Her first album Mercury was released at age 22. Her second album, released end of last year, is an honest reflection on her life – from its title aligned to her second name of Leyland and the lyrics inviting you to understand her views of herself and the world. A world of words wrapped in song; honesty and sincerity showcased in a jewel case.
Sue Northam spoke to Josie ahead of her tour to Bahrain, Dubai, London, Birmingham and Edinburgh in October.
Do you write all your own songs?
Yes, I write the lyrics, basic melody and structure. Only one of the songs on Leyland was written by someone else, Kevin Leicher who produced and recorded Leyland.
How has your song writing evolved over the years?
Generally, I have matured as a songwriter. I feel more confident in my writing and more able to express myself. Looking back I feel that Mercury was quite a timid album whereas Leyland is edgier and rocks the boat slightly with regards to certain issues. I think my views are stronger and more concrete in Leyland without losing the cynical humor.
Who are your songwriting inspirations?
Most people who write and sing their own songs inspire me. Particularly people like Tracy Chapman, Jewel, Alanis, Dylan, Fiest and Counting Crows.
What do you make of the Alanis comparison?
I’m flattered, she has always been a great songwriting inspiration to me and kind of kick-started my songwriting style.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve done?
Become a musician, it takes guts, especially at first.
How has your life changed since you’ve become a popular musician?
I’m doing what I love which always makes life worth living! I feel very much like I’m on the right track, I’m so busy, things have got tricky but I feel focused. I’m so happy people connect with my work, it’s the greatest gift of all!
What do you do in your spare time?
I like seeing friends, having a braai (I’m a great host!) I attend art lessons, I love painting! I also love watching bands, being in the garden, writing, reading, watching art movies, enjoying long breakfasts and doing yoga and bathing by candlelight.
What is your big dream?
I have got many, one of which is to become world renowned for my songwriting. Mostly, I just want to die knowing I gave it my best shot in my short time on earth.
A lyrical look at Josie
• ‘Hey Man’ is the first single off Leyland. It’s a clear poke at the commercial pop cutter of the music industry. “You’ve got 155 crazy ideas, why do you always go with the safest one.”
• ‘Law of attraction’, the second radio single, brings in a Natasha Bedingfield style beat in the form of E J Von Lyrik, a fantastic singer and rapper from Cape Town. This songs lyrics are very apt in this age of enlightenment.
• ‘Reminds me of me’ is a fabulous account of a human being sharing their intricacies and oddities in stark daylight, with a twist of delightfulness. And all true says Josie. She sings about collecting plastic bags and feathers amongst other things. We asked her what the weirdest thing is that she’s collected, to which she replied, “Vegetable scraps for my worm farm!”
• ‘The freedom that I deserve’ combined with sexy slide guitar which gives it a cotton-eye-joe do-de-do feel. She sings ‘I so want the freedom that I deserve’ and asked if she has it, she says, “I’m in a place in my life right now where I feel I do, for the first time ever, I’ve come a long way.”
