Indie Soul, Pop Precision: Inside Josh Rodarte’s World
By. Alicia Zamora
A Conversation with Josh Rodarte
In an exclusive sit-down with Alicia’s Studio, we caught up with California-based musician Josh Rodarte, an artist steadily carving his own lane with a sound that refuses to stay in one place. Josh is part of a new generation of artists who take influence from the past, but aren’t afraid to push beyond it — with the rhythmic pulse of Michael Jackson. What comes out isn’t imitation, but something uniquely his: emotionally direct, cleanly produced, and always sincere.
His latest single, “Without Me,” is a strong example of that balance. It’s a track that holds space for vulnerability without losing its grip on melody — nostalgic in tone but clear in intent. Whether you're listening late at night or mid-commute, there's a quiet weight to it that lingers. Josh doesn’t rely on excess or flash — his strength lies in how he lets emotion carry the song without forcing it.
Across his work, there’s a real sense of honesty in how Josh approaches music. His Instagram (@joshrodarte) gives a behind-the-scenes look at his process — from rough takes in the studio to off-the-cuff clips that feel more personal than polished. You get the sense that for him, music isn’t just something he puts out — it’s something he lives with. There’s no need to overexplain it; the sound speaks for itself.
In our conversation, Josh shared more about the inspiration behind “Without Me,” how his influences show up in his sound, and where he wants to take things next. He’s thoughtful without trying too hard, and you can tell he cares deeply about the work. The same intentionality you hear in his music comes through when he talks. This isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about staying grounded in what feels real.
Diving In
Alicia: Alright we can start off with an introduction !
Josh: I'm Josh Rodarte. I'm a musician from California.
Alicia: Let’s take it back. Before people knew your name, before the streams — what made you think, “I need to make music”?
Josh: I think I just… I kind of found myself being a big fan of the people I listened to. I was really inspired by them. I don’t know—it just gradually happened. I started getting more involved with music little by little, and yeah, I think that’s what led me here. It was really just being inspired by the greats and taking a deeper dive into music. Everyone starts off as a listener, but some people take that further. For me, it just kind of snowballed—deeper and deeper until I was fully involved.
Alicia: What artists would you say inspired you to become an artist?
Josh: There are so many—so many great ones. It’s definitely changed over time, but back then, I was really into a lot of ‘80s indie bands like The Smiths and The Cure. That was the stuff I was listening to when I first started thinking, “Oh my God, I want to give music a try.” I started thinking seriously about music around age 14. That’s when I began wondering, “Should I do this?” At the time, I was super into The Smiths, The Cure—those old English indie rock bands from the ‘80s. Morrissey really inspired me—the way he wrote lyrics, his lyricism—it was dope. That’s what gradually led me to wanting to make my own music.
Alicia: Do you feel like you chose music, or like it kind of chose you?
Josh: I chose music—100%. There’s actually a really specific moment I remember so clearly. I was 14 years old, it was summer, and I was in summer school. That’s when I met one of the homies who already played instruments. At the time, I was just a super passionate listener. My ego was honestly huge—I thought I knew everything about music. I was the kid always trying to find the most obscure artists, trying to be the first to discover them. I was super deep into music, probably way more than I am now—I don’t even listen to new stuff anymore.
Josh: But meeting that homie was kind of the turning point. He had a spot where we could jam, and he had instruments—I didn’t even own any at the time. We started playing together. I was lowkey really into piano; I wanted to learn it so bad. It didn’t really pan out like that though, because eventually we ended up forming a duo—kind of like a band, but more of a two-person project. When we talked about doing live shows, he told me that being a lead singer behind a piano didn’t really make sense for our setup. So yeah, that whole experience kind of set the foundation for everything that came after.I was lowkey heartbroken. I was like, damn. I don’t know why, but I wanted to be a pianist—just singing in front of people, like in a band or something. Then my homie was like, “Give the guitar a try.” And at first, I hated it.
Josh: This is a really important part of the story, because I hated the idea of playing guitar. I wasn’t into it at all. It was super hard for me to learn—I didn’t pick it up as quickly as most people do. And honestly, I wasn’t really into guitar music at the time. I mean, I kinda was, but not fully. I was really into Depeche Mode, and they’re super synth-based. I was listening to a lot of synth music, like ’80s stuff. I was big on synth—Prince, Michael Jackson, and all that. So I had a totally different idea of the kind of music I wanted to make. So when I got the guitar, I was like, fuck it- I guess I’ll give it a try. In my mind, guitar was more of a rock thing or whatever. I didn’t really want to be a rock-and-roll star. I just wanted to make the kind of music I was listening to. But basically, my homie convinced me to play guitar, and I hated it—at first. But then I randomly fell in love with it. I don’t even know why. I think it’s one of those things where, when you spend so much time with something and you’re doing it every day, you start to like it—at least a little—especially if you care enough. And I really wanted to be a musician.
Josh: So yeah, that’s what happened. I ended up playing guitar, and to this day, that’s my partner in crime. It’s crazy. I kind of owe it all to bro, honestly. It’s wild how that all worked out. That was the moment I really started getting involved with music.
Alicia: How long have you been doing music for? You said you started at 14—so how long has it been?
Josh: Yeah, that—but that was more recreational. I think of it like soccer, you know? Like, let’s say you’re just doing something for fun—it’s a hobby—but you’re not really thinking about it as work or something to grow in. At the time, when I was doing music, yeah, I would make songs and mess around with stuff like that, but I wasn’t the kind of person who was like, “Oh, this is what I want to do with my life.” I hadn’t decided that yet—not professionally or seriously. It was more just like, “This is fun right now. I’m having fun with my friends.” That kind of thing.
Alicia: What version of yourself shows up in your music that maybe doesn’t in everyday life?
Josh: I would say my versatility. I’m a producer, and everything I make is from me. I’ll play guitar, do the drums, bass, vocals—I’ll write the lyrics, compose the song, produce it, sound design it—everything. I think that’s a subtle thing people might catch if they actually look through the credits. I’m a nerd, so I always check the credits. If they did that, they’d see it. So yeah, I’d say versatility. Also, there was a time I used to rap. I don’t anymore, but there was a period where I did. I would just mix things up—mix genres, experiment. Just be versatile and try different things. That’s really what it is.
Alicia: Do you think you’ll ever bring rapping back? Or is that a done deal?
Josh: Nah. I knew my rap era was over when my homies weren’t messing with it in the car. I played it, and they weren’t vibing, and I was like, “You know what? Yeah…” This was years ago, so if I was gonna bring it back, I probably would’ve by now. But yeah—probably not.
Alicia: How do you know when a song is done — or does that never actually happen?
Josh: That’s actually hilarious that you asked, because honestly, I feel like I never know when a song is done. I mean—I can’t say never, because there have definitely been songs where I’m like, “Okay, this is it. This is what it’s gonna be.” But for the most part, it’s more like… once I run out of ideas in a session. I also like to set dates for myself—like due dates—and I try to stick to them. If I have a drop date in mind, I’ll usually stop working on the song maybe two weeks before that, just to lock it in. Is that the best method? Probably not. But hey—it’s gotten me listeners, so it’s working, kinda.
Alicia: That’s so interesting, because I don’t write music, so I don’t really know. But I’ve been in the studio with some friends, and I’ll hear a song and be like, “Oh, you’re done, right?” And they’re like, “Nah,” and then they do so many more takes. I’m like, “Wait, what?!” Because to me, it sounds good! But to them, it’s a whole different thing.
Josh: It’s wild how people don’t realize how many layers go into making music.
Alicia: That was the first time I saw friends working on one song the entire day—and I was like, “Whoa, this is a lot.”
Josh: Yeah, it’s crazy—especially if you’re a perfectionist like me. I’ve had songs sit for months. It’s a process.
Alicia: If someone only listened to one track of yours, what’s the one that would tell them who you are?
Josh: “Without Me.” My newest joint. I’d say that one because—man—I don’t know, it’s just such a banger. I personally love that song. It really shows off a lot vocally—like, the vocal range on it is actually crazy. I’m getting up there, like in terms of the octave I’m singing at. It also has a really classic sound for me—just guitar, bass, and drums. That’s kind of my signature. I don’t add too much else, just because I’m most comfortable with those instruments. It’s got a nice upbeat vibe too, so it’s definitely not boring. And it pays homage to the people I look up to—Michael Jackson and Prince. Those are my two biggest idols. I’m really proud of that song, and I’m honored that people enjoy it and make time for it in their day. That means a lot—it’s truly a blessing.
Alicia: Yeah, I actually found you on TikTok! For me, it depends, but I’ve found so many artists on there that are so good. I feel like TikTok artists get a lot of hate, but they’re super talented.
Josh: Oh yeah, for sure.
Alicia: What’s something in your writing or sound that feels misunderstood—or just overlooked?
Josh: I’d say the fact that I’m creating all of this from scratch. And I get it—I can’t blame people, because it’s hard to tell unless you really look at the credits. But I’m literally taking an idea from my brain and using just my two hands to fully bring it to life—with the resources I have, like my computer and live instruments. No samples, no stems from other producers, no co-writers. It’s just me. One-man band type of deal.So when people realize that, I think they gain a different level of appreciation. Because you’re not just hearing a song—you’re hearing my brain. You’re hearing my heart.
Alicia: Would you say you make music more for yourself, or for the people listening? Or is that a balance you’re still figuring out?
Josh: You know, it’s crazy. Before, I was definitely making music for other people. I think I was kind of chasing hits for a long time. Like, take “Used To,” for example—I don’t really listen to that song anymore, but it just hit 100K streams on Spotify. And I always knew it would do well. It was a summer song, super digestible—so I made it with the people in mind. But when I think about full projects, I see those as more for me. That’s where I get more vulnerable, more expressive. Because honestly, I don’t think people really know me yet. They know I make music, but they don’t know what I’m capable of making. They don’t know how deep I can go. So, to keep it short: There are times when you gotta please the people, and times when you gotta please yourself. A healthy balance is key.
Alicia: As a Mexican artist, do you feel like your identity naturally moves through your music?
Josh: Yeah, definitely. I just think there’s a lot in my culture that’s rooted in hard work—you give it your all and live with the results. And I think that simple idea really reflects what Mexican culture is about. Even though I’m not always singing in Spanish, there are times when I do love to pay homage to my native language and make sure that side of me is represented.It’s not just American influences—being Mexican American, you have both. So I always try to incorporate that duality. Like my song “Amor”—that’s a Spanglish track. Any chance I get to highlight both sides of my identity, I take it. I want to make sure my Mexican heritage is shown just as much as the American influences. There’s two layers to it: one is the mindset I grew up with in a Mexican household—work hard, stay true to yourself, and focus on your craft. The other is more literal—pulling from the culture musically, whether it’s using live instruments tied to Mexican music, switching languages, or referencing something from a regional genre I grew up listening to. There are so many ways to blend it all together. Being Mexican is a huge part of who I am, so of course it’s important for me to showcase that. I always love embracing that side of myself.
Alicia: Do you ever feel pressure to “represent” something bigger than yourself—or are you just trying to stay honest and present?
Josh: I never feel pressured to represent anything bigger. I always say this—I’m just a Mexican kid who loves to sing and make music. That’s the title I’ve always run with, and I don’t think I’ll ever change it. I don’t have plans to be more than that, really. I just want to stay grounded. Honestly, my biggest goal is to still be the same person I was when I started all this. That would mean the most—to just stay true to my roots.
Alicia: You’ve dropped songs that people really connect to—what’s one reaction from a listener that stuck with you?
Josh: Honestly, with the most recent track, it wasn’t even just one person—it was multiple people saying I sound like Michael Jackson. And that’s crazy. I’ve got the Thriller album right there in my room. That album changed my life when I was a kid. I would listen to it nonstop, and I used to watch Michael Jackson on MTV. We had this big-ass box TV from the early 2000s, and I remember sitting in front of it watching the “Beat It,” “Thriller,” and “Billie Jean” music videos—just trying to learn his moves. So for people to say that I remind them of him, or that I sound like him—it’s surreal. That kind of recognition, even being mentioned alongside someone that great, it makes you feel like you’re doing something right. That’s probably the craziest reaction I’ve ever gotten. Maybe it doesn’t seem wild to everyone, but to me—it’s unreal.
Josh: Obviously there are DMs and stuff like that, but yeah, just being compared to Michael—that’s still the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced firsthand.
Alicia: Then what does growth look like for you right now? Not in numbers, but in real life.
Josh: Growth, to me, is just… holding yourself accountable. It’s about being a better person in any way you can, and fixing the mistakes you made yesterday. As long as you can move with your right foot forward and your left foot following—just being honest about who you are, not even just in music, but as a person. People can read that. People can feel that. So I think as long as you're honest and open to criticism—or to other people's perspectives—you grow. Once you take yourself out of your own view, I think you can start to see things in a better light. It’s all about learning to see things from different angles. We're all just humans living this life for the first time, you know? So yeah, growth is just learning that not everything is about you.
Alicia: If you couldn’t make music tomorrow, what would you still want people to know about you?
Josh: If I couldn’t make music, I’d want people to know that... I feel them. I think I understand people pretty well. That’s what people call intuition, right? Like, sometimes I feel like I can step outside myself and really see things from someone else’s point of view. Also, just that I’m a normal dude. I’m just a regular guy who loves making music. So yeah—those two things: I feel people, and I’m just a normal dude.
Alicia: What’s something you’ve been waiting for someone to ask you—but no one ever does?
Josh: That’s a great question. Okay, I’m gonna take the meme route for this. I be on TikTok Live a lot—and nobody ever asks how my day is. It’s so sad, because I’ll literally be on Live asking people, “How’s your day? How’s your day going?” And nobody ever responds. *laughs* So yeah, I’d love for someone to ask: “How was your day today?” That’s the one.
Alicia: If someone’s just discovering you right now, what do you want them to feel when they hear your music for the first time?
Josh: What would I want them to feel? Hmm… There’s a lot of ways to answer that. I could say a sense of community, or just a feel-good vibe, or even a sense of realism. But honestly, I’d want them to feel all of that. Like, a little bit of everything—community, joy, connection, something real. And something I always say—and this is one of my biggest goals—I want my music to remind people of a good or bad experience in their life where they allowed themselves to feel something. That’s the key. If my music helps someone acknowledge a feeling in a moment, then I did my job.
Alicia: What’s next for you that we should be looking out for—music, visuals, shows?
Josh: Great question. In the big picture: a project. My debut EP. And live shows—those two are in the works. That’s what I’m building toward. But in the short term, expect a cover dropping soon. I’ve been working on a cover of “The Hills” by The Weeknd—it’s one of my favorite songs. So yeah, short term: expect that cover. Long term: the debut EP and some shows.
Alicia: And finally, what’s one thing you’d tell the version of you who was just getting started in all this?
Josh: I’d say: Fuck what everybody has to say. Start now. Don’t wait.* I remember seeing something—I think it was Tyler, the Creator—he said something like, “Don’t sit on your ideas, because you’re never going to feel that same thing again.” That really stuck with me. I think it was from one of his recent interviews where he was just sitting on the couch, talking about creativity. And I was like, “Damn, that’s real.”
Josh: Shout out to T, man. I like to think of him and Frank Ocean as the godfathers of my genre. They really inspired a lot of alt-R&B artists—anyone performing at Camp Flog Gnaw and all those names—they paved the way. That quote about not sitting on your ideas… it would’ve been so helpful to hear when I started. Even though, let me not lie, I still be archiving some of my songs for my own reasons.
Josh: Sometimes I want to show something different, or maybe a song didn’t perform the way I hoped, or maybe I just hate it every time I hear it—whatever it is.But the number one thing I’d say is:
Have tunnel vision. Don’t listen to what other people say about your art. Believe in yourself. Chin up, chest out. Take that leap. Just be you.
Josh: Don’t sit too long on your ideas—some of them were actually good, and I wish I remembered them. When you're younger, you’re more imaginative. As you grow up, the world kind of sucks that out of you. The faster you become an adult, the less you think like a kid. And kids dream big. Some of the wildest, most creative ideas come from kids—but adults shut them down because they don’t think it’s possible. But the world is endless. The possibilities are endless.
Alicia: As we wrap up, is there anything you want to promote? Anything you want to say to close things out?
Josh: Yeah! I’d love to say: “Without Me”—my newest single—is out now on Spotify, Apple Music, wherever you stream. Tell your mom about it, honestly. She’ll probably like it.She loves Michael Jackson, right? Who doesn’t love Michael Jackson? It’s crazy—people are saying the song reminds them of him. I didn’t even push that narrative, I was just making music for fun, and people started running with it. I’ve got screen recordings of people commenting Michael Jackson this, Michael Jackson that. The song is nostalgic. It feels like it was made back in the day. So yeah—just share it with someone. Let it snowball. I love y’all. That’s pretty much it.