Finding Your Voice at 50: Joshua David Thayer on Grief, Creativity & Letting the Music Speak

Joshua David Thayer: From Sideman to Solo ArtistIn this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland chats with Joshua David Thayer, a seasoned bassist from Northampton, Massachusetts. After spending decades in supporting roles for various bands, the sudden loss of his father in 2023 inspired Josh to step into the spotlight as a solo artist at age 50. They discuss the creative process, using grief as a catalyst, and the importance of finishing projects over striving for perfection. Josh's journey is a testament to trusting the process and letting the material guide you to create honest and impactful work. Listen in as Josh shares his unique approach to music creation and the challenges of being an independent artist in 2025.https://youtu.be/1CMNvWBdM9sConnect with Joshua David Thayer:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuadavidthayer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuadavidthayer/Bandcamp: https://joshuadavidthayer.bandcamp.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshuaDavidThayerWebsite: www.joshuadavidthayer.comMentioned in the episode:Subvert: https://subvert.fm/Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act: A Way of Being": https://sites.prh.com/thecreativeactDavid Bowie Cut-Up Method: https://www.openculture.com/2019/05/how-david-bowie-used-william-s-burroughs-cut-up-method-to-write-his-unforgettable-lyrics.htmlSponsors:Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprintSinging / Straw: https://secondverse.com/singingstraw (affiliate link, 10% coupon auto-applied, or use code “secondverse”)Featured Song:”We Won’t Relent” by Joshua David Thayer, written by Joshua David Thayer. Used with permission. All rights reserved.Timestamps:00:00 Teaser: Joshua David Thayer Interview00:28 Introduction to the Episode02:09 Welcoming Joshua David Thayer & Music Beginnings03:26 High School Band to Rock Band06:51 Early Success and Opportunities11:25 Transition to a "Traditional" Career18:19 FEATURING: Attitude Creativity19:40 FEATURING: Singing / Straw20:38 Rediscovering Music After Loss24:10 Josh's Unique Creative Process35:49 When Is the Music Ready?40:57 Challenges and Rewards of Modern Music Creation47:35 Current Projects and Future Plans55:31 How to Support Josh's Music57:35 Coda59:36 Featured Song: "We Won't Relent" by Joshua David ThayerStream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285Or to your Tidal now! https://tidal.com/playlist/c84934ad-2723-4d1a-919e-2aebd4b4974dStarting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)