And that track right there of course was the unbelievable Stephanie Fierce and her comeback track "Back to Fierce." I just can't stop listening to that song at the moment, I'm glad it's on our A playlist for the next few weeks anyway. You are listening to Edith Bowman on a lovely sunny London Saturday afternoon. I've got a special guest just coming into the studio right now, just let him put his headphones on and stuff, and then we can say hello, and welcome, to Mr. Josh Meyer! Hi there.

Well hey there Ms Edith. It's just wonderful to be here.

It's great to have you, Josh. So tell us, how are you enjoying London? Is this your first time here?

Oh you noticed the awkward and chic accent huh? I am actually from London as it happens. I grew up in um....Hackney (?), I just put on this accent so that I seem kind of windswept and interesting and things you know? (Laughs) No of course, I'm kidding I'm kidding. Yeah this is the first time I have ever been to the UK, believe it or not. It's pretty cool. I flew in around 10 days ago to start work here on a project, and it seems lovely. I have been warned that the weather is not always this nice though?

Well yeah, that much is true! Just the week before you arrived it was like Toronto in December. Hats and gloves all around. I suppose you should feel lucky.

I almost feel privileged that mother nature has brought the Californian weather I am used to experiencing all the way to England so that I can feel slightly at home. Well, maybe not Californian weather, but hey at least I don't feel like I just fell in a chest freezer at Walmart!

(laughs) Keep yourself away from Scotland then. Up there we get about three hours of summer a year. It usually comes around July, and you just have to be poised with your shorts and sun cream waiting for it. Anyway, you're here in the UK working on an exciting new project. Can you tell us about it?

Yeah...what I'll do is I'll tell you first about the reason I'm supposed to be in the UK, and then we can go onto the reason why you have a guest on a prime time show that no one has ever heard of (laughs). Yeah, but like I said, I came to London to work on a producing project, it's primarily what I do. I have worked with a number of pop and rock stars over the past 8 or 9 years, and I kinda like being a record producer. It gives me the chance to put my stamp on what other people are doing and writing without having to be overly creative, you know? I feel like a bit of a fame thief! But no, seriously, I have done work with a lot of people as, primarily, a silent partner if you will. I try to keep out of the limelight.

And now you're here working with one of the UK's brightest young stars?

Yes, I am. I got the call about two months ago to come here and work with Katie Coyle, and at first I rejected it. I am perhaps guilty of letting what had been said in the press about her cloud my professional judgement, but I felt I had to try to protect the high-brow integrity of myself at the time, and that was why when her agent first asked me, I simply refused. Point blank.

So what happened that eventually changed your mind?

Well I had a while to think about it before they even called me back the second time. When I went back to my room that night and sat down with a whiskey, I just kind of sat down and mulled it over in my head. I also listened to her debut album, which I had never done before. And I was blown away, if I'm totally honest. I compare what she is doing at 19 compared to other people, and I am still quite astounded that the kid has come out with something so amazing and in-depth. Anyway, they called up to offer me a little more money, and they gave me assurances that she had changed. So,yeah, at that point I went for it, I agreed to give it a go, and I'm extremely glad that I gave it a go, and gave Katie a chance.

What is she like to work with? I mean, she is a producer herself right?

Without a word of a lie, she is a damn nightmare to work with (laughs). But honestly, that's why I love her. A producer's job is always made easy if the artist your working with just sings, or plays, and then sits quietly in the corner while you tweak things and play it back to yourself for a while, trying to work out what sounds best. Working with Katie is not like that. She's always hanging over my shoulder, and pressing buttons and saying 'hey Josh, wouldn't it sound better if you did this...'. That might sound like a complete pain in the proverbial...but believe me, it is ultra refreshing to have someone around with ideas and a vision. She really knows her stuff, and I feel really challenged by her, which can only be good for me.

And speaking of Katie, she's the reason you're here today isn't she?

She is...the little devil that she is. She pushed and pushed for me to get a radio interview. I guess it works that way when you have some sway though in the industry. I'd have struggled to get myself an interview on hospital radio..never mind the biggest station in the continent...(laughs)



(laughs) Yes, she is a very persuasive little character. I gather she also convinced you to get back into your own music. That's why you're here right?

It is indeed Edith. Katie caught me one day, while I was having lunch in the production suite, and I was writing a song. Next thing I know she's reading the lyrics, and then forcing me into a booth to record it.

Had you been planning a return, if you were writing lyrics?

Oh God no. I mean, it's been a full ten years since my only album came out, and I must have written a thousand new songs in that time. But I got burnt before, and I had never even given as much as a second thought to getting myself back into the music industry. It always seemed so daunting, and I felt like if I did it, I'd just end up back where I was before, disappointed and dejected.

So what changed your mind?

Katie. That's it (laughs). No but seriously, she listened to what I recorded that day, and told me that she really liked it. We had a sort of heart to heart right there and then, and she told me that it was a must that I bring out at least one single in order to show the world what I can do. I reluctantly agree, but I have to admit, I am very much proud of this song, I feel like it really captures what I am musically, and gives the world a good insight into the sort of classical side of pop music.

You mentioned earlier about your debut album. I listened to it earlier for the first time, and I have to admit that I found it a little....confusing. Apologies if that causes offence, but what was the thinking behind it?

(In mock English accent) Why madam...I ought to storm out of here right this very instant! I bid you good day! (laughs and returns to own voice) Don't worry about causing any offence. You're quite right. That was the sort of album that can only please the person who made it. It's like when you are a kid and you make those mix tapes, and it jumps from the Killers to Steps and then System of a Down. It sounds so disjointed, and people will be wondering what the hell you were thinking, but because of the fact that you love all of the songs, it sounds magical to you. But I have listened to it since, and I think 'Oh my dear Christ, what the hell were you thinking Joshua?'. I mean I love jazz and I love classical, but those two things never should have been laid out side by side like that you know?

So is it going to be different this time then?

Oh yeah. You better believe it'll be different. I'm a decade older, I feel fresher and clearer in my head than I did back then, and I have far better direction mapped out for where I want to go. If I do release an album, it will be much more weighted towards one thing rather than trying to cram everything in at once.

And what should we expect from this album?

Piano stuff, with a bit of guitar. You might call it "Music for the Mothers." In fact, that would be a great name for the album. You should think of me as like, and I mean this with the greatest respects to a man I have respected for a damn lot of years, and whose music has greatly inspired me, but I am like Ryan Ross Hernandez without the whole being a douche thing added in. I think Ryan really appeals to that 40-something market in the same way that a Jamie Cullum sort of musician does. And that's what I think my new stuff sounds like. It'll be quite jazzy, and the piano will be played on heavily, but I am also quite sure it'll have strong ties with pop in there as well. It's also likely that I'll break out a guitar or two. I like to add a bit of a rock element into what I'm doing.
Who knows, maybe one day I'll return to the whole classical and jazz market, but that would need to be further down the line. A lot further. For now, I think I'm enjoying sitting behind my piano with the pop music head screwed firmly on again. And that's all down to Katie, I can't thank her enough for all the help, pressure, nagging, and the possibly chronic pain in the ass (laugh).

Brilliant. I look forward to it. Now...we are here at BBC's Maida Vale Studio. And we gather that you have prepared a special treat for the listeners in the form of a live lounge style cover?

I have. I certainly have. I thought that was the done thing, so when they invited me in, I had a long hard thought, and I wanted to add my own touch to a song that's already out there. When we practiced it, it sounds awesome. You'll never have heard this track sounding like this before. Hopefully you guys like it though.

Any clues at all for the listener?

Well the song I am going to perform was originally not sung by a solo artist. It was also not originally sung by a man...

Hmmm....intriguing. And why did you choose it?

Well this band had me totally amazed from the very first time I heard people speaking about them. They seemed to have this hype before they were even releasing anything at all. I found that amazing. And then the first time I heard them interviewed, there was this sort of amazing confidence just oozing out of them. It was quite remarkable how they were so sure of themselves. And rightly so. They came out with the album of the year shortly after that. I have been a massive fan ever since, and this was, without a shadow of a doubt, my favourite song of 2011.

Well ladies and gents, he's at his piano...we'll speak to him again in a moment, but for now, playing you a cover version of one of his favourite songs like you've never heard it before, Mr Josh Meyer!

---

Josh counts in "1,2,3,4" and then plays a few high-pitched soft notes on the piano, following them up with some massive, sweeping and contrasting chords. He leaves a pause before he starts to play softly again, followed by the sound of his warm, crooning tones pours out of his mouth.

If You Got Nothing
Nothing Worth Fighting For
Then Pick Your Stuff Up
And I’ll Show You The Door

Don’t Ever Worry, I’ll Be Around
I’ll Come Pick You Up
When Your Feeling Down
And There’s One Thing I’ll Say

He smiles as he plays the high pitched notes again, interspersing his playing of the section with some jazzy runs on the piano keys, and some big chords as he continues to grin and softly croon his way through the song. The original rock version of this track seems a mile away from Josh's version as he happily plays through it, bringing a demure edge to one of the biggest songs of last year.

Don’t Ever Lose Hope
Don’t Ever Worry
Don’t Ever Lose Hope
It’s Our Love Story

Will You Still Believe In Us
If I Don’t Make A Fuss (If I Don’t Make A Fuss)
Will You Still Believe In Us
If I Don’t Make A Fuss (If I Don’t Make A Fuss)

We Are … All The Non Believers
We Are Just Losers And Leavers
We Are Lovers And Breeders
We Are … All The Non Believers

As the final chorus finishes, Josh plays a few slow notes, before he starts to play a jazzy interlude, nodding along as he showcases his talent on the piano. He plays a few more fast little sections, before finishing his cover version with a flurry. He then chuckles a little into the microphone. "Yeah...et voila!"

---

Woooo! Josh Meyer ladies and gents. That was fantastic Josh. Who ever knew that a guy who releases the sort of music that you have done would listen to a band like Riot! In the Boulevard!

What can I say? Those guys are just truly fantastic, and that song is a real modern day classic. Without a word of a lie, it is THE top played tune on my iTunes list. I just love the track, and it was an honour to have the chance to play it here today. I just hope the people liked it. Hell, I hope Riot! didn't hate it too much! I know it's like a million miles away from the original, but I like to think I didn't butcher it too much.

A few texts coming in here on 81199. Kelsey in Bradford said: "That was beautiful. I love Josh's voice, and I can't wait to hear him play his own song." Jemma in Kings Norton has said: "Josh seems like such a lovely guy, and his version of that Riot! song was really good." So yeah, it seems that the public have given you the thumbs up.

Awesome. I am genuinely humbled by their words. It means the world to me that people enjoyed that. I'm kinda relieved I didn't get any death threats...well yet. I know it takes a while to compile those things! But no, seriously, I know that music fans can be protective over the original of their favourite artist, so it's good to know that those guys enjoyed my version.

Now, next, you are going to be performing your own "debut" single yeah?

I am. As strange as it sounds that a guy can release a debut single a full decade after his debut album, it's very true, and I think it makes me unique. My mom always told me that if you say something is "unique", it's better than admitting you're a weirdo (laughs).

Awesome. Can we have a little chat with you about the industry, and your opinion on everything first?

Hey, it's your show. We can do whatever you like Ms Bowman. After all, if I reject, you may just cut my headphones off and I'll be gone again, like some sort of whisp of smoke in the air. Oh, I liked that imagery. I better write that down.

So who do you like in the industry at the moment? Who are your favourites?

Well, aside from Riot! I also love Ryan Ross Hernandez of course, and I'm into bands like Mind and Infinite. You know, bands who really push the boat out and do something different. I like people with a strong vision. I think the closest anyone has come to this recently has been Reported Failure. They are really very good, and I like "Crumbling". That is an awesome song. Aside from that, I listen to a lot of the big hitters. You know, Stephanie Fierce and Vanity just command respect. Those two have been up at the top for years, and they are still recording some of the best stuff out there. It's probably predictable for a piano based guy like me to admit that I totally love Alicia Lena as well.
And then there's the stuff you might not expect me to like. Can I tell you my guilty pleasure?

Please do!

Isabel Merjos. Everyone likes an unashamed pop tune at times, and this girl just oozes good pop songs. That Summer's Not Hot one was so catchy, and I just find myself bopping my head to it. People may look down on pop, but writing a good pop lyric with a strong hook is a skill like any other and I always give it my respect.
Oh...also. I saw that release show from that girl....what was her name? Anna Villiot! What an amazing way to mark your arrival. And those songs blew my freaking mind. Seriously, wow. I'm keeping a beady one on her.

And what do you make of the antics of people these days? Do you think there is too much controversy?

Ah, you know, people are gonna do what people are gonna do. I am in no way a religious man, but I believe I have no right to judge anyone for what they do. At the end of the day, people have their own minds, and as long as they are not harming anyone, I see no damage in the way anyone acts. If there are seven million pregnancies, then as long as they look after the kids, it's totally fine. Likewise, if there are a group of guys getting high and stuff, as long as they pay for it with their own money and do it in private...then that's their choice.

And do you have any tips for who we should look out for this year.?

Yes. I would say that Anna Villiot is going to be the one to beat this year. I would love a chance to work with that girl in a studio on production some time. Her sounds are like a producer's wet dream. I mean, ummm...sorry (laughs). Also, I can't wait to hear a full album from Bianca Moretti. And then there's Stephani Fierce and Katie Coyle. These are all going to be top top albums this year....maybe I shouldn't release one...(laughs).

And now we can hear your single. Can you tell us what it's called?

Yes. It is called "I'm not Coming Home", and it will be available Monday.

Well many thanks for being here this afternoon.

It has been a pleasure. Thank you for having me.

Ladies and gents, back at his piano once again Maida Vale, playing his new single, please make some noise for Josh Meyer!

---

This song from Josh Meyer is a slow, yet uplifting power ballad on piano. It begins with a slow intro, played in a minor key and very softly. The intro continues through the verses, where Josh's voice is slow, quiet, and demure. During the choruses, his voice is much louder, more commanding and biting, and the piano, which is played far louder, and much more strikingly, is accompanied by some light drums, played on the symbol and snare only. For the bridge, there is no musical accompaniment, and the outro is a very slow, very soft, classical sounding piece of piano music.

Overall, the track is very edgy, as it chops and changes between being very sad and quiet and downbeaten, to being very powerful and uplifting. It showcases for Josh both his vocal and piano talent, and allows him the chace to talk about his emotions and relationships through the medium of song.



I'm Not Coming Home

Lyrics and music by: Josh Meyer
Performed by: Josh Meyer
Label: None
Genre: Ambient, ballad, pop, classical-crossover

Girl, I don't know where I'm going tonight//
I got sweet smell fresh in my mind//
When your lips pressed to mine//
My chest felt so tight//
I wanna tell you that I'm sorry but it don't feel right//

Because//
I'm on top, I'm on top//
I'm on top of the world and I won't come down//
You know//
I'm on top, no I won't stop//
Did nobody come to tell you what you're missing now?//
Because//
I don't feel like coming back//
No more aimless runs down this beaten track//
No I don't know where I'm going//
But I know I'm not coming home//

I saw you standing there in the pouring rain//
With the tears falling from your eyes//
A warm embrace like old friends//
United in a separate pain//
Let's wash away these tears or our emotions might stain//

Because//
I'm on top, I'm on top//
I'm on top of the world and I won't come down//
You know//
I'm on top, no I won't stop//
Did nobody come to tell you what you're missing now?//
Because//
I don't feel like coming back//
No more aimless runs down this beaten track//
No I don't know where I'm going//
But I know I'm not coming home//

It's been a long time that we've been chasing cars//
And the paint won't dry on the bedroom walls//
Feel like I'm living an existence in the fear of falls//
If you're from Venus then I'm from Mars//
Now I'm not holding back I'm gonna reach up for the stars//

I'm on top, I'm on top//
I'm on top of the world and I won't come down//
You know//
I'm on top, no I won't stop//
Did nobody come to tell you what you're missing now?//
Because//
I don't feel like coming back//
No more aimless runs down this beaten track//
No I don't know where I'm going//
But I know I'm not coming home//

Now the whisky in my hand has long since warmed//
I got no energy to fight in this sullen form//
If I close my eyes I only dream of your smile//
But when I told you that I loved you said you needed a while//

It's been a long time...a long time//
It was painted on and false like the sadness in mime//
I tried to talk...all I wanted was some proof//
That you loved me, but then I found the bitter truth//

I'm on top, I'm on top//
I'm on top of the world and I won't come down//
You know//
I'm on top, no I won't stop//
Did nobody come to tell you what you're missing now?//
Because//
I don't feel like coming back//
No more aimless runs down this beaten track//
No I don't know where I'm going//
But I know I'm not coming home//

I'm on top, no I won't stop//
And I know I'm not coming home//