The ecstatic universe of Josh Stokes

Worlds of earth and limitless skies with Josh Stokes; photographed by Keith Robinson.

With 2024 being the year of big time Baltimore scene buzz, local luminary Josh Stokes continues upon a path of unrelenting proliferation. Pushing the limitations of stylistic production with an invigorated sense of purpose, Stokes released Universal Josh I am You You are Me at the start of the year that delivers a message of the inner-connectiveness at work in our shared plane of humanity. Since breaking out onto the scenes around 2016, the world of Josh Stokes can be chronicled by a dizzying oeuvre from Funktion, Toons, God Jewel, countless collaborations and releases that delivers fusions like a perpetual cosmic tabernacle tent revival. Stokes makes music to stir the soul, music for re-centering, music for healing, music that springs from a limitless well of inspirations that always feels fresh and from a place of sincerity and realness.

The Universal Josh party begins with the heady and percussive "I Am You Intro" that shines a light on the ways of the future, as the sultry swagger and zippy slaps of "Kiss Your Lips" steps with Josh's own trademark take on the unlimited forms of futuristic funk. Radio dial spinning samples set a psychotropic tone for the record as heard on "Who Said What" to "Travelin/How Much is Money Now?!" that lends little quips that further creates a universe of thought provoking intrigue sprinkled around Stokes' musical vignettes. "Family" is one of the album's central motifs that delivers praises of gratitude to how our closest loved ones influence and impact our lives in a minimalist ballad that strums straight from the heart.

"Money" delivers the inverse with a spoken word dissertation on the various pressures that capital places upon everything from creativity to delivering ideas and progressive messages of inclusivity and unbound aspirations. The financial frustrations are toppled over with the frenetic frenzy of "You Can Do Anything" that denounces the machines of delusion as "Deeper" raises up hands toward the sky like a gospel choir band reaching towards the heavens for something greater. The message is spelled out in the conversational sound bites of "Sitting at His Feet" that is presented with the brief harmonic intro of "I Am You Radio Promo" that keeps the Stokes globe of sound spinning onward and upward.

The spirit and mind are edified in the pointed pop of positivity and purpose on "Use Your Imagination", rocking forward with the percussion rambling forward in perpetuity with "Access", to the rhythmic and moody exploration of interpersonal intricacies of "Red Shadow". Boisterous and evocative tracks like "Luv" highlight the mighty prowess of Josh Stokes the producer who has the ability to conduct some of the most remarkable beats to rival all of his contemporaries and influences together, further exhibited on the rollicking head bopping and body moving "Steal Your Joy".

An extraterrestrial rave up ignites the jubilation of "I Saw An Alien" like a Sunday gospel get together that goes absolutely galactic, capped off with words of affirmation on "Me". The penultimate jam "Do Your Best" is a testimonial to the never ending quest of self-betterment in all areas of life that emphasizes the importance of empowerment as the closer "I Am You Outro" ends where the record begins with reiterations on the way of the future that completes the album's cycle that celebrates everything that links us all together with everyone in a harmony of shared prosperity. A sprawling epic that jumps all over the map, the many striking moments of undeniable brilliance on Universal Josh I Am You You Are Me makes our home of planet earth feel a little cozier and kinder in the face of all of its myriad challenges.

Josh Stokes, live in effect; photographed by Marcus Clinton.

We caught up with Josh Stokes to discuss the new album, family and more in the following insightful exchange:

Describe what the creative journey that has brought you to Universal Josh I Am You You Are Me means to you.

Over the last few years I've taken the time to look back at my family, and realize that who I am comes from them. My greatness is theirs. I see it now being passed down to my children in their unique ways (singing, dancing, writing, etc.). It makes me proud to know that I'm from such a rich foundation, and to know that if nourished, your gift can become something amazing, and inspire so many.

Universal Josh I am You You are Me means that the power is in the people. And it always has. Our life experiences are more alike than different, no matter where you live. We have been taught to hate each other, hate ourselves, and believe the person who oppresses us is going to save us. We must change this way of thinking, take our lives in our own hands, and be who we were made to be! That will create true unity throughout the entire world.

Meditations on how you feel and see the world connecting together and how it connects us all.

I see the world connecting through the elements of hip hop, peace, love, unity, creativity, and having fun! The older we get the more we're taught to abandon our inner child, and imagination, and so common things like get jobs. That's not why we were put here. We all have individual gifts that make our existence worthwhile that we tap into early but are made to throw away. I reject the world’s idea of what I should do as a person, and embrace my own! I know who I am and I'm proud!

Personal and creative guiding lights that are inspiring your current progressive, kinetic pop directions.

I've always loved loud noises, industrial sounds, and fast tempo driving, high energy beats that just make people wanna dance. As I continue to evolve as a person I evolve as an artist, musician, and writer. I'm doing everything I can put my mind to with no inhibitions. I love seeing how it translates during live shows. 

Embarking upon universal enlightenment with Josh Stokes; photographed by Keith Robinson.

The importance of family and community to you in 2024.

Family is extremely important. They are the thread to who we are as people. Reasons to why our passions are what they are. To be responsible for someone is such a proud thing, I consider it an honor to be a parent. We have everything inside our community to be able to thrive abundantly. We have everything the establishments come to take and sell back to us. The power is in the people!

Personal goals for 2024.

My personal goals for 2024 are to continue to raise my family, grow artistically, play festivals, and tour the world!

The secret alchemy of the quintessential Josh Stokes track.

The secret alchemy to a Josh Stokes track is imagination! Anything can work, don't be afraid to try things! Don't be afraid of the unknown!

Dreams for yourself, the world and more.

My dreams are to be great at what I do and inspire whoever I can!

Josh Stokes’ Universal Josh, I am You, You Are Me is available now everywhere.