Josh Stewart, vocalist, The Ninjas
If it's your passion, keep at it and good things will eventually come ...
Childhood daydreams may have led his imagination to the riotous kingdom of professional wrestling and taking out the title of World Heavyweight Champion, but it’s just as well that reality stepped in and carried Josh Stewart on a very different vocational path. As the frontman for garage-rock band The Ninjas, Josh and his guitar-wielding counterpart Pat Ferris have crafted a cluster of tracks that have taken them from playing low-key shows on the Sunshine Coast to touring with the likes of England’s The Cribs, The Medics and Eagle and The Worm. A recent songwriting jaunt to California saw the boys return home with a loot of inspiration and new ideas, leading them back to the recording studio with local producer Sean Cook. Ahead of the boys’ show at Rics Bar this Friday December 13, The Weekend Edition caught up with Josh to talk touring, musical influences and his favourite Brisbane hangouts.
What was the first song you ever sang in front of an audience?
I think it was ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ in a school play in grade three.
Talk us through some of your early musical influences. Did you go through any phases you’d rather forget?
I love all types of music, but if I had to sweep some albums under the carpet, they’d be from my early teen years …
What shiny lures attracted you to the idea of forming a garage-rock band … and have they proven true?
Probably the old cliche of chicks, money and fame. Hopefully they’ll prove true one day, but as it stands now they seem to be mythical notions!
If The Ninjas’ music was a person, what would he or she be like?
Kenny Powers.
How does the quintet negotiate songwriting duties?
Our songwriting process comes from ideas Pat and I have, then we jam them out with the rest of the band to work out and finalise the song structure.
You spent some time honing your craft in the US last year. How did the experience inspire your songwriting?
Mainly just the diversity of the bands over there – it gave us confidence to stick to what we were doing instead of changing our sound to try to cater to what’s trending. Thankfully, it paid off and we’ve managed to score some triple j radio loving and get our music featured on the new Ford Ranger commercial.
What’s been your most memorable moment on tour?
Touring with The Cribs was definitely the most fun – I remember watching their set from the side of the stage, thinking how rewarding it felt to have the best seat in the house.
You’ve been knuckling down in the recording studio over the past few weeks, when can fans expect an EP?
We have a few more singles to release before the EP, but it’s on its way!
How would you describe the music scene in Brisbane right now?
Ripe for the taking.
Which other local bands are you listening to?
Violent Soho.
Your current single ‘Yeah Yeah’ has been getting a lot of attention, what can you tell us about the film clip?
The clip was filmed and edited by our good friend Joshua Cook. It was pretty funny because we filmed it in a public area so there were some people watching weirdly.
How do you like to start your weekend?
In the company of friends, listening to my favourite music.
How do you like to unwind?
With peace and quiet.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Sunday night movies on the box.
What is success to you?
I guess it would be to get paid large amounts of money to play music.
What are your words of wisdom?
If it’s your passion, keep at it and good things will eventually come.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Raw Energy, Cotton Tree.
Relax … Home.
Dine … Beach House Bar & Grill, Brisbane City.
Indulge … Beach House Bar & Grill, Brisbane City.
Shop … Online.
Catch-up … The Hideaway, Fortitude Valley.
Be inspired … Everywhere.