EQUATE Meets Josie Man

EQ: Hi Josie, tell us a little bit about yourself.

JM: I’m a 21-year-old Pisces from Orpington! I live with my family in our family home with my 3 sisters, my mum and dad and my dog!! Besides music I love my clothes, shoes, jewellery, crystals, yoga, meditating and eating GOOD vegan food!

EQ: How did you first get into music, and who was your main inspiration?

JM: I got into music because I realised it was a way of releasing emotions and that it made me and my family happy!

EQ: Describe to us what your creative process is like.

JM: Sometimes I write down what’s going on in my head that day and then highlight words that stand out or sound good to sing, I make sure I always have a notebook with me and some pens that feel nice to write with! Or sometimes I start with a melody and then go on from there - I don’t like to put pressure on myself, I like to do and feel what comes naturally to me.

EQ: Your single ‘Colours’ talks a lot about all our individual differences and embracing these. What would you say is your unique quality or difference?

JM: I like to see the positive in everyone and everything and I try to do it daily, I appreciate people’s beauty by accepting how they want to be.

EQ: You’ve spoken about being shy growing up, how did you overcome this, and what advice would you give to young artists starting out their journey too?

JM: I think I just grew to love myself and accept that I am who I am and that’s okay. It’s okay to not like yourself but it’s definitely easier to love yourself!

EQ: What do you think the world of music is missing at the moment?

JM: I think it’s missing kindness, I feel like it can be a competitive industry to be in and I wish artists would celebrate each other’s wins a bit more because there’s space for everyone to be heard!!

EQ: You describe yourself as “coming from both ‘Orpington & Hong Kong’, how have these differences in cultures influenced you as an artist & your music?

JM: I wouldn’t say both cultures influenced my music, but I think they just influence the way I am in everyday life! It’s just a part of me and it makes me who I am.

EQ: You’ve just released your debut EP – congratulations! What was your inspiration behind this body of work?

JM: I’m really inspired by the people around me, all my songs are about people I love! I want to make them proud.

EQ:…and what’s the most defining moment you’ve had in your career so far?

JM: The day I quit my retail job because I realised music was becoming my new full time job! I’m so lucky to be in this position.

EQ: After this release, what’s next for you this year – is there an EQUATE exclusive you can let us in on?

JM: I have a show in March and then some really exciting singles coming too!

Stream Josie’s new EP ‘aLOVINGBoothang’ HERE

Follow Josie Man on socials:

Instagram: @agroovyboothang

Twitter: @agroovyboothang

Spotify: Josie Man

“Baby Pink & Blue” - directed by Tash Tung.

Photos by George Quann-Barnett