The UK-based singer-songwriter Hector Cottam released his debut album ‘Think Like Josh’ in march of this year. It consists of 7 indie-folk songs with very heartfelt and meaningful lyrics.

His powerful voice and strong lyrics make you feel his emotional connection to the words and tell stories about love, grief and mental health. The guitar-sounds perfectly complement his voice and enhance the lyrics. It feels like a musical journey through his feelings and thoughts and gets you to think about your own experiences. The album is characterised by its raw honesty and simplicity, which creates a connection with the listener.

A song that stands out is ‘Spirits’ since it’s purely guitar. Even though there aren’t any vocals it gets across emotions words couldn’t make you feel. It has a really special atmosphere and works as a great transition into the next song ‘Floating Away’ which is about grief.

“I’ll be here waving up at you my dear as you’re floating away”

‘Floating Away’ is the song on the album that stands out most for me. It’s really vulnerable and describes the feeling after losing someone close to you and the things you wish went differently but also not forgetting them and remembering them through different aspects in your life.

Overall, “Think Like Josh” is a powerful debut that marks Hector Cottam as a promising new voice in the indie folk scene. His ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with gripping melodies creates a mesmerising listening experience that resonates long after the final track ends. For fans of introspective music that speaks to the soul, this album is a must-listen!

Interview

1. How did you come up with the name for the album?

“One evening a couple of years ago, while on the tube home after a friend’s gig I was scribbling in my notebook. Having had a few drinks I was cutting straight to the point… was I really going to go for it, was I going to move past fear and self doubt to properly release my own music. At the same time I was cranking Queens of the Stone Age’s first record and thought to myself, Josh Homme (QOTSA singer/one of my all time hero’s) just did his thing with full belief. He was creating the music he dug and just went for it! I then wrote down a tipsy pep talk, something along the lines of “don’t let anything hold you back, go for it, you’ll regret it if you don’t! Just think like josh.” Then when I had the album together I was throwing around names and Think Like Josh came to mind and just stuck. I like how it’s quite intriguing… who’s Josh and why should anyone think like him etc… it’s basically Nike’s Just do it but infused with Rock & Roll!”

2. Which song on the album is your favourite and why? 

“I’d say Floating Away. It means so much to me, as it’s me processing the loss of two very dear people in my life to suicide in quick succession. It’s trying to handle never seeing them in the flesh again, while knowing they will always be here in our hearts and in the wind through the trees. I’m also very proud of the lyrics & music. In the end it came together naturally, with the words flowing out in one emotional sitting. Unfortunately this kind of pain is just part of life, which is why I think it’s been connecting with some people so deeply. It’s an ode to Felix & Simon. Life is magical but when our time comes we’ll melt back into everything and see you there x”

3. Do you have a favourite memory from the time you produced the album?

“The most memorable time for me, one that will always live with me, was tracking all nine songs in just two days at the studio with friend & producer extraordinaire Hugo Cottu. It was such an emotional time, giving everything I had to the songs, and as my budget gave me a tight time line I was so focused. It was an electrifying combination. Seven of the nine made it onto the final record and I’m very proud of all I gave and the result too. I’ll always be grateful to Hugo not only for his incredible production but also for his support through the whole process.”

4. What made you want to become a musician?

“My parents encouraged me at a young age to play the piano but I soon grew bored and gave it up. Then it wasn’t until years later that it really grabbed me. I was a bit of a lost, frustrated fourteen year old, disillusioned with the culture around me and searching for meaning. Then my best bro, Lucas, who was a drummer introduced me to LED ZEPPELIN. Within months I was a changed youngster, avidly learning the drums, admittedly getting my frustration out but there was definitely a new found focus and passion for life, with a sense of depth I was desperately searching for. I was hooked. Some years later my desire to sing and write led me to pick up the guitar and come back to the piano.”

5. What inspires you most when writing songs? 

“When it comes to writing, life’s a whole melting pot of inspiration: from the people and situations around me, to the creative gurus I love most. But the songs mainly come from my internal processing of life: from the tragedy of climate change that I feel so connected to, to mental health struggles, dealing with painful loss, all the way through to my reverence for nature and a joyous spiritual life. I try to express with as much vulnerability and honesty as I can muster.”

6. Which instrument is your favourite to play and why?

“Ooooof that’s a hard one as I get so much joy from playing them all in different ways but if I had to go with one it would be singing. For me it feels deeply cathartic, completely natural and so much fun! It’s definitely the most intense to perform as you’re really pouring your heart out but because of that intensity it’s so fulfilling and soul quenching!”

7. Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with, dead or alive?

“The first person that came straight to my mind was the illustrious Jack White. He’s always been such an inspiration for me. Not only is he so prolific but everything he does is so innovative and passion drenched. And not only has he written so many beautiful and delicate songs but also such bangers with hench riffs. I have many ideas and would love to incorporate more driven electric guitar into my future tunes, so hit me up Captain Jack, let’s do this🤘🏻”

8. Which piece of advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

“Something I heard many moons ago which has always stuck with me is the phrase, “what’s personal is universal.” If you’re bravely authentic and put your heart into something and truly love what you’ve created, it’s likely others will too. Essentially, do and make whatever you want to/express with honesty and don’t let fear hold you back! Collaborate. And most importantly enjoy the ride.”

9. What is your biggest dream as a musician?

“My biggest dream as a musician is for music that comes from my heart to connect with others to such an extent that it becomes all I do.”

10. What was the most surreal moment you’ve experienced because of your music?

“I’ve been blessed with a few already. A friend getting ‘Floating Away’ tattooed on their arm because the song means that much to them. A couple over the pond in America saying my music brought them back together and saved their marriage. Selling out my debut EP release show in London. The list of memorable moments is growing and I feel incredibly grateful for it all!”

11. What would your young self say if he knew you’re making music?

“Awww that’s so nice to think about… he would be so proud and absolutely buzzing!”