Josh Ross’s Journey from Canada to Nashville
Since relocating from Burlington, Ontario, to Nashville in 2019, Josh Ross has diligently worked to carve out a space for himself within the U.S. country music industry, all while building upon his achievements in Canada.
Major Milestones in His Career
The eight-time CCMA Award winner recently celebrated a significant accomplishment: his second consecutive No. 1 single on U.S. Country Radio with “Hate How You Look,” following the success of “Single Again.” This achievement positions him as the first solo Canadian male artist in over five decades to achieve back-to-back No. 1s on U.S. Country Radio, a feat last accomplished by Hank Snow.
A Mindset of Continuous Improvement
Despite his success, Ross maintains a strong desire to prove himself. He shared, “I always felt like being from Canada, I always got a little chip on my shoulder. It was like, how do I prove to the folks here in the US, especially, that I’m here to stay, that I’ve made this home, that I really do enjoy living here and being here.” This reflection came during a press event at the BMI-hosted No. 1 party for “Hate How You Look.”
Impact of U.S. Radio Support
For Ross, achieving another No. 1 isn’t merely about the accolades; it’s a testament to the industry’s recognition of his potential. “This song really solidified that this is for sure a thing for me,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the support from American country radio. He understands the commitment involved in promoting new artists and appreciates their willingness to invest in his music.
Looking Ahead to New Music
As Josh continues to achieve accolades, he feels increasingly motivated to grow his presence in the industry. He mentioned, “I still have a lot of growing to do, but it’s having the key partners and the right people in place that makes the release of new music so exciting.”
Canada as a Launchpad
Ross perceives Canada as a distinct market and feels lucky to have enjoyed success in both nations. His move to Nashville before establishing a career in the U.S. allowed Canadian audiences to discover his music. “What that allowed me to do is have Canada kind of catch on to what I was doing,” he explained. He remains proud to represent his country while performing at festivals and award shows.
New Single: “Drink Things Through”
Recently, Ross unveiled a preview of his next chapter with the release of “Drink Things Through.” Produced by Matt Geroux and co-written by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, the song illustrates Ross’s knack for blending upbeat melodies with deeper themes. It tells the story of a couple trying to mend their relationship over drinks, showcasing clever wordplay and an engaging vibe suitable for live performances.
Current Tour and Future Plans
As he celebrates his latest No. 1 and the release of his new single, Ross is currently on tour supporting Dan + Shay across the U.S. He plans to return to Ontario in November to complete his remaining Canadian headline dates on the Later Tonight Tour.
Source: countrynow.com