Daily Inspiration: Meet Joshua Watkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Watkins.

Hi Joshua, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
My musical roots began in both my family and the church. All of my family members are musicians of some sort whether it be singing, playing the bass or drums, everybody takes part in their own way. My late grandfather, Luther Fielder, was a professional marimba player. He gave birth to my mom, who sings, and my uncle, who is a multi-instrumentalist/singer. My uncle is the one who taught me how to play the drums at a very young age. Growing up in the church, I was able to learn very quickly and find my purpose attached to the talent that God gave me. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not entirely. As we all know, life has its ups and downs, but God has always been there for me and allowed my talents and family to be something that I can rely on when things get hard. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional drummer, composer, and bandleader. My specialty is writing and playing from the heart. Everything that people hear from me, be it original music or arrangements, comes from the heart. Sharing those ideas is a very intimate process that I’ve been glad to partake in. Something I’m most proud of is my band, Joshua Watkins & Ascension. I recently just started it this past summer and we have been performing around Michigan with shows in Pontiac, Ann Arbor, and some upcoming shows in Detroit. 

Our next performance is February 4th at Joshua Temple COGIC. This concert is a really special one to me because it’s in celebration of my 22nd birthday and is a fundraiser for the band’s debut album! Tickets can be found at any of the contact links provided through this article.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The thing I love most about Detroit is the community. All my family and friends I’ve made growing up are here. It means the world to be around them. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/joshuawatkinsmusic
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuawatkinsmusic/

Image Credits
Alirna Korieva