It’s that time again; another artist from El Paso, Texas and this “Choppin’ it Up” session is with Joshua Stephfon. I met Joshua while attending a show at a local venue named “LoveBuzz”. I was there with some friends showing support for someone they knew that was performing. So show starts and K Scott (another “Choppin’ it Up” interviewee) is performing; he has his photographer taking pictures, you know, doing his thing. Then all of a sudden, his photographer grabs a mic and begins to sing, I was kinda in shock, it was totally unexpected. The photographer that grabbed the mic and performed with K Scott was you guessed it…. Joshua Stephfon.
Where are you from Joshua?
Memphis, Tennesse.
How did you end up here in El Paso?
The military.
What first got you into music?
Music has always been in my life. My family was in church a lot and I started falling in love with instruments, more than anything. Not only that, my mom introduced me to all kinds of music. May seem like a cliche answer, but growing up was hard. The environment was not like most, and music was all we had a lot of the time.
Who/What inspired you to make music?
I didn’t start making music until late high school. Only my family and the people at church knew I could sing, but somehow the word got around. People around school, the girls of course lol, would always try to get me to sing. So, I think just people encouraging me to not sleep on my gift inspired me to take it a step further and actually try to write something of my own.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Typically, I love making R&B music, so I would say its for the heart and soul. Although I’m talented enough to do multiple genres, I seem to always get back to R&B. I love making music with meaning, and connecting to others with my feelings and ideas.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process, I would say, is unstable. Reason why I say that is because I have so many ways that I create. Most artist may have to be around music to create, but music is floating in my head all the time. Maybe I should say it’s an “on-the-go” style of creating.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Honestly, I’m not looking forward to collaborating with anyone. I’m building my catalog and focusing on me. Now if I see an artist and they have a vibe that I like, then I guess I’ll bend my own rules for that. Although I may not be working with anyone right now besides the talented K. Scott, I do support others and wish them the best.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Hmm, that is a great question. I love performing, so it could be anyone, honestly. I just want to be on stage. I want to be heard. I want people to feel me and my energy!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
I would tell them that I love them more than anything! I would tell them to never give up on their dreams or themselves. The people around you aren’t going to see what you see or feel the way you do about your craft ,so FUCK THEM; and I mean that in the most disrespectful way as possible. #DONTSLEEP
What is the most useless talent you have?
Lmao I’ve been thinking about this question too long. I don’t feel any talent is useless. Why? Because there is someone out there that can’t do some of the things that we may see as useless or simple.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I don’t know where I would be in life, if I never stepped out on that ledge and started creating. Maybe doing fashion or something. I’ve always been in love with putting clothes together. Didn’t have a budget, at all, for clothes growing up, but I think I put what I had together very nicely.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues?
I’ve performed in a lot of different places. Weddings, small bars, etc. Don’t have a least favorite, or anything like that, because they all gave me something different.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
I feel as if it has opened it up for a lot of people to be noticed. One thing I don’t like is the clout. There can be a great artist and an average artist, and all the attention will be on the one who has the most followers. So is it the music that we are judging, or what is it?
What is your favorite song to perform?
I would say “Cant Get You Off” or “Waiting”, at the moment. Everyone that hears those definitely feel where I’m coming from.
Do you have something you do besides music?
I do a lot of things. Just limiting yourself to one thing isn’t a bad thing, but I personally don’t like it. I customize shoes, clothes, and many other things. You can find my work on instagram @customstephfon. I’m also working on and planning for my clothing line/brand that I hope to be releasing a couple pieces from, here soon.
Dope! I will be in contact about customizing some Uptowns soon. Are you on social media at all? Where can people find your music?
Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook all @JoshuaStephfon and music on all streaming platforms.
Ok cool Joshua thank you for your time truly appreciate the opportunity to chop it up with you man. #Staygrinding #Stayworking
