your world.

[Josh Stokes]

Yes. And it's just, you know, reminding everybody, do your thing, you know, stay positive, stay optimistic. And it's your world.

[Alison Stewart]

Here's Josh Stokes.

[Josh Stokes]

Yes, y'all. Ah, party people in the house. Jam Master J is in the area.

Coming to remind you. It's your world. Have to forget it Check it out my love, is that you Been thinking what's next for you? Where's up or down? Oh yeah, don't forget it, baby But I need to let you know you're special oh, yes, Y yeah. And don't ever think you let me down?

Oh, no, no, no, no.

Oh, it's your world, baby Slower uhhuh. We can roll up Will you love it when we light it up and I take you down? Let me know.

[Dennis Minor]

We can roll up.

[Josh Stokes]

Sugar Know you love it when yeah. Since you've been around you've been a blessing yes you have. And the sun's brighter every day? Oh, yes, it is now. Oh, listen, sorry I had a been on a paper chase. Too occupied to come and get a taste. Just know you bring me life when I see your face? If you think you need to make decisions hold your hand, baby don't ever forget it.

[Dennis Minor]

You know why?

[Josh Stokes]

Cause I'm bulletproof? Just let me say yeah?

[Dennis Minor]

There ain't nothing in the world that.

[Josh Stokes]

Can take it from me? Know you love it, will take it down now down. Let.

[Dennis Minor]

Me know you get down. Yes. Can we. Yeah.

[Josh Stokes]

I need you to go with me.

[Dennis Minor]

Can we, can we? Party people in the house, in the chair like this. Don't stop. Y'all party people got to keep. Yes, sir. Don't stop. It's your world, baby don't ever forget it Keep chasing, keep dreaming Keep doing your thing Baby, you can make it happen it's your world, sugar don't stop New York, help us say. Say what?

[Josh Stokes]

It's your world.

[Alison Stewart]

That was Josh Stokes performing It's yous World.

[Interviewer]

Also, we have Dennis Minor on keyboards. Want to say shout out to you. Hi, how are you?

[Alison Stewart]

Okay, good. You know you've been working Won't Stop Rocking.

[Interviewer]

You put out so many records in such a short period of time. When do you know it's the right time to put out a record?

[Josh Stokes]

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. I don't care if you're tired of hearing me or if you feel like it's too much. I gotta keep putting it. And I'm so grateful for this year because I had so many creative, like certain that were hitting me that made me want to keep making beats and keep writing songs and just kind of stay creative. And I'm just thankful that it happened.

[Interviewer]

So what was the initial concept behind Won't Stop Rockin'well?

[Josh Stokes]

I love Run DMC and their song King of Rock. Specifically dmc. Yeah. You know what I mean? I won't stop rocking till I retire. And that line is just. Cause that's how I feel like I'm never gonna stop. I don't care if I turn into a old gray haired, bald headed man. I'm gonna keep making this music. I'm gonna keep traveling. I'm just gonna keep impacting people the best way I can through my art.

[Alison Stewart]

We're gonna listen to the very first song on the album. It's called Move On. Let's listen to it.

[Josh Stokes]

Good to see my man eat for his last service. Always confident but today I'm a little nervous Do I would see some faces ain't seen in a while Now I'm a grown man Ain't thinking as a child Started trying to hang again Shoot the field Talking how life's been Same old conversation back from 2010.

[Alison Stewart]

Why did you want to open with that track? Move on.

[Josh Stokes]

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, I believe, last year, December. He was a really good friend of myself and Dennis's, and he's actually my manager, Thomas Cousin. So it was just really cool how we all wound up linking. But he was a really great friend of mine, and I went to go see him at his funeral service, and there was a lot of old faces that I hadn't seen and old friends that I hadn't seen since, you know, being heavily in church and thinking one way and being one way and, you know, people will begin to create these perceptions of you, of who you may have been now that you're not in church anymore. So you kind of feel that, and it keeps you away because you don't want to be in it. But because he was my friend so much, I just had to go show him love. But I was seeing old friends, and we would try to hang out, but the conversations were just so old and dated. It was just like, yo, I can't do this anymore. Like, I'm trying to build. I want to get. Just be the best that I can be. So move on was just about moving on from old ideologies or concepts that we feel like we need to abide by just in life.

[Alison Stewart]

My guest is Josh Stokes.

[Interviewer]

He's a new age funk artist who recently released an album titled Won't Stop Rockin'he's. Here to talk about his career and perform live. All right, so you've been described as new age funk. I just did. And new age soul. When you think about it, what's the difference between new age funk and traditional funk?

[Josh Stokes]

I think the differences are it's just being done now. I think there was a lot of, you know, fanfare and having to dress up in the leather and the afros and all that stuff back in the day. Excuse me, but I feel like that was just an idea that our forefathers and mothers had to get out just so that we could be ourselves and just sing, you know, because at first, they couldn't just be themselves and sing. It had to be a whole, you know, grandstanding thing where they had to be stars and be bright with the diamonds. And they did all that. So 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.

[Interviewer]

What about funk music resonates with you? You could have gone into sort of blues or gospel or.

[Josh Stokes]

Totally. I feel like the funk is all of that. I feel like it's just all encompassing. It gets a little bit of everything. And I feel like that's what my music is. It's just a tad bit of everything. And I feel like my music has the potential to be able to reach many people. You know, I don't feel like it's just a one lane or one genre type of thing. I feel that no music is, you know, I think it's just about making money where we get put in these lanes. But I just like to make music and whatever comes out sounding like, I'm down with it.

[Interviewer]

What was the first instrument you picked up?

[Josh Stokes]

The drums.

[Interviewer]

You were sitting behind the drums. I should let everybody know. What was it about the drums when you were first a little guy?

[Josh Stokes]

I don't know. My hands just got the pens and the pencils and just started beating on things. And it was just naturally there. Like, we are just that way. Like, we were born just to know how to play, to know how to kind of adapt to the setting, to kind of read the room. That is one thing I do like from church is the ability to learn and how we learn, you know, the body language from the audience. Should we do this, should we do that? Is it time to chill? It's just so much that you learn. And I was really privileged to be able to get all that education at such a young age.

[Alison Stewart]

When did you decide to sing?

[Josh Stokes]

Wow. That was a decision my mother made for me. Cause I actually hated singing. I thought singing was like, man, that's weak. That's. You know. So, like, my mother started making me sing in choir rehearsal. Like, josh, you gonna sing this song? Like, Ma, I don't want. You're gonna sing this song. 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 to start in groups, to write my own songs, to doing shows. So thank you so much.

[Alison Stewart]

Ma, do you remember where you were when you thought to yourself, I could do this professionally?

[Josh Stokes]

Yeah. I was probably at home because, you know, I'm seeing people on tv and I'm like, I can do that. You know, I can make that beat, or I can write a song like that, or even the great people around you was like, I'm right there with you. You know? So I just always felt like I had what it took to be able to be on a world stage and just be impactful. Really?

[Alison Stewart]

You're gonna play another song for us?

[Josh Stokes]

Yes.

[Alison Stewart]

It's called Family?

[Josh Stokes]

Yes.

[Alison Stewart]

Tell us a little bit about it.

[Josh Stokes]

Okay.

[Alison Stewart]

Before you play it.

[Josh Stokes]

So I know that the family dynamic is a very weird one, and it's kind of difficult to navigate for a lot of people. Like, for myself, I'd be lying if I say my family is perfect. We all love each other. 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, and I appreciate the individuals there that turned me into who I am. From my direct family that I'm born into, to my aunts, uncles, and cousins. They're all unique individuals. And when you look back, you can say, oh, okay, that's where I got that from. She does that. He does that. Okay. We're a little family. I get it. So it just made me be like, wow. You know, shout out to my cousin Dominic. He was an amazing illustrator at the age of seven. I always wanted to draw like him, but I never could, you know? My cousin Donna used to sing in the late 2000s and make her own independent CDs and write. My mother wrote books. My father started a church. So it was just like, I got to see all this stuff directly and use it to kind of build my own platform as well.

[Alison Stewart]

Let's listen to Josh Stokes. This is family.

[Josh Stokes]

Mama told me, son, it's all right to cry Sister say the power's been in your song Now I know I can do this Just keep pushing on See what the end's gonna be I'll see, yeah I'm so thankful for my family today we used to get down on our knees and pray Now I think that I know just what to say I believe I can do this There ain't nothing, y'all, no, nothing that'll get me off track I'm so thankful they taught me wrong from right and they helped me to discover my life yeah and I'll pass it on to my babies, too they too find the answers, yeah by watching you yeah, you got to show them, too Things change as you grow May not want to be with family anymore but keep them close to your heart how you finish don't have to be how you start Father told me you'd be a man one day yeah Mama say close your eyes when you say grace Baby Sadie, it seems like something is wrong Sister say the power's all in your song I'm so grateful they taught me wrong from right Defend yourself when it's time to fight we used to get down on our knees and pray Now I Think that I know just what to say I'm glad they helped me to discover my life Now I know I can do this. Just keep pushing on, seeing what the end's gonna be.

[Alison Stewart]

That was Josh Stokes. So you could listen to every word of that and understand what you're feeling when you're writing that song. And now you have children of your own.

[Josh Stokes]

Yes.

[Alison Stewart]

Your own family. When you think about them, what's something that you learned after becoming a dad that helps you understand your parents a little better?

[Josh Stokes]

Definitely patience. You have to be patient with your children, and the patience varies through different ages. You have baby patient, toddler patients, you know, teenage patients. So it definitely acceptance, though, and letting your children know that no matter what they do, that you love them, that you're always on their side, that you support them, and that as a parent, you just try to guide them to be the best that they can be. Never what to do. Be like me. Be a drummer. Be a singer. But whatever you do, use the passion that I have. Be as passionate as me. Be as serious and as focused as me. Because you may not want to be like me, but it's the same spirit that's driving everything that we all do. So that's definitely one thing I try to do.

[Alison Stewart]

Can I ask you a little bit about your creative process?

[Interviewer]

You produce a lot of your own music.

[Alison Stewart]

When you're thinking about it, you have.

[Interviewer]

To be the performer, but you also.

[Alison Stewart]

Have to be the producer. So what does the producer. How does the producer help Josh, the performer?

[Josh Stokes]

The producer helps me by remaining organized. It's showing me how far I can go in this song, how far I'm able to stretch what the specific title of the song may be or the emotion. Yeah, and that's pretty much it. I like to create different things for albums as opposed to, like, a show where I might extend a song for, like, extend a break where we can, like, jam a little bit longer or something like that. But the producer side definitely keeps me organized.

[Interviewer]

Tell us about your songwriting. Where do you sit? Where do you write? Do you have an idea and you write it down, or do you sit down and have time that you specifically spend?

[Josh Stokes]

I usually. 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. If I'm not at home with the kids, I'm somewhere creating the beat where I'm laying the whole idea out. I appreciate the voice memo idea because at least it keeps it for me. So if I lose it, I can go back to it and I can recreate from there.

[Interviewer]

I'm curious for you, as a professional musician, you run into your fans, right? Do you have a meaningful story of a fan who's just wanted to talk to you about something?

[Josh Stokes]

Yeah, a few times that's actually happened.

[Interviewer]

I can imagine people want to talk to you.

[Josh Stokes]

Yeah. Do you know, like, there was a guy from St. Louis that had just gotten out of jail, and he was talking to me and telling me that he appreciated my music and he enjoyed it. I did a tour of thrift stores in the springtime, and I was in Philadelphia, and there was this family from France that was there, and they told me that they enjoy my music. And everything that I was doing in New York, I've had people tell me that they enjoy my music. Can I give you a hug? Yeah. Thank you. You know, to me, that's all the little stamps. It's like you're doing the right thing. Keep going.

[Interviewer]

We're gonna hear one last song. What's the backstory of the song? Old Soldier.

[Josh Stokes]

This song is for every person that is feeling tired, that is feeling like quitting, like, man, this is not working. And again, it's not just my field. And whatever thing you're doing, even in life, if you feel like, yo, this is not good enough, it's just like an encouragement song just to tell people to keep going.

[Interviewer]

All right, this is Josh Stokes. You're gonna head on over back to your drums.

[Josh Stokes]

All right?

[Interviewer]

He's walking, he's walking. It's almost there. He's behind the drums. It's gonna happen. Okay, this is Josh Stokes.

[Josh Stokes]

This one right here is for all my soldiers. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, wherever you may be. If you listening to me. Keep rocking, baby.

In the spirit of rock and roll, I made a vow never ever to sell my soul no, I come against the mind control don't ever switch up the plan for fame and gold no Keep rocking, baby don't stop, check the.

[Dennis Minor]

Rhyme Keep fighting, old soldier don't quit once you let the throne you gotta roll with everything you want, you gotta go get it's time for you to realize you the old sh. No fear, old soldier go fight even if it means your mind gotta keep your word, God, the whole time you can have it Everything in sight, in sight it's yours Fight, soldier, that's what you made for Might lose the battle gotta win the war no now the ain't braves no more Keep thinking, old soldier keep striving all the revelation that you realize what made it go by way of dying hard Made it go by made it die Keep fighting on something don't stop don't keep thinking on Come on don't stop don't quit baby you can make it all don't give up just where you at baby you can do it on soldier wanted people where you are keep fighting old soldier don't quit what you destin doing you got to roll with go first everybody in the house got to see love don't stop you can make it all soldier you can do it all soldier tell yourself you can do it.

[Interviewer]

Here's.

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