IN CONVERSATION WITH
JOSHUA BASSETT

interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI

Emmy-Award musician, songwriter, actor and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Bassett is most widely known for his portrayal of Ricky Bowen in the Disney+ original series ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’, for which he notably earned a Children's and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song in a Children's or Young Teen Program. Joshua unveiled two EPs in 2022, ‘Sad Songs In A Hotel Room’ and ‘Different’, and is currently preparing for the eagerly anticipated launch of his debut album ‘The Golden Years’.

Joshua, you've had a diverse career in both music and acting. Can you share how your passion for both cinema and music developed over the years?

Starting out with musical theatre really gave me an appetite for both. It’s ironic though, that in acting I live a lie, but in music I tell the truth. I suppose their commonality is finding sincerity and heart through storytelling. I love being able to hop back and forth at different times in my career. It keeps things exciting.

You began your music career at a young age by playing drums in church and teaching yourself various instruments. How did those early experiences shape you as an artist?

Due to my lack of proper musical knowledge, I’ve had to get creative with expressing myself through it. Sometimes I find cool cords by accident, or have a unique way of playing. Growing up homeschooled, there was ample time for creativity in every form. I spent most of my childhood daydreaming, adoring the music my dad played, and exploring different avenues to express myself. For a while, I felt I wasted my childhood, but I can look back now and see it was preparing me for the life I get to live now.

Winning a Children's and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song is a remarkable achievement. What was it like to receive such recognition for your work on "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”?

Honestly, a bit of a shock. You always go in trying to make the best product with no expectation of the outcome. It’s an honor and a privilege, and I hope to keep writing music for film and TV.

top LUCA FALONI
jacket and jeans GUCCI
shoes DRIES VAN NOTEN

Your debut single ‘Common Sense’ and your self-titled debut EP were significant milestones in your music career. What was the inspiration behind these projects?

I recorded both during the pandemic, which was difficult to stay in a good creative space, but had been writing them for years prior. I look back at those songs and cringe a bit, only because I’m not the same person I was when I wrote these songs. But, I’m grateful other people still enjoy them and I don’t regret them one bit.

In 2021, you released the tracks ‘Feel Something’ and ‘Crisis / Secret / Set Me Free’, with proceeds going to mental health organizations. What motivated you to support this cause, and how has it impacted your work?

As an artist, I feel a burden of responsibility with giving back and using my voice for good. I have struggled immensely with mental health and these songs, in a lot of ways, were birthed out of that. It’s bigger than me and important we talk and make changes around the mental health conversation, especially regarding social media and its damaging effects.

You unveiled two EPs in 2022 and followed them up with the single ‘Just Love’ in 2023. How do you think your music has evolved from your debut to your latest releases?

As I evolve, so does the music. I’m always trying to close the gap between my taste and the quality of the music. I’ve taken some time off to really find myself again and feel better than ever about where my music is at.

You're preparing for the launch of your debut album ‘The Golden Years’. Can you give us a sneak peek into what fans can expect from this album?

The storytelling and sonic pallet were of utmost importance to me. Each song has a different flavor while remaining in the same family. If you listen it from start to finish, you can actually hear a full story unfold. It’s heartbreak, grief, joy, hopelessness and redemption. All the things I’ve walked through in the journey of making this album. I truly hope people listen from start to finish as I designed it to be experienced.

Throughout your career, who have been your biggest idols and influences in both music and acting, and how have they inspired you?

Robin Williams is my all time favorite actor. He was seamlessly brilliant and permeated love in everything he did. For music, Kacey Musgraves, Paul McCartney, Elton John and Harry Styles. All brilliant storytellers with a uniquely personal sound.

Balancing a successful career in both music and acting can be challenging. How do you manage to excel in both fields, and what advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to pursue multiple passions?

I’m still a work in progress in this regard. My ADHD actually thrives with multiple spinning plates. I think as long as you’re pursuing excellence with integrity and for the right reasons, love, then your passions lead the way and the timing will work out. There’s no one-size-fits-all and nobody really knows what they’re doing. Just go for it, which is cliche, but true, and don’t let anyone, including yourself, hold you back.

Fashion often plays a significant role in an artist's public image. How would you describe the place of fashion in your life, and do you have any particular styles or designers you favor?

Sometimes I feel like Hannah Montana regarding fashion. In the sense that when I’m on stage or on red carpet, I love a suit or fancy outfit, but in my day-to-day, I pretty much exclusively wear sweats. I have triples of a few basic items and just rotate those. And only one pair of shoes, cream high-top Converse. I keep it simple since the rest of my life feels so chaotic. But best believe, I’m dressing up nice for a magazine cover.

TEAM CREDITS:
talent JOSHUA BASSETT
photography PHIL CHESTER and SARA BYRNE
styling CARLEE WALLACE at ART DEPARTMENT LA
grooming KASHA LASSIEN
styling assistant JACOB SHINALL
editor-in-chief TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director JANA LETONJA
interview MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN