Josh Owens a songwriter.

They say you shouldn’t look at the engine while it’s running, but lately, that’s all I’ve been doing.

If you’ve been following the shift, you know things are changing. The acoustic guitar is seeing less light and the Strat and the grunge side of me are seeing more. I’ve been keeping my head down for a long time, focusing on the work and the “red-lining” required to build something that lasts. There’s a kind of deep hollowing feeling that comes from sharpening yourself too long without looking up. It’s been worth it, though.

But then, the signal breaks through.

I woke up to see The Auricular mentioning my set at The Camel after seeing me at AnyFolk back in May. They were comparing my sound to Tim Buckley’s Goodbye and Hello era. To be mentioned in the same breath as a virtuoso like that — specifically that era of atmospheric, high-tenor ambition — is a heavy honor that I’m deeply grateful for.

They also pointed out the clock on the wall. “Owens might be moving to NYC in a few months, so you should definitely show up on time and see him while he’s still a Richmond-based artist.”

It’s true. The countdown has quietly started. Nicholle and I have begun the stage I’ve coined “The Final Year.” We’re about to pool together money to clear the last of our debt, and then save for the move to New York.

New York for me isn’t just a place for music — it’s a place I feel understood. It moves how my mind moves. For the next few months, I’m going to reach deep into the RVA music scene and see how far it goes before we move.

I was interviewed by VCU journalist Alex Wilson — a longtime friend — about my music. It was a pleasure to catch up professionally. The interview and an exclusive performance of “Echoes of You” aired on VCU InSight the following Tuesday.

The days of me having to stare people in the face when they ask for my music at gigs are over. My debut demos collection, Demos You May Have Missed!, is now on streaming. It’s a solid representation of the songs I’ve written — helpful for live shows and my online presence alike.

Just retrieved my black Stratocaster from Nashville — it looks beautiful and it plays great. Live at IYE, the concert film, is on schedule for an October release. The live album is heading to Spotify alongside it.