Irish producer Josh Dowdall has released his new single Not The Same, the debut release on Belters Only's newly formed label We Are Active Records. We asked Josh the BIG questions . . .
Navan man Josh started making music in 2017, releasing his first track as a young teen on Soundcloud.
In 2023, he received a call from Belters Only to support them at their 3Arena Afterparty - Afters Only, in Dublin venue The Academy and they have since signed him to We Are Active Records.
Speaking about Not The Same, Josh says, "Buzzing for my first release on We Are Active Records. It’s a dream come through being signed to a label run by Belters Only, who have been one of my biggest influences in making music.
"Big thanks to them for trusting me with their first label release and sharing my vision going forward. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m about."
Tell us three things about yourself…
My name is Josh Dowdall and I'm an up-and-coming Irish artist hailing from Navan, Co Meath. I have recently been signed to the newly founded Irish independent record label We Are Active Records. I have been producing house music for about six years now. I started off on FL Studio and I had no clue what I was doing! However, I paved my way eventually and now, we are here!
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How would you describe your music?
I would say my music is generally upbeat and gets you in the mood to get active and do something. For example, go to the gym or work on personal tasks. I always try to bring people together with my music, make them dance and forget about anything else that’s going on. I just want everyone to have a good time.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My biggest musical inspirations would be the likes of Weiss, Kevin McKay, Ewan McVicar, Belters Only, Sonny Fodera, and I can't leave out Kerri Chandler! I grew up listening to artists such as Pink Floyd and Kings of Leon. It's ironic as these are two rock bands, but I always played piano, so I guess that has kind of integrated into my style of music today.
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What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first gig I went to was one of my own back in 2023. Seamus D got me booked in for an hour slot and to say I was having the time of my life is an understatement. I feel like you never forget your first gig, that’s the one that always sticks with you!
What was the first record you ever bought?
I remember being around nine years old and getting my first pair of decks. I think they were the brand Numark! It's hard to remember the first single I ever bought as I bought so many, but it was either Gecko by Oliver Heldens or Animals by Martin Garrix. This was around the time I was introduced to both EDM and house music by my older brother.
What’s your favourite song right now?
My favourite song right now without a doubt is Don’t Wanna Fall by Ev Wilde. I feel like this tune can influence any age group as it's so melodic and emotional, it just ties everyone in. It has that proper old school feel and with the piano riff and the techno features within the track. Big up Ev, amazing tune!
Favourite lyric of all time?
My favourite lyric comes from the song 17 by MK: "You ain’t even missing me baby, so why do I want you so badly, making a fool of me I’m so keen baby, I got your back, like we're still seventeen."
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This tune holds a special place in my heart as I found it at a really memorable time in my life, it just reminded me of a proper summer buzz with not a worry in the world!
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The song I could listen to for the rest of my life is I’m Holding On by Bissett. Proper tops piano vibes off this tune! Definitely recommend listening to it if you like house music and haven’t heard it yet. I remember hearing this tune for the first time and being hooked on the piano and vocal
Where can people find your music/more information? You can find me here:
Instagram, Soundcloud, TikTok, Linktree.
Alan Corr
