Embarking on the 20th leg of our State2State Artist Discovery journey, in the quest to find the perfect artist to represent Montana's vibrant creative culture, the Northwest surprised me particularly in the realm of hip-hop. One standout rising star was the dynamic hip-hop artist, Joshua (formerly known as "Eddwords"), right in the heart of Kalispell, Montana. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Flathead Lake and the encompassing mountain range, driving to picturesque Kalispell, MT left me with indescribable emotions, promising a return not just for the breathtaking views but in anticipation of catching a live show from the 20th spotlight artist, Joshua.  His authenticity, fluid flow, and classic hip-hop production immediately caught my attention and stopped my thumbs during a scroll on Instagram, via search "#montanamusic".

Joshua welcomed us into his laid-back studio, the Treehouse, where we dove into a conversation that among other things, revealed the growth of his fanbase driven by the success of his 2018 project, 406 to the Ville. He shared insights into his Nashville upbringing, the challenges he faced, the profound impact of losing his best friend, and how these experiences continue to shape his artistry. Hearing his narrative in person deepened my appreciation in what was woven into his music.

Joshua is not just a passionate music enthusiast; his work ethic is on another level. Post-interview we continued our chat while he transitioned into recording vocals for an ongoing project, then began designing branded t-shirts and sweaters until more friends began to stop by. Meeting some of his crew and friends further emphasized the authenticity and positivity that radiates from Joshua and his creative circle—a brief encounter that etched itself into memory, with hopes of a repeat session in the future.

Since this summer 2018 interview, Joshua has consistently dropped new music, including several singles and the 2020 EP titled ‘Rollercoaster’. As we eagerly anticipate more vibes from Joshua, his studio has upgraded to a larger location, promising top-notch creative services for the Northwest, specializing in music, custom clothing/design, and photo & video. The journey with Joshua is far from over, as the Treehouse continues to evolve into a hub of creativity in the Northwest hip-hop scene.

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Next stop, Seattle Washington to interview Racoma.