On The Row: Josh Ross Reflects On His Musical Journey Thus Far

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Josh Ross. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Josh Ross has gained traction in the country music world with his warm sound and engaging presence. The rising UMG Nashville/Universal Music Canada artist unveiled his latest EP, Complicated, in March, and just dropped new song “Want This Beer (feat. Julia Michaels).”

Pictured (L–R): MusicRow‘s Liza Anderson, LB Cantrell, Josh Ross, MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Madison Hahnen and John Nix Arledge

While releasing new music, Ross has resided on the road supporting Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Religiously. The Tour.” and Luke Bryan‘s “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” while making appearances at multiple festivals. He shows no signs of slowing down this summer, as he plans to launch his own headlining run at the end of next month before the annual Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards in September, where he’s notched five nominations.

During his brief break from touring last week, the singer-songwriter stopped by MusicRow to reflect on his musical journey thus far and play a few tunes with accompanying guitarist Jake Gantt.

Growing up, the Ontario native’s primary passions centered around sports. After playing hockey for many years, he became a professional motocross racer and later attended Western University on a football scholarship. While in college, Ross underwent two reconstructive surgeries on his right ankle and found himself picking up a guitar as he recovered.

“I was always that friend who would sing karaoke at the bar as a joke,” he shared. “I loved it, but hadn’t really realized it [at that point].”

Once Ross started writing, music became his main way of burning off steam and expressing himself. He then entered some emerging artist showcases in Canada and met people with Nashville connections. Within eight months of commencing his career, Ross knew he wanted to pursue music internationally and made the move to Music City.

Josh Ross & MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson

He recalls nights spent at The Red Door Saloon introducing himself to industry members as well as meeting Gantt at a poker night and forming his band. But it was back in his homeland during the 2019 CCMA Awards that he met Morgan Wallen, who connected him with Chief Zaruk of The Core Entertainment—his current management team.

After scoring back-to-back top five singles at Canadian country radio, Ross signed his record deal in early 2023 and released Complicated track “Trouble.” He disclosed that tune, which he co-wrote with Mason Thornley, was inspired by a voicemail he left an ex during a night out before performing it for the MusicRow team.

With influences ranging from Steve Earle to Akon, Ross melts multi-genre elements into traditional country tempos to create his own sound. Although he serves as a co-writer on quite a few of his cuts, the songsmith has also recorded outside songs such as “Tell Me A Lie,” which is also featured on the new EP. Ross poured himself into the piece, penned by Cameron Bedell, Lauren McLamb and Johnny Clawson, during his MusicRow visit. He also played fellow Complicated tune and current country radio climber, “Single Again,” which was also sparked by a real encounter Ross experienced.

After taking the Watershed Festival stage, he’ll kick off his “Single Again Tour” in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey on Aug. 28.

Liza Anderson
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