Jul 14

Artist Spotlight: Josh Gregg [Poles Apart]

Josh Gregg, lauded as a "rising Midlander" by DJ Mag, is making waves with his innovative label, Poles Apart. Since its inception in May 2024, Poles Apart has become a platform for Gregg's eclectic, boundary-pushing sound. The label's debut single "Connection" set the tone, followed by "Film Noir" in June, and now, Josh returns with "Walk Your Way," arguably the most impactful release yet. Download/stream it here: https://ingrv.es/walk-your-way-sfu-b.

"Walk Your Way," released on July 11th, is a testament to Josh's versatility and artistic growth. This track, featuring Josh's vocals for the first time, seamlessly blends underground elements with commercially accessible dance music. It's a catchy, vocal-led roller that stands out in Poles Apart's growing catalogue and marks Josh's new era of maturity and confidence.

Starting a label is no small feat, and Josh candidly discusses his challenges. "Being solely responsible for working the records is humbling. There's nowhere to hide, and you have to be flexible when things don't go as planned," he shares. However, the process has also been therapeutic, allowing him to see the rewards of his hard work in real time.

Josh's sound is heavily influenced by legends like Derrick Carter and Skream, with SBTRKT's self-titled album being a significant artistic inspiration. "Derrick is the greatest ever to do it, in my opinion," Josh states. He admires how SBTRKT's album flows seamlessly from style to style, a quality he strives to emulate in his work.

Discussing his latest single, "Walk Your Way," Josh reveals that it showcases his newfound confidence. "Releasing a record centred around my voice in its raw form is something I wouldn't have considered a few years ago," he admits. The positive feedback he received online affirmed his belief in the track, which he describes as a perfect encapsulation of Poles Apart's message.

Artistic freedom is paramount to Josh. He values being able to pursue his passions without compromise, even if it means taking a longer path to success. "I've said no to big opportunities that didn't align with my vision," he explains. This commitment to authenticity has allowed him to create music he's proud of without succumbing to industry pressures.

While Josh tries not to be overly influenced by trends, he acknowledges their impact. "Film Noir" would likely be slower if released five years ago. The trend he's most excited about is the rise of independent music. "The traditional gatekeepers are falling away, giving artists more freedom to pursue their visions," he notes.

Looking ahead, Josh envisions Poles Apart as a multifaceted project encompassing music and visual art. He hopes to create a catalogue of songs that reflect his diverse interests and continue sharing the music he loves. On a personal level, he aims to maintain the passion and creativity that drive his work.

Developing a unique sound is crucial for Josh. "Artists with a distinctive sound stand out," he says. His sound has evolved through early mistakes and a commitment to originality. "Nobody can replicate your creativity, so get those ideas out of your head rather than straight from references," he advises.

Staying inspired and motivated comes naturally to Josh. He constantly seeks new music and envisions how tracks will play out in different settings. Visual art also plays a significant role in his creative process, often influencing his music. "I love tunes too much to ever not listen to music like a sicko," he jokes.

As a parting note, Josh leaves us with his favourite closing track of all time: Marlena Shaw's "Touch Me In The Morning." "The perfect disco record," he declares, showcasing his deep-rooted knowledge and love for music.