INTERVIEW: Don Josef shares new single “Villain”

Coming out of Oslo, the soulful singer-songwriter Don Josef is a talented R&B and blues-inspired artist who’s been sharing his unique sound over the last couple of years. Having unveiled his musical vision in February 2022 with the debut single “Horizons,” Don Josef has swiftly followed up with a series of tracks.

Already making a significant impact and winning over listeners worldwide, his releases have racked up hundreds of thousands of spins on Spotify alone. Now, following his recent hit “Paris,” he brings us his latest release with his fifth single titled “Villain,” a song written about being your own worst enemy.

Showcasing a deeply personal side to his songwriting and produced by Rich La Flame, with his new song he captures themes of self-sabotage, contrasted by how we can be our own best friend. It’s in that murky area that the context of the villain truly lies.

Laying down a downtempo electronic pop-focused sound cut with alternative R&B vibes, “Villain” delivers a powerful and enveloping listening experience. Opened by choir style vocal lines as soft instrumental textures of and piano chords drift in, Don Josef’s soulful vocal leads thread emotionally-charged melodic leads, layered in overlapping lines to mirror the internal conflicts that the song so brilliantly hosts in its lyricism.

Propelled by sparse percussive shots, the song’s hazy atmosphere comes into sharp focus as the thump of kick brings in a punching beat, crafted by GRIZD, while the vocal layers rise in intensity. The snap of the kit drives the second verse of intricate guitar notes and expressive vocals before launching into another chorus of fluttering synths, striking drums and sensational a vocal arrangement backed by the return of the choir and capped by soaring leads.

The second single lifted from the artist’s upcoming debut EP set to drop later this year, “Villain” serves up a highly original and entirely thrilling sound. As he continues to share more of his compelling sound while revealing the range of his musical output, Don Josef is sure to go from strength to strength throughout this year and beyond.

We caught up with Don Josef to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Villain” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Don Josef below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memories revolving around music making was acapella covers of old songs.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I find my creativity many places and I draw inspiration from the multitudes of challenges and problems that life hurdle in our ways. And I try to convey my translations of them into music and lyrics.

What was your highlight of the year for 2023?

I would say that the highlights of the year 2023 for me was releasing more of my music for the crowd to enjoy.

What do you love about the Oslo music scene?

Its unique sound and urban touch.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

A simple small setting surrounding me with good acoustic and instrumentals, will surely give the listeners a memory they will hold dear.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Since we are speaking in terms of dreams I would say, Bob Marley.

How did you find making your new single “Villain”?

I found the making of villain quite easy it was a dream melody to work with, so the lyrical appropriation fell naturally in its place.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

The message of villain is surrounding the objective that we as humans can chose to be our worst enemy/ Villain or best friend. An example I like to use is also the word “self-saboteur”

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I listen to a wide array of artist but most recently I have listened to Bob Marley, Carlos Puebla

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Joy and a good feeling while hearing my musical offering.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I haven’t had the joy yet to perform any live shows, but surely will do soon.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?’

Louis Armstrong, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse at Wembley Stadium

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Work hard and stay focused.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

I have lined up two more singles to be released in the forthcoming months that revolves into my first EP. And I am currently working on some new songs to be released later this year.

Listen to Villain below