Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Althina.
Hi Joshua, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Throughout my time in high school, I knew music and writing was what I wanted to do in life. After selling a few songs to independent artists, I began to do concert photography for local Los Angeles artists. Eventually, my ambition to execute an artist’s vision transpired from photography artwork, into music video production and directing which then turned into several artists trusting me with management of their music careers. Along the way of working I’ve released several groundbreaking PR editorials for queer artists who are breaking the mold from mainstream consumption, toured the US multiple times, and released EPs + albums which highlight POC queer art.
My time in the entertainment industry has not always been easy. At the start of my journey in 2015: topics like body positivity, Acceptance of LGBT rappers, and being openly queer in music was not widely accepted.
I’m currently in the process of releasing my own album and am eager to expand on the world I’ve helped other artists create. I want my music to be a safe space for queer people to feel their best, safely express their angst of the world, and to find their community which rejects social norms. At a pivotal time when alternative ideals are being slowly embraced more, I feel like now is the time to kick all the doors queer people face. Femininity, body positivity, anger, acceptance of sex are all topics of queer culture I want to bring to the forefront of this album.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
At the beginning, many label executives rejected the idea that my artists could bring forth mainstream attention and fan bases. A rapper who was plus-sized could not be put on the same scale as legends such as Eminem, 2 Pac, Wu Tang Clan etc.
However, the conversation between femininity and body positivity seems to always fall under the same malicious gaze. No one would question Rick Ross or Fat Joe’s rap ability but would be quick to critique artists such as CupcakKe or Big Momma. At the start of my career, I made it a concentrated effort to kick these doors down. I wanted every publication to recognize that art is art no matter how queer, or how outside the perceived beauty standard it may show itself as.
When highlighting CEOs of company’s such as Biblegirl, I wanted to shine a spotlight that queer art can exist in leadership positions. I have always strived to highlight that the LGBT+ community can be more than just a pride flag once every summer: We are the curators of culture, the pipeline for pop culture acceptance, and the ones who break boundaries before everyone else joins the trend.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Throughout my time of work, I have accomplished many different realms of entertainment media such as: Directing, song producing, visual executive production, publicity, A&R, tour management, styling and more.
To summarize all of this, I believe the best term would be that I am an artistic executive producer. While I am currently working on my album, Joshua Althina as a brand stands for inclusivity, breaking social norms, and the underdog.
I’m very proud that I disciplined myself to learn the art of songwriting and production. Never having to lean on abusers in the music industry to execute a vision. I’m also proud of my tenacity to have my art recognized by media outlets and be a guiding light for other queer artists to not give up.
I am most proud that the album I plan to release later this year is 100% written and produced by me. A start to finish queer body of work which is both bold, unapologetic and relentless in its entirety.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The easiest way for people to support is to share! I cannot emphasize that enough. Share the outcome of hard queer labor with your friends, share it with other queer content creators, share it with people who wouldn’t normally give it a chance! Every day I have a deluge of DMs from all walks of life. Straight people asking me for production techniques, music management and more. Queer people telling me I inspire them to pursue their art and how to get a foot in the door.
Without a simple share, most of these people would be in the dark. With social media the tools available for sharing content are endless. Share share share!
For collaborations, I am always eager to work with people who are seeking to break the mold. If you have been told no and want to prove the powers that be how they are wrong, I want to prove you right. Let’s change the world
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/JoshuaAlthina
- Twitter: Twitter.com/JoshuaAlthina
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Tvty4y9PE4RHjFJmjj6KW?si=lob456gUSXes8m29OIBEnA
Image Credits
Photography by: Sami Khantache Daniel Loyola Tarik Carroll Jonathan Ivan
