Young musician reaching for the stars

Published 7:30am 11 July 2021

Woody Point musician Josh Crawford has secured the opportunity of a lifetime with a mentorship under renowned musical quintet Topology’s Launchpad program.

Under Launchpad, Josh will spend the next 12 months learning from and collaborating with composers and musicians around the world – including Topology - to hone his craft.

The 17-year-old says he is honoured to have won one of a handful of mentorships granted each year.

“The great thing about this version (of Launchpad) is it’s online, so I can work with mentors around the world,” Josh said.

“It (the mentorship) focuses on composition, so you’re trying to get the best out of your musical writing.

“Ultimately, I hope to make a career out of writing music.”

Music a great outlet

Josh draws his inspiration from the likes of Nirvana, Radiohead and Powderfinger, as well as his Dad, who’s in a cover band and writes his own music.

“I have written since I was about seven years old.

“I have always been interested in creating and music’s a really great outlet for that.

“When COVID hit I never stopped playing music – I was still in my bedroom writing songs (but) the experience of getting up in front of people is extra special.”

A student at St Paul’s Anglican School at Bald Hills, Josh performs regularly around the Moreton Bay Region and beyond as part of acoustic duo Josh n Ellie.

He said they were hit particularly hard by COVID-19 lockdowns and relished the chance to return to the stage.

“Josh n Ellie lost dozens of gigs and that was really disappointing so it’s great that it’s coming back.

“The part that makes music so great is the people, and being in an audience listening to live music is really special

“We’ve got a gig coming up at the Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival, which will be fantastic.”