Josh Gluck, a talented musician based in Miami, Florida, was a kid that seemed to be born and raised in the music scene. It is only fitting that his latest EP, ‘Welcome Home,’ encourages all of us to find a sense of home within ourselves and the ones we love. The EP includes four songs, including the single “To the Light.” The recent single was based on a meaningful conversation Josh had with his Uber driver who asked him if he believed love still exists within the world. Make sure to stream “To the Light” to hear his answer. Read on in our interview with Josh to learn more about this infamous Uber drive and why it is so important to him to give back through music.

Where are you based?
Miami, Fl.

What got you interested in music?
My parents probably sparked my interest. I was that newborn you see at a music festival and think, “wow were they literally born here??”

Your EP “Welcome Home” was recently released. Congrats! How does it feel?
Thank you so much! It feels amazing to finally have this project out in the world. Each song holds such a special place in my heart; so, I’m glad I was able to share those pieces of myself.

The EP explores the idea of finding a sense of home within yourself and the people you love. What inspired this idea?
I think the pandemic kind of fueled some of it because it was a time where I was feeling like I needed to find what grounds me in all of the chaos. The literal and metaphorical act of “finding home” or “coming home” provides so much comfort for me and I think exploring those things in my personal life really helped me grow over the past year.

Do you have a record or song that also makes you feel at home?

Parachutes by Coldplay. Anytime I need to feel home I listen to it all the way through.

What do you hope the audience takes away from your EP?
I hope it leads to people thinking about what, who, and where they find home in. Hopefully it leads to more gratitude for the things and people around us that we may sometimes take for granted.

In your recent single, “To the Light” you write about an Uber ride that included a conversation that left a bigger impact on you. Can you recall this conversation with our readers?
The most impactful Uber drive I have ever been on :). All in about a 10 minute ride, my driver and I went from him telling me stories about his kids to him asking me eagerly if I believe love still exists in the world we live in today. I won’t spoil how it ends up; so if you’d like to know how it goes, go streamy stream “To the Light”.

Do you have any other go-to conversation starters for Uber drivers or passengers?
I really do love meeting strangers and hearing about their lives so Uber drives are a treat for me. Something I do like to ask specifically is what they are most passionate about. That usually brings on some incredible answers.

In another one of your songs, ”‘Leaves on a Tree” you ask a lot of existential questions such as “Why are we here and where do we come from?” Do you believe there is a tangible answer to these questions?
Even if there is, I don’t think I (or any of us for that matter) will ever know. But one thing I DO know is that we all live on this Earth together. So it comforts me to believe that we have the ability to create meaning for our lives within the people we meet and the relationships we build.

The music video for “Leaves on a Tree” really highlights you as an instrumentalist. When did you learn to play the guitar?
I learned when I was around 7-8 years old. I started by watching videos of Jimi Hendrix play and I’d sit there and try to mimic the way his fingers moved.

You have done free live performances for March for Our Lives, Victim Service Center, and you auction off personal live performances for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida. How did you get involved with each organization? Why do you find them important?
Most of the organizations here have reached out to me about performing some kinds of acts of service, and I am always honored to be able to support them. When I believe in an organization, what it stands for, and how it provides for a community, I like to help in whatever way I can to aid in their success and be by their side.

Why is it important to you to give back through your talent?
It’s one of my core principles. I think that the world is stronger when we all lift each other up together and collectively. Plain and simple, as humans it’s our duty to help each other. So if I am in a position to be of help, I will always do my best to be there.

Have any of these organizations been affected by the pandemic? How can readers get involved?
I believe that they are all doing well, but if anyone reading this wants anymore information on any of the organizations please feel free to reach out to me - joshgluckmusic@gmail.com

How are you staying positive during the current wave of the pandemic?
Even though this isn't a big profound answer, it’s something that’s been improving my mood slightly everyday — i’ve been looking up more often. I never realized how much I miss (trees, birds, clouds, sunsets, etc.) not looking to the sky as often as I do now.

What does your new normal look like?
Far more outdoor shows than indoor, a lot more screens, zoom studio sessions rather than at a physical studio, and a lot more hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray.

In your opinion, how can people best support artists during this pandemic?
Anything at all. Share their post, buy their t-shirt, send them a message saying you liked their latest song — any support at all. It means so much to us.

What is your motto in life?
If you strive to find the good in life, then you will live life goodly.

To hear more from Josh, please follow him on the platforms below:
Instagram: @jshgluck
Spotify/Apple Music: Josh Gluck
Facebook: @jshgluck

Josh Gluck on Finding Home