Creative Q&A with local musician Josh Davis

WASILLA — Local musician and Arize Entertainment owner, Josh Davis recently participated in a question and answer interview to discuss what music means to him.

Q: When did you discover your love for music?“I was taught by this elderly lady when I was like, 7 years old… My mom got me a piano and I did not want to play piano. I was totally into sports. I loved football. I loved soccer, swimming, and basketball. But, I did it. I learned how to play piano and I’m so thankful that I did. It helped me learn other instruments. I learned how to sing a song. Then, I started writing my own music. I performed live on the Bob and Mark Show. I performed at the Sullivan Arena. I performed at all the clubs. Music for me is good for the soul.”

Q: Why is music important to you?“I was in Cub Scouts and I stuttered so bad… and I remember looking out at the crowd and a bunch of people started laughing at me, even adults. I was really young and that really scarred me for life. I remember running back and crying my eyeballs out. That hurt bad… I got made fun of for my stutter all the time at school. I think the only thing that saved me was music. I think if I didn’t have music in my life, I would be depressed and a hermit and not wanting to go out and do anything and not want to talk to anybody or anything like that. Music might have saved my life.”

Q: How did it feel to perform for the first time in 13 years at your recent dance events for teens?“It’s one of the best feelings of the world. The kids were shocked. After I was done, I had all these kids come up to me and said. ‘I love your music.’ That felt good, especially after 13 years.”

Q: Are you getting the old band back together?“I am, yes. I’m in the works of that now. We’ve only had two rehearsals, but our third rehearsal is after our Valentine’s Day event. Then, we’re going to two rehearsals a month… That’s my goal, and usually, when I set out a goal, I don’t quit.”

Q: Do you feel like you’re coming full circle?“The group name that I made years ago, I was probably 17, I called it Arize. It means to start and to finish. So, I see this as my finish. Now, I’m kind of ending it, but I’m starting it up again. That’s how I came up with the name Arize Entertainment.”

Q: Would you say that you’re investing in your community with these dance events?“Yes. This is only the start… Even if it touches just one kid that went through what I went through, that would mean the world to me.”

For more information about Arize Entertainment, call 907-952-5554 or email arize.ent907@gmail.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiiersman.com