.gay Music Monday Feature: Joshua Althina

Feb 26

For this edition of our .gay Music Monday feature, we chatted with Joshua Althina, a successful queer musician, executive producer, publicist, tour manager, and small business owner who's not afraid of taking risks and tapping into people's unspoken thoughts for his music.

Read his inspiring story below and get a glimpse into his wild world.

**What inspired you to start playing and making music?**
I enjoy the art of escapism. By the time I was 5, things like the internet were just blossoming. AOL messaging, arcade games on the first constructed PCs and video games were all spaces of joy for me. Tapping out from the real world was kind of engrained in me. The music eventually became the same drug. I love exploring emotions we don’t usually say out loud, a perfectly crafted song that takes you into someone’s fantasy, a song that confesses love in different structures. It’s all so fascinating to me, and I want my music to be the same. When you listen to Joshua Althina, expect to go on a wild journey into my chaotic world.

What do you like most about playing music?

I love the feeling of connection to others. Whenever I put out music, I’ll always get an overwhelming amount of messages from people who tell me what resonated with them. Sometimes I’ll sit there and think to myself, “should I really say that on this track?” And then boom, when it releases, people will tell me the lyrics that seem so far left field were what kept them repeating the track. Tapping into people’s unspoken thoughts or feelings is a gift I love tapping into with my songwriting.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

I make cult music. When people listen to my music, it’s a very “Us vs. Them” mentality - and we always come out on top. There’s a certain relentless attitude I like to tap into when I make music; it’s for the people who can’t be knocked down.

Why do you think it’s important to be out and proud in the music industry?

Beyond being out and proud, I believe my work is most important when I’m breaking barriers queer people don’t typically have access to. As an executive producer: I write all my lyrics, produce all my music, direct visuals, and style the looks. I want other queer people to be able to see me and know nothing is off-limits for them. I can’t tell you how often I’ve been told “No” strictly for being queer. But if a door is closed, you make sure to pulverize that door and show up for all those people who didn’t see it for you.

As an LGBTQ+ artist, what do you want to convey with your music?

I want my music to let others know that there are no limits. Don’t let fear stop you from your greatness. People constantly tell me they have to choose one singular path in life and only b great at that one thing - I reject that mentality. I’m standing here as a successful queer musician, executive producer, publicist, tour manager, small business owner, and so much more. When you listen to my music, chase after all your dreams with an unstoppable fire.