Singer-Songwriter, Joshua Radin, shares his favorite travel destinations, his go-to restaurants in NYC, and his favorite spot to catch a sunset. He also shares words of wisdom for aspiring musicians.

Lauren – Travel and Write Today: How did you initially decide to become a musician? How old were you when you started writing songs? (You are truly one of my favorite musical artists!)

Joshua Radin: When I picked up a guitar in 2004 (30 yrs old), I wasn’t planning on doing anything but teaching myself some chords, a few cover songs… but then I wrote Winter, and it appeared in “Scrubs” a few weeks later. And then I got such a response from fans that I felt like maybe I should keep writing songs…

TWT: I love this story, and I’m so happy that you kept writing!

TWT: I know you grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and then you moved to New York City. Do you ever get back to Ohio? What are some of your favorite spots in the area?

JR: I go back to Ohio once or twice a year. But I don’t have a lot of spots left there. I pretty much hang with family at home.

TWT: What are some of your favorite spots in NYC?

JR: For pizza, it’s Prince St Pizza.

For drinking, I like the Bowery Hotel Lobby.

For French food, I like Raoul’s.

TWT: I’ve officially added these to my list. I need to grab a glass of wine at the Bowery Hotel!

TWT: What is one of your favorite songs you’ve written? (I love them all, but I will always have a soft spot for Winter and Paperweight. Also, I cannot stop listening to This One’s For).

JR: Thank you! It’s great to hear that a newer song has found its way into your life…

There’s a song coming out soon called Over the City, and I think it’s my favorite on the new album.

TWT: The newer songs have definitely made an impact, and I’ve been sharing your music with close friends (since the beginning). I am so excited for the new album, and for the fall tour!

TWT: I know you love to travel, what are some of your favorite places that you’ve visited? What are some cities/countries/states that are still on your list?

JR :I love Spain, Sweden and Italy the most.

Still on my list: Greece, Iceland, Chile 

TWT: I grew up on Long Island, but I’ve lived in New England for many years. Have you spent a lot of time here? 

JR: Not a lot, but I always play in Boston when I do a US tour. I always have a great time playing Boston. The fans there are incredible.

TWT: I am happy to hear you’ve had such a good experience here in Boston!

TWT: What is your favorite book?

JR: The Brothers Karamazov (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)

TWT: What is your go-to coffee order, and from where?

JR: Large Americano, small splash of oat milk. 

TWT: Where is your favorite place to watch the sunrise/sunset?

JR: Sunsets in Malibu, or Stockholm, or Costa Rica, or Maui, or the Amalfi Coast.

TWT: Maui sunsets are incredible. I need to get to Italy!

TWT: Can you share a memorable moment you’ve had while working in this industry? 

JR: Playing The Ellen Show for the first time and her asking me to play her wedding. That was pretty special, and it started my career in a lot of ways.

TWT: I loved hearing you play Today on Ellen. A few of my favorite lyrics from this song: “I thank G-d you came along”, and “I sat beside you, and became myself today”. Your lyrics are truly poetry.

TWT: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians? 

JR: Everyone is on their own time. There’s room for all of us. You can’t compete with artists. You can’t win art. 

TWT: This is great advice for everyone working towards something (and it’s just profound words, in general) – “there’s room for all of us.”

Follow Joshua Radin via the links below:

Website: https://www.joshuaradin.com/

Instagram: @joshuaradin

Facebook: @joshuaradin

Twitter: @joshuaradin