How does Josie Field juggle it all?

When did you first realise that being a musician isn't just about making great music, it's about being an entrepreneur as well? 

 

Josie Field: It’s been a process. When I first decided to give the music thing a chance, I had no idea it would involve admin, management, and constant ideas and planning tours over and above music. I just assumed I’d write, record and perform and someone else would take care of the rest. In SA it doesn’t often happen that way and an artist usually has to juggle it all. 

 

You're definitely a role model for any budding musician - you have outstanding work ethic - where do you find the drive and commitment? 

 

Josie Field: This is my passion, no one wants this for me more than I do, it’s my responsibility to myself and fans to keep up the hard work and make a living so I can continue on my musical journey. 

 

Now that S'bongile is out, you've probably learnt quite a bit in putting this album together independently - what's your top three tips on the process for anyone looking to do the same? 

 

Josie Field: Firstly, you have to be a member of SAMRO, this is important for any artist hoping to make it in SA. Only print albums with companies that make a glass master. If you're dyslexic (like me), get someone you trust to proof all the album artwork before it goes to print! 

 

 

The South African music industry has come a long way in the last few years - where do you think we've excelled the most, and where do you think we need to put extra focus? 

 

Josie Field: Recording-wise, we are very much on par with the rest of the world, South African artists and bands are sounding great in recordings because of technological advances in sound production. On a more depressing note, for some reason the SA public still just aren’t supporting enough live SA music. There is still this stigma about bands and musos being of lower standard in comparison to international acts which, for the most part, is completely untrue. 

 

Your collaboration with Laurie Levine is a match made in heaven - how did this come about?

 

Josie Field: It came about a year ago when we went on tour together for the first time. We had no idea then that our Side By Side project together would be such a hit and dubbed “Colab of the Year” in 2013. We get on extremely well and enjoy the project so much. We will be on tour again together in November 2014. 

 

 

Eight years in the industry and you're still going strong - in South African industry terms, you're almost a veteran – three albums and one acoustic album is quite an achievement - what advice do you have for budding musicians in South Africa? 

 

Josie Field: Work hard, don’t expect things will just happen for you, you make them happen. Don’t forget to remember your past successes. We are so overwhelmed each day with the amount of information at our finger tips and it’s easy to forget the great things you have achieved so far, celebrate them. 

 

For more info on Josie Field and her latest release, S'bongile, go to www.josiefield.co.za.