There’s a lot to unpack in Joshu’s charming effort ‘holding on’, but the keen reader will be certainly interested in the epic journey that inspired it all. In 2019, as a reaction to a painful breakup and motivated by a longing for a deeper connection with his Antiguan roots, the talented British troubadour embarked on a boat journey through the Atlantic, seeking to reach the famed Caribbean island.
Such an epic endeavour was successful, with Joshu building a wealth of artistic inspiration and deep lyrical research around the concept of identity. ‘holding on’ represents the first step in unveiling all that body of work, ahead of the release of the wider EP ‘way back home’. Taken at face value, the single flourishes on light and wholesome tones, powered by a stunning acoustic guitar and a universe of intimate textures.
Joshu’s vocals feel wholesome, evocative and elegant, fully wrapping the listeners into the project’s lyrical universe. Speaking about the song, the British talent explains: “Is home where you’re born, or where you’re raised? How do you cultivate a genuine connection to a place and community? What complexities arise from being constantly asked, ‘Where are you really from?’ as a second-generation white man in the Caribbean?”
Recommended! Discover ‘holding on’ on Spotify:
