Josiah Leming: Rising Piano Rock Idol

What was your musical background growing up?

I took a few lessons when I was nine or ten, from an elderly lady, Mrs. Britain, but mostly it came pretty naturally. Lots of church hymns.

Who inspired you to play keyboards?

Ah, no one in particular. My parents got a keyboard one Christmas and I was completely enamored. I got up real early the next day and started playing. Love at first sight!

What records did you grow up on that influenced your keyboard playing?

Hm, lots of “God” music. Then along came Echo and the Bunnymen!

What keyboards did you have growing up? What was the first keyboard you ever bought?

Well, the first keyboard was a little 50-key Yamaha, I think. Then my grandmother gave me a wicked old upright piano that I love dearly. When I was 15, I got a job at Chik-fil-A and mowed a bunch of yards, and saved up all summer for a Roland FP-5 which I still use to this day!

What was your first gig recording or touring?

Before I ever wrote, I was in my brother’s band Sefrona. I played piano and we fought a lot. I suppose it revealed my desire to write my own songs and to create a very independent art. It definitely created a tension and sort of competition between him and me. That really improved my writing and playing skills.

Can you offer one piece of career advice?

Practice, practice, practice! Then reach people. Music is one of the more fun and rewarding things to love. But for any career, if you want something with everything within you, if you want it so bad it becomes a need, then you’ll get it without a doubt.

Who would you most like to jam with?

John Denver.

What’s next for you?

An album! And a girlfriend would be nice. [Laughs.]