JOSH FR3DA drops debut EP

Standing at the crossroads of country grit, rock swagger and soulful storytelling, JOSH FR3DA is making an impact with a sound that’s equally exciting and heartfelt. Drawing influence from a wide-ranging cast of artists such as Freddie Mercury, Shania Twain, James Brown and Hootie & the Blowfish to name a few, this Nashville-based singer-songwriter offers a musical output that’s emotionally compelling, sonically adventurous and thoroughly honest.

JOSH FR3DA’s journey began at a work event in 2018, when he sang a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” and a stranger urged him to take his voice seriously. That night, he found a vocal coach and step by step, began building a dream he hadn’t dared to chase. From training his voice to developing his musical identity, Josh gradually uncovered a sound based in real-life reflection and a flair for theatricality.

Fast forward to a 2021 showcase in Chicago, where a chance encounter with a Nashville producer sparked a creative partnership that would eventually lead to his debut EP. Now, after years of writing, collaborating and discovering his own sound, JOSH FR3DA releases Turn Him Loose, a swagger-filled, soul-baring six-track outing that introduces him as an artist with something to say and the sound to make it stick.

The EP features songwriting and performances from the likes of Brian Maher, Holly Lamar, Lonnie Wilson and Jenee Fleenor, but it’s Josh’s voice, both literally and artistically, that brings it all together. “This EP is me singing out loud what I need to hear myself,” he shares. “If it resonates with someone else, awesome. We’re in this thing together.”

This is music that confronts self-doubt, celebrates queerness and digs into discomfort with an open heart and a smile. Whether he’s singing about coming out, his insecurities, or his dogs, there’s always a sense of joy and meaning stitched into every moment on the record. From the catchy vocals and grooving rhythms of pop-focused country rock opener “Openly Open,” the title track follows with slick percussion, twanging guitar flickers and expressive vocal performance, resulting in a charming jam that’s thoughtful and engaging throughout.

The magnetic lead track “Does My Ass Look Good in These Pants?,” arriving in both a pop and country version, offers a self-assured strut of a song that takes body image, sass and self-confidence and spins them into a country rock bop impossible not to move to. Beneath the playfulness lies a deeper message about ownership, acceptance and celebrating the skin you’re in.

Other highlights include tracks like “My Dogs” with its moody aesthetic, downtempo groove and impassioned vocal performance. Closing with “Completely Gone,” Josh serves up a shimmering anthem of delicate instrumentation and elegant vocals to leave a lasting impression of his superb debut release. Marking his official arrival in spectacular fashion, JOSH FR3DA is sure to win over countless fans on what’s sure to be his breakout year.

Listen to Turn Him Loose below