When you think of Nashville, it’s all about country music, honky-tonks, cowboy boots and Johnny Cash. What you may not know is that 1997 Apollo graduate, Josh Kaler, is all about Nashville. Recording artist, producer and songwriter of indie, pop and rock music, Josh is leaving his mark on Music City.
Taking a year off post high school graduation to work at local Schmitt Music prepared him to attend Berklee College of Music. Kaler describes Berklee as the “Hogwarts” for music. It’s where you go to meet your kind.
Energetic Boston is where Kaler was able to ignite his creativity in songwriting. His hunger to find other musicians to further his education fueled the friendship of his “musical comrade,” Michael Flynn.
The pair formed a band, moved to Charleston, South Carolina and then expanded their band Slow Runner. By 2005, the group signed with J Records. They’ve toured with the likes of The Damnwells, Say Anything, The Avett Brothers and Evan Dando. They’ve also traveled all over the world. Some favorites were the Czech Republic, Madrid, Germany and Ireland. Their music has even been featured on TV series such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “One Tree Hill.”
The experience Kaler gained through these years changed his course in music. Though his education focus is with the guitar, Kaler learned to play the drums, bass and keyboard as well as to record music.
“My other school,” says Kaler, “was learning how to craft records.”
Slow Runner produced several records while in Charleston, where Kaler’s new passion began. He loved the behind-the-scenes production of music.
Following that passion, four years ago, Kaler moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
“It’s mostly country, but it has indie, pop and rock,” describes Kaler. “There’s room for somebody like me in Nashville.”
In Nashville, Kaler connected with the group Hula Hi-Fi. They are self-proclaimed “Hawaiian Noir: Volume One,” a tropical feeling turned into music. The trio recorded the album, “The Ilse of the Forgotten Dreams” yet to be released.
“I’m always interested in having a toolbox [many talents]. It’s always helped me out,” explains Kaler. “It’s good to have that.”
Kaler’s craving for recording music doesn’t slow down his touring. He continues to tour with his bands, playing guitar and steel guitar.
Looking back over his career thus far, he recognizes the early mentors in his life. Whether it was Lawrence Severt, a counselor at Apollo, encouraging him to play with the jazz band in high school or Dan Preston from The Electric Fetus, who allowed him to come over and jam at his house, to his long-time friendship with Michael Flynn, mentors have played an important role in his life.
Kaler always looks for a “better” musician to play, record or theorize with.
“I want to immerse myself into something challenging,” says Kaler.
Whether he is playing or recording in Nashville, touring the world or writing cinematic music for TV, Kaler loves sharing his music and plans to be doing it well into the future.
Hang on, Music City. There’s more to come!
Updated June 8, 2021: Kaler recently visited St. Cloud. Since this story, Kaler has visited Prague and the Czech Republic to perform with an orchestra. He’s been working on a new album with his band. And thanks to his new dog, has found another passion for dog training.