Lisa: Is there a specific message to your music - simply a feel good bad or is there a social justice component - a message?
Joseph: There is Definitely a social justice component to my music. As well as a feel good and bad component. On Meanings within Meanings within Meanings (MWMWM) a number of the tracks have to do with thoughts and paths seen and taken from experiences of being part native and viewing the world through my 'city' raised eyes. Lisa: What was the best gig you've had to date? The worst?
When I get to perform, it is always a good thing to me. I will always play from my heart. I love performing. Being on stage to me, feels like home. In other words... Never a "bad gig!"
Lisa: What haven't you accomplished yet?
Lisa: If you left the Native American music scene, what would the world miss out on?
Joseph: Please refer to the question of accomplishments :)
Lisa: What instrument would you least like to have in the band - why?
Lisa: What other names did you consider before setting in on your current name?
Acoustic guitarist Joseph Strider has covered a lot of musical ground in his career thus far. From boy soprano in school choirs, to playing with a cover band, Strider has spent the years developing his own unique style, a style that fits in no established genre and can best be described as modern Indigenous alternative.
Strider received his first guitar at age nine. As a teen and young adult he gained valuable experience over a six year period of touring in his home state of Texas. In the years since he has refined his unorthodox playing style, determined to fully utilize the potential of the acoustic guitar. Inspired by guitarists such as Michael Hedges, Bruce Cockburn and Andre Segovia, the self-taught Strider has pursued his musical ambitions with a determination and eloquence that not many can match.
Recently nominated for a NAMMY award in the category of Debut Artist of the Year, Strider is now turning his attention to his third album, ‘String Theory.’ This long anticipated album will feature Strider at his instrumental best, a man, his guitar, and the music they create.
With no formal training or instruction, Joseph Strider has had the freedom to explore and develop a very personal relationship with his chosen instrument. That relationship is fully realized with his upcoming instrumental album ‘String Theory.’ ‘String Theory’ is the manifestation of the circle between the mind, hands and guitar, guided by Spirit to be a conduit for the emotions felt by Strider during composition.
In addition to the spring 2011 release of ‘String Theory,’ the new year will be a busy one for Strider. Several solo venues are scheduled along with a collaborative tour with Jonny Lipford to begin in March. A number of projects spearheaded by Donald Blackfox of Spirit Wind Records will be announced as they reach fruition.
But no matter how frenzied the pace becomes, it is the music that moves Joseph, the voice of Spirit that he has been blessed to hear and to pass on, that inspires him daily, that fuels the prolific flow of new guitar pieces.
Discography
Meanings Within Meanings, Within Meanings 2009
Little Bird 2010
Available at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/JosephStrider
Please direct media and press inquiries to:
Terri Bridgwater
253 West Market Street
Marietta, PA 17547
717-877-9681
Strider Photos Courtesy Joseph Strider: All Rights Reserved
Banner Graphic: www.firstpeople.us
