Joshua Gregory
The rising pop star opens up about his earliest memories of music, the artists who shaped him, and why authenticity is his boldest choice.
Joshua Gregory isn’t interested in fitting neatly into a box—and that’s exactly what makes him one of pop’s most exciting new voices. Rooted in a love for the genre’s greats, from Michael Jackson to Rihanna, Gregory brings a fearless, unpredictable energy to his music, blending euphoric beats with lyrics that cut deep. His songs champion the outsiders, celebrate queerness, and remind us that pop is anything but superficial—it’s a unifying force. With his new single Neon Nights, Gregory shines a light on fleeting passion, self-expression, and the freedom to love boldly. We caught up with him to talk about his earliest musical memories, what drives his artistry, and how he plans to make pop “weird, classic, and iconic” all at once.
What was your earliest memory of music in your home?
There’s so many but I remember specifically watching Michael Jackson music videos on tv with my dad. We spent a night just playing all different ones, I was just in awe of Michael. I cherish that memory a lot, sharing it with my Dad.
When did you first realize music was the path you wanted to follow?
Since I can remember. Music just gave me this feeling that I couldn’t explain and I was drawn to that. It felt other worldly. It gave me a bit more understanding to the universe. I wanted to give other people that feeling through making my own music. Singing felt like a release and I just couldn’t ignore it.
How did your family react when you told them you wanted to pursue music seriously?
I’m very lucky with the family I have. They are supportive with whatever I do. Being an independent artist is very hard but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Who were the artists or sounds that shaped you growing up?
Hands down Michael Jackson was a massive one but I was drawn to so much music and I didn’t really want to put a boundary on that. Pop music is my first love so there is all the legends that made that music special of course. Growing up in the 2010s I also was so lucky with music then, you had Rihanna, Beyoncé, Gaga, Nicki, Kesha, usher, Jason, Bruno…the list goes on.
You’ve described your music as “out there” and “unpredictable.” What does that freedom mean to you as an artist, and how does it shape the way you write?
Again it’s not putting a boundary on it and tbh maybe that’s why sometimes I struggle to find a certain demographic in my music. I don’t want to ever be put in a box, I want to surprise myself and others. I’d like to be a chameleon in the pop world.
You’ve said you can’t be put in a box—you’re not a “basic bitch.” What’s the boldest decision you’ve made so far to break away from labels?
Haha, I forgot I actually said that but yes still to this day I should remind myself that. I think my boldest thing I’ve done is actually stay true to myself. You can hear it in the music. I’m not trying to be like anyone else. I feel my songs all have different vibes as well so yeah just being myself and doing what feels right for me.
Pop music is often dismissed as superficial, yet you embrace it fully. What do you love about pop, and how do you twist it to fit your own unique style?
The lie that has spread for years about pop music is superficial is just bullshit. People try to act cool and try and act different when something is ‘popular’ but I guarantee you they have vibed to a Bruno Mars song or hummed a Taylor Swift melody. Pop music has some different meanings as well, any genre can be pop when it’s popular. Pop music brings people together – that’s what I love about it. You can go to a party and one song comes on and every generation, every colour, every sexuality, every gender will dance to it and have fun. I’ve seen that happen. Pop music is beautiful in every single way.
Your songs often balance sad lyrics with upbeat production. Do you see that as a reflection of your own way of processing life—making the best out of bad situations?
Yes! I’m so glad you asked that. Many of my tracks always have a deeper meaning woven in the upbeat productions and melodies. I try and be an optimist in my life even though that is so hard and I try and make music that can help people through dark times and make them dance again. Who says you can’t dance in a thunderstorm?
Some of your tracks dive into sensitive topics, while others are pure escapism. How do you know when a song should carry a heavy truth and when it should just let people dance?
I think in the writing process it starts to become clear which way a track is heading. Sometimes a heavy topic needs to be clear as day and be up front and blunt to really address it, other times it works better as a message in an upbeat pop song. It really depends on many things.
Your new single Neon Nights celebrates living for the moment and daring to love. What sparked the idea for this song?
A lot of it came from my own experience of being gay and having a first kiss and exploring the London gay club scene. The feeling is so special and so unique, I tried to put it in a song the best way I could. It touches upon religious themes as well to sort of discuss the oppression many of us gay people go through with them beliefs instilled in us from a young age.
The video explores same-sex relationships with boldness. How important was it for you to show that love without fear or hesitation?
It’s the most important. As a gay man and artist I need to create this space for others to feel safe and seen. I grew up in a loving family and supportive friends but also have had my fair share of prejudice and hate due to my sexuality. My core belief is everyone on this earth should be free to be themselves. Period. I will not allow another child who is a part of the lgbtq community to die or feel alone in this world. You are who you were born to be. I want to show the world I’m proud and loud.
Neon Nights is about love that might only last for one night. Do you see it as fleeting passion, or as a metaphor for how love should always be lived—completely, even if briefly?
I love how you worded that. That’s beautiful. Yes in a way I do believe love should always be lived completely but I think it’s also okay to have nights of passion with one person that you may never see again but you both share that beautiful human connection. I think in neon nights I’m talking about a story of two guys who have met at a gay club and can’t exactly continue this romance after the night, (something like that was playing in my head) but they should experience and cherish that bond in the moment. There’s many themes in neon nights and it’s also for the listeners to relate to it how they do.
You often say your music is for the outcasts, the ones who feel alone. What do you hope Neon Nights gives them when they hear it for the first time?
I hope neon nights gives them a sense of safety. A sense of love. A sense of being seen. I know how hard it is to feel so different and so alone. This is a reminder that they have every right to experience this world just as much as anyone else.
If someone only knew you through Neon Nights, what would you want that track to tell them about who Joshua really is?
That I’m not afraid to speak my truth. I’m allowed to take up space. I’m a pop star with a sense of self and you don’t know what’s coming next.
Is there a dream collaboration you’d love to make happen? Who are your favorite artists working today?
I have a list of hundreds of people I would collab with but if I had to chose three right now it would be Madonna, Beyonce and Nicki Minaj.
How do you stay inspired when the creative flow slows down? Do you have rituals, habits, or even guilty pleasures that help recharge your imagination and push you into that creative space?
You have to take time with yourself and I’m learning to be more forgiving and kinder to myself in these moments. It’s difficult but you have to. Everyone’s journey is different, especially creative people’s. I remind myself why I fell in love with music, I put on an album like ‘Born this way’ or ‘Thriller’ or ‘Dirty computer’ and just vibe and get inspired again. I just go back to that little kid who put a song on to escape and feel that feeling all over again.
What’s something about you that fans might be surprised to learn?
I’m a chronic over thinker. I may sound confident in my music but trust me I overthink every thing.
Looking forward, what boundaries do you still want to push in your music and performances?
I want to make pop weird again. I want to be entertainment. I want to be classic. I want to be iconic.
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