Josh Newton is the ultimate utility man. He has been the role player in bands ranging from bouncy indie rock, to blood curdling metal riffage. His time with Shiner garnished one of my top 5 all time favorite records, The Egg. These days, he’s found himself as the first bass player Every Time I Die deemed to be worth a permanent role, and he’s currently out melting faces on the Vans Warped Tour.
Unlike other musicians who seem to ride one or two bands to rock stardom, you worked your way up by jumping from band to band. Can you list all of the bands you’ve been in?
Yikes.
Glazed Baby, Unsane, Season To Risk, Shiner, Reggie and the Full Effect, Fire of 1666, From Autumn To Ashes, Every Time I Die, & The Damned Things. I’m sure I’m forgetting one or two…
I know you’ve switched between guitar and bass a lot over the last few years, which do you consider to be your primary instrument?
Until ETID, I considered guitar to be my primary instrument.
What was your first instrument?
I tried drums initially, but after breaking all of my stuff, I got a guitar.
What other instruments can you play?
I tend to stick with bass & guitar. I can make a noise or two with a bunch of other instruments, but I’d never claim to play them.
Did you take any type of lessons growing up?
I did. Sadly, the guy I took lessons from tended to spend our entire session soloing. It was rather discouraging.
What impact did that have on you?
I don’t really know a ton of theory, but my disappointment with my teacher made me really develop my ear.
Do you know / use music theory when writing songs?
I do more so for coming up with new tunings.
Do you still practice things, other than the music your write?
I learn most of the records I listen to. You never know who’s gonna call…
Do you still attempt to push forward musically, by learning new instruments, songs, or applications?
Constantly. Be it learning other band’s songs, messing around with piano, or learning how to use recording applications, I’m always doing something music related. I also try to play with people other than my bandmates. I think this is key for looking at things a bit differently.
Do you have a method for songwriting?
I generally start with a beat or rhythm and then build on that.
You are a notorious gear nerd. How much focus do you have on gear? Are they just tools, or do they cross over into inspiration?
I am indeed obsessed with gear. All of the bells and whistles tend to really matter to the musician, not the listener. A good song is a good song. 95% of the audience could care less what year your Les Paul is.
Do you feel that gear has an impact on your songwriting or performing?
I think it has less of an impact on my writing. If my gear makes it through a show, I’m happy.
Any favorite pieces of gear lately?
My current setup is my favorite. Orange AD200’s, Aguilar cabinets, a Fulltone OCD, & Sandberg California P basses.
Lastly, you’re now in a band with Scott Ian from Anthrax. seriously, how sick is that?
It’s insane. The first time I walked into practice, he was playing his Jackson Soloist with “NOT” inlaid on the fretboard. I freaked inside. I bought his tapes when I was in middle school. Who’d a thunk it?
