July 31, 2025 • 22 mins
Josie chats with Will Wesley and Florian Fox about their collaborations together and their solo projects as well, and what's to come!
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
Br br bro bro bro bro around the world on
the world Wide Web.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Ladies and Gentleman period is the.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
Most The other stations are tuning in too.
Speaker 4 (00:26):
Oh yeah. Broadcasting live from the Josey Network Studios in
downtown Madonna, Tennessee.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
It's that time of week again. It's time for the Josie.
Speaker 4 (00:40):
Shoe, bringing you the most exciting music, moves and guests
from around the world right here on the Jersey Show.
Please make walking beautiful. It's Hannity, Hello, Dy America's Riddy
(01:02):
else leidh Business, Josie assent heen over here.
Speaker 5 (01:13):
Hey everyone, welcome back to the Josie Show.
Speaker 6 (01:15):
We have such a great interview here today. We have
Will Wesley and Florian Fox to talk to us about
their music and the collaborations together. So it's gonna be
a great show, so stay tuned. You will not want
to miss a second of this interview. This was a
really fun one, so hope you guys enjoy here it is.
Please welcome to the Josie Show. My special guest Will
(01:36):
Wesley and Florian Fox.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Hello, Hello, how are we doing? We're not good?
Speaker 5 (01:42):
Good to hear it from you guys. How are you
vot doing? Today.
Speaker 7 (01:45):
I gotta tell you, we have been on a tour
of the ages. I'm talking the old school way. We
have toured from Shiner, Texas to Tylertown, Mississippi, and we've
made it here to Nashville to do some shows and
then going on into Knoxville. And we drove to do it.
So we're in fine form. I think we're in the
best shape ever.
Speaker 8 (02:05):
We just had a little time to rest after this big,
big drive and we're happy at to fire away and
make our way to Nashville, Tennessee. Oh.
Speaker 5 (02:13):
I love that.
Speaker 6 (02:14):
I love the sound of that. Yeah, y'all are everywhere.
I'm telling you when I say you guys are everywhere,
you literally are. Let's start from the beginning. How did
your partnership come about? Let's start there.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
You know, it is a wonderful story.
Speaker 7 (02:25):
You know, we had a mutual agent years ago during
the pandemic twenty twenty when the world shut down. You know,
she told me about this fantastic European country artist that
is writing some great songs and told me about him
and let me hear one of his songs called Georgia,
and I thought it was amazing. And I'm gonna turn
it over to Fox and tell his end of the story.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Yeah, so I was. I was new to the United States.
Speaker 8 (02:50):
I just maybe waited to Nashville and I met an
agent down there with a great buzz and a great
amount of people. And this agent called hearing new show.
I reached out her a couple of weeks after the
Awards show and said, hey, I would be very interested
now that I'm new to the States, I would be
very played a couple of shows, you know, open up
for a local act and so forth.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
And she put me in touch with Will Wesley.
Speaker 8 (03:14):
Is that I know just the guy. I know, just
the guy to team you up with. And she knew
we were going to be a great match. And that's
how it was. So we've been touring for four years.
Speaker 6 (03:23):
To get the now four years. That's amazing. And you
both have such a great partnership as well. I mean,
you can tell you guys are just friends. You guys
get along so well, which obviously makes going on the
road much easier.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
When you like the person, it.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Works well, it does, you know, and especially when you
do what we've done this week, where you're driving ten
hours with a fella, you know, it's just been me
Fox and my manager and wife Star, you know, and
you know you couldn't have said it no more correctly.
Speaker 7 (03:49):
Where are the best of friends? Yeah, And it's a
growing partnership, so it's a win win.
Speaker 8 (03:54):
And sometimes I would even say, you know, I say
we're brothers from another mother.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
I think reflects in the songwriting too. I think, you know, I'll.
Speaker 8 (04:02):
Measure this song Georgia when I met you and Kara
Newca the agent, when she showed me a little bit
of Will's work that he had done, I realized he
had written the song about a very similar experience that
I wrote Georgia about.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
His song was called Leah, so we.
Speaker 8 (04:16):
Could immediately relate to each other and to each other
songwriting that was that was a big thrill box.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
I think we're giving these girls too much credit on
me songs.
Speaker 7 (04:26):
Awesome. I love it.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
I love it.
Speaker 6 (04:29):
Oh my goodness, that's amazing, you know, And with such
a rich global and regional, you know experience, how do
you guys balance your individual artistry while working together on
tours and creative endeavor? So how do you keep that balance?
You all doing your own separate thing, but then also
when you guys have to come together, you guys, come
together and make it work, you.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Know, speaking from my camp, a lot of it to
my wife and manager.
Speaker 7 (04:51):
She helps me keep things in line and keep things
moving and helps it also make sure I take out
the trash too.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
That's important, su, you know, you know, having a.
Speaker 7 (05:01):
Good team around me, you know, a good social media
team as well with I'm a finished pr and Dominique
Solitus is a great, great guy, you know, and just
the people that I work with to help things. You know,
there's a lot of work that goes into these tours,
and from my camp, I'd have to give a lot
of the responsibility to the great team I have around me.
Speaker 8 (05:21):
I'd have to say, you know, we have our we
both have our individual careers and and that's that's a
great thing.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
You know, we both have our identity as artists.
Speaker 8 (05:30):
But at the same time, I think we both profit
greatly from this prospect and from this opportunity, this very
unique opportunity of partnership which spans several continents, you know,
and and enhancements our experience both live but also collaboration
and recording together both in Europe and in the US.
So I'm bringing over will for one or two tours
(05:53):
every year to play in Europe, and Will does the
same for me in the States, and I think that's
that's just as as enriching as a partnership can be.
Speaker 5 (06:01):
Oh yeah, oh yeah, nothing better than that. That is
so cool.
Speaker 6 (06:04):
And then of course you guys are joining us at
the eleventh Daniel Josie Music Awards this year, which is
going to be very exciting. So what's is being a
part of that celebration for specifically independent music means to
each of you.
Speaker 7 (06:15):
Well, you know, this award show itself means the world
to me. To see everything that y'all are doing for
independent artists. I think I want to start by thanking
y'all for that, you know, to take the time to
care about independent artists the way you do. So I
think I think I speak for my friend as well
when I say thank you for that.
Speaker 5 (06:31):
Thank you, Oh well, thank you, that's so sweet.
Speaker 6 (06:33):
Absolutely, it's it's always, it's always a pleasure, especially with
incredible independent artists like yourselves.
Speaker 5 (06:39):
You know, you make the job easy and fun.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
Oh well, thank you.
Speaker 7 (06:42):
But you know it means the world to be nominated
this year, you know, in the categories that were nominated
in and to be a part of it.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
It's such a great experience.
Speaker 7 (06:51):
Last year was my first time there and I'm just
the people and the energy and y'all done a fantastic
job at how y'all do the performances and also along
with the just the whole red carpet experience was just great.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
So I'm over the moon to be returning this year.
Speaker 7 (07:06):
How about you, bo.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Well, I think I couldn't.
Speaker 8 (07:08):
I couldn't agree more will because you know, especially for
an artist who comes from overseas, it's just an incredible,
incredible honor and experience to to be nominated for for
multiple awards, and I think that's that's a huge prospect.
And also you know the performance we had last year
together at the c ma A theater, that means a
(07:28):
lot also for for Stuecred in terms of you know,
there aren't that many artists from Europe who have had
that honors, so it's it's a big step and I'm
incredibly excited for this, Uh for the awards this year.
Speaker 6 (07:40):
Oh, it's gonna be a go one, it really is.
And you know, for independent artists out there who might
be listening to the show, what advice would you give
to emerging artists who dream of performing internationally or collaborating
across borders like you two have. You know what would
be the best advice that you would give to those
artists out there?
Speaker 7 (07:59):
Never be afraid to be yourself. They're gonna be people
in this business who want to change who you are
and change what you do. But my humble opinion about
that is, if you stick to the music you love,
and you stick to the core beliefs of what you
believe in the music business, people will support.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
And follow you.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
So my advice is, always have the courage to be yourself.
Speaker 6 (08:24):
Well said, absolutely, very well said. I want to congratulate.
So both of you have some exciting news, so let's
start here. So, will you know congratulations on your recent
number one with twelve o'clock in Texas?
Speaker 5 (08:39):
Yes?
Speaker 6 (08:40):
Yes, So what inspired that track and did you anticipate
it resonating so strongly overseas?
Speaker 1 (08:45):
Well?
Speaker 7 (08:46):
You know this, this track going number one is something
beyond the grave for me. You know, twelve o'clock in
Texas was written about the brother, the death of my
brother Daniel, and it's a it's a testimony that you
know Daniel had a problem with a dick, and I
wanted to turn a dark experience into something that could
help people. You know, this is a problem in our
(09:07):
country and seeing people calling in and you know, I
think just as rewarding as the number one is getting
the messages from many supporters about how it has helped
them through their journey, and it makes me feel like
my brother's death was not all in vain.
Speaker 3 (09:21):
So for it going number one, I have to say
that one's from my brother Daniel.
Speaker 6 (09:25):
Right, absolutely, absolutely, and I love I love that you
put it out there because you know, there are so
many families that are dealing with the same thing that
you went through, and it feels you feels like you're
less alone when you are able to hear from someone
else who's been through the you know, through looking through
those lenses. So we really appreciate you putting out twelve
o'clock in Texas and it's doing really well.
Speaker 7 (09:45):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
Gloria, well, thank you so much.
Speaker 6 (09:48):
Yes, you're welcome, You're welcome. And then Florian, you're being
awarded the pre whalo. I hope I'm saying that right
live on Swiss National Television.
Speaker 5 (09:56):
Which is a huge honor. Yes, What did winning in
the country category mean to you?
Speaker 1 (10:04):
Oh, I can't describe, you know, the thrill this gave me.
Speaker 8 (10:08):
But not not just you know, in terms of a
recognition for what I've been doing over the last couple
of years. But I think the big message about this
is that country music has truly made a mark throughout
the world, not just in the US where it's big, big, big,
but also in Europe and Switzerland especially. I think Will
has had a great experience playing in Switzerland realizing what
(10:29):
a big scene, you know, what big numbers of fans
there are for American country music.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
And I think this recognition on.
Speaker 8 (10:37):
National TV means that country music really made made it
to the big screen. And that's something I'm incredible, incredibly
grateful for and very determined to grow even further.
Speaker 6 (10:48):
Well deserved, well deserved both of you. Congratulations. So I
wanted to start off there for sure, But then also,
you know, Will, I mean, you've toured through Europe in
Southeast Asia, playing everywhere from historical met museums to country
Music Hall of Fame. So what's been your most memorable
international performance so far?
Speaker 5 (11:06):
Can you? Can you choose one or I know that's hard.
Speaker 7 (11:11):
I have too, and one of them was with my
dear friends. Just last year, Florian was kind enough to
bring me in up let me perform with him on
the Trucker Fest out in switch On. I gotta tell
you how many thousands of people were on that festival.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
There were a lot. There was something between three and
five thousand people.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
Three and five thousand people.
Speaker 7 (11:31):
And I got to tell you, as my friend stated,
I've never seen such a love for pure country music,
pure American country music as I've seen over there. They
just they they were such an accommodating audience, a great
group of people. It will forever live as one of
my own fondest memories. And I think my second is
playing in Thailand.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
Yes, wow, you know playing there.
Speaker 7 (11:55):
My manager at the time, I was scared to death.
I said, you know, I said, Brian, what am I
going to do? I said, these people are great, but
they don't speak we don't speak the same language.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
They're not going to know the words to my songs.
Speaker 5 (12:07):
That would be concerned, right right.
Speaker 3 (12:09):
Very concerned.
Speaker 7 (12:10):
But when we got on the stage and started playing,
I was listening to these wonderful people screaming attitude, attitude.
They learned the lyrics to the songs based off ofurpening
to the songs, and I thought that was just a
heartwarming experience.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
So that would be my two experiences.
Speaker 5 (12:26):
That is so heartwarming.
Speaker 6 (12:27):
That's a really really cool experience for sure. Those are
both such great ones. And Florian, you know, this is
really cool. You co wrote True Love with Drake Milligan
and you even toured together. Can you show the story
behind that collaboration and the overall energy of performing that
one live True Love?
Speaker 8 (12:45):
Oh, that's that's such a great question, and I'm glad
you asked it because I think the collaboration with Drake
Milligan once again, you know you asked us before.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
How does how do these collaborations happen? Right? And a
lot of it is just pure luck.
Speaker 8 (13:01):
You know, in the sense of you you can do
a lot of put a lot of effort in, but
in the end it comes down to a little bit
of luck. And and as as it happens, my producer,
the guy who produced my albums here in Nashville, he's
the same guy who produced Drake Milligan way back when
he was on the series playing Elvis on TV, and
(13:22):
so he thought we were a great fin you know,
to co write a song, and he was Drake was
in town what I was saying to Nashville last year,
and so we sat down and wrote that tune true
Love and sort of a as a rendition to Roy Orbison,
you know that that kind of style of music, and
it's just great to see how Drake and my style
they matched very closely, and so we decided, you know,
(13:44):
he said, he told me, Drake told me I'm going
to be performing in Europe next year, which was this February,
February twenty five.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
I think, well, Drake, how.
Speaker 8 (13:53):
About we team up and do that tour through Switzerland, Germany,
had the Netherlands, and I can I can tell you
that was a blast. It was one of the biggest
experiences I've ever had, and I think the great thing
about it they also is to see how well Drake
goes over with these audience and how well we both
together have been able to promote traditional country music over there.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
That's that's a simply big, big point.
Speaker 5 (14:15):
That's huge. Yes, that is so cool. And also, Floria,
you know.
Speaker 6 (14:19):
During the pandemic, you took a bold step by recording
in Nashville with Chuck Mead and Johnny Cash's original band members.
What was that experience like, creatively and personally being able
to do that?
Speaker 5 (14:29):
That's pretty cool.
Speaker 8 (14:32):
Yeah, that was that was one of a kind, you know,
one of a kind experience.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
Especially I'd like to share one episode. Of course.
Speaker 8 (14:42):
I was completely, you know, completely amazed that Chuck Mead
would bring in somebody of the caliber of Dave Rowe
who played with Johnny cash Er, Charlie McCoy who played
on his Orange Blossom Special record, or even Kerrie Marx
who works the drinking with the Grandell operations with Johnny
cash tour players back in the nineties. And I just
(15:03):
you know, it's it felt unreal in a in a
world that was shut down and secluded, and I was
a guy absolutely new to to Nashville, and Chuck brought
in these these real cats. And I remember when Dave
roe walked in the studio and I had my knees
were shaken. I could tell you that he's got a
(15:24):
guyant mustache and walked in with his upright base. He
walked up to me and said, Hi, I'm Dave. It
just shook my hand. It was as simple as that,
you know, the giant, giant of a man terrifying simplicity.
Speaker 3 (15:38):
I love it that from now high, I'm Will Lesley.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
That's all you got to do?
Speaker 8 (15:46):
That's amazing.
Speaker 6 (15:49):
Wow, that is so cool. What a great what a
great experience to be able to have.
Speaker 5 (15:53):
And then I.
Speaker 6 (15:54):
Gotta tell I gotta say this because will you know,
I've seen that people people are calling you like a
modern day Bob Doing. How do you feel about that comparison? Like,
what does that, you know, the title Traveling Tributary mean
to you personally?
Speaker 3 (16:06):
That's insane a lot.
Speaker 7 (16:07):
It does mean a lot, you know, to be to
be compared to such a legendary songwriter that that that's
a bit breathtaking, you know. And and you know, I
do love the idea of the troubadour, you know, going
around from town to town playing and bringing the music
directly to the people has always been something that inspires me.
So for people to make this connection, you know what,
(16:29):
that's a I could be called a heck of a lot. Worse,
that's that is.
Speaker 6 (16:34):
A compliment, a huge compliment for sure.
Speaker 5 (16:38):
All that is so funny could be all wars aw Man.
I hear you absolutely absolutely no, that is too funny.
Speaker 6 (16:45):
That is really really cool and then your music has
reached global airwaves with songs like Ready to Ride and
Times Catching Up to Me? So what themes or stories
tend to drive your songwriting would you say?
Speaker 7 (16:57):
I would have to say real life experiences, you know,
all right, people. I write songs for people who look
at music as a therapy. I look at it as
something that saves people, you know. And what I try
to do is always be universal in the songs that
I write. I want to bring it to all different
people of this world. It's not limited to one culture
(17:18):
or one anything. I want to bring music because I
believe music brings people together. So my goal as a
songwriter is to have universal statements in our and my
songs that resonate with the people.
Speaker 5 (17:28):
Yes, oh it's so important, it really is. And you
succeed in that very well, very well. Yes, yes, very well.
Speaker 6 (17:35):
And I hope everyone goes and checks out both of
your music. So everyone please search will Wesley Florian Fox.
Please make sure you do that after this interview. I
promise you will not regret it. And Florian your sets
of headline The Country Night Gastad alongside big names like
Scotty McCrary, who's been on the Josie Show before We
Love Him. So, yes, how are you preparing for that
(17:58):
major event and what does it present for you as
an artist?
Speaker 8 (18:02):
Well, first of all, First of all, I think it's
a pre reunion and that in that sense for the Joses, right,
So I think it really shows what an impact the
Josie's and what a position that Josies have in this world,
right in the country music world. And I keep being
astonished at how small the world actually is, you know,
keep running into the same people and good people and
(18:23):
recognize people. And I think it's great that the Josies
recognize these artists, you know. I think that's a great,
great thing for specifically. You might call it the the
most classy country music festival in Europe, and it's high up.
You've got to imagine the scenery of this festival. That's
something that makes it absolutely unique. It's not just any festival,
(18:45):
but it's within the beautiful mountains the Swiss Alps, and
you got this nice clean air and three to five
thousand people flocking into this giant tint and it's very
much like the magic circle of country music in Europe.
And it's a big honor to be there. It's my
second time performing there, this time headlining the show on
the main stage and alongside with with Old Crow Medicine
(19:08):
Show and Scott McCrea. I think that's you can't describe
that I'm bringing Will out there to do it with me.
I think that's that's just that's the one of the
pinnacles of our collaboration.
Speaker 6 (19:19):
Yes, oh for sure, I'm gonna need some I'm gonna
need some photos of this.
Speaker 5 (19:22):
I need to see the scenery and I need to
see everything. So please post, if you can.
Speaker 7 (19:28):
A postcard from over there, over the ocean right on
your door.
Speaker 5 (19:34):
Still listen, anything you gotta do, carry your pigeon.
Speaker 6 (19:37):
I don't care. Oh, man of I would love to.
I would love to be there one day for sure.
Bucket list. And also another thing that I wanted to
talk about is the upcoming documentary, uh, The Last Troubadour.
Speaker 5 (19:51):
So what sparked that idea first off?
Speaker 6 (19:54):
And what do you hope viewers take away from the interviews,
including with Georgette Jones and way Jenning.
Speaker 7 (20:01):
You know, The Last Troubadour is a very personal, passionate
project for me, and what it is is it's talking
about the you know, it's really talking about the evolution
of the music business, how it's becoming a more and
more difficult for singer songwriters and troubadours to you know,
not only make a living in the business, but technology
is progressing. We got Ai it's technically writing songs at
(20:23):
times for people, so you know, talking about the rise
of these things, but also how it's an evolution and
how songwriters are finding new ways to bring the music
to the people. It's it's going to be a very
interesting documentary with some great names it's attached to it,
and I'm just so excited to be bringing this project
to the people. I really, I'm hoping what people take
(20:45):
away is that the singer songwriter never dies, they just evolve.
Speaker 5 (20:49):
That's right.
Speaker 6 (20:50):
We're excited, as you know, we are thrilled to death
to even be you know, a small part of it.
I mean, it's just gonna be so cool, you know,
being able to hear from these great artist of course,
and then just hearing everybody's insight, you know, on how
independent artists and music is kind of ever changing, you know,
it really is. So I think I'm just really looking
forward to this last troubadour. I'm really looking forward to it,
(21:12):
and I think you both are just incredible, incredible artists.
And I'm so excited to see y'all at the Josei
Music Wars here coming up in November, and I hope
everyone goes and checks out both of your music right
here after the show. Before you guys go, though, can
you please give out your websites?
Speaker 1 (21:31):
Sure? Can?
Speaker 7 (21:32):
You can find everything you need on me at will
Wesley music.
Speaker 8 (21:35):
Dot com, Glorianfox dot com.
Speaker 5 (21:38):
Easy enough. I love that perfect.
Speaker 6 (21:41):
Everyone, please make sure you go and check out both
of these incredible artists. And thank you all so so
much for joining me on the Josie Show.
Speaker 5 (21:47):
It was a pleasure.
Speaker 7 (21:49):
The pleasure is all ours. Thank you for having us.
It was such a wonderful interview.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
Every time, a thank you, thank you very much. What
agreed on?
Speaker 5 (21:59):
Oh thanks, thank you so much. Thank you for tuning
in to The Josie Show. Probably presented by the Josie
Music Network. This program and its contents are the property
of the Josie Music Association. All rights are reserved.
Speaker 6 (22:13):
Any reproduction or rebroadcast without written consent is strictly prohibited
until next time.
Speaker 5 (22:19):
Stay inspired, stay original, and keep supporting independent music, See
you again soon.
Br br bro bro bro bro around the world on
the world Wide Web.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Ladies and Gentleman period is the.
Speaker 3 (00:19):
Most The other stations are tuning in too.
Speaker 4 (00:26):
Oh yeah. Broadcasting live from the Josey Network Studios in
downtown Madonna, Tennessee.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
It's that time of week again. It's time for the Josie.
Speaker 4 (00:40):
Shoe, bringing you the most exciting music, moves and guests
from around the world right here on the Jersey Show.
Please make walking beautiful. It's Hannity, Hello, Dy America's Riddy
(01:02):
else leidh Business, Josie assent heen over here.
Speaker 5 (01:13):
Hey everyone, welcome back to the Josie Show.
Speaker 6 (01:15):
We have such a great interview here today. We have
Will Wesley and Florian Fox to talk to us about
their music and the collaborations together. So it's gonna be
a great show, so stay tuned. You will not want
to miss a second of this interview. This was a
really fun one, so hope you guys enjoy here it is.
Please welcome to the Josie Show. My special guest Will
(01:36):
Wesley and Florian Fox.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Hello, Hello, how are we doing? We're not good?
Speaker 5 (01:42):
Good to hear it from you guys. How are you
vot doing? Today.
Speaker 7 (01:45):
I gotta tell you, we have been on a tour
of the ages. I'm talking the old school way. We
have toured from Shiner, Texas to Tylertown, Mississippi, and we've
made it here to Nashville to do some shows and
then going on into Knoxville. And we drove to do it.
So we're in fine form. I think we're in the
best shape ever.
Speaker 8 (02:05):
We just had a little time to rest after this big,
big drive and we're happy at to fire away and
make our way to Nashville, Tennessee. Oh.
Speaker 5 (02:13):
I love that.
Speaker 6 (02:14):
I love the sound of that. Yeah, y'all are everywhere.
I'm telling you when I say you guys are everywhere,
you literally are. Let's start from the beginning. How did
your partnership come about? Let's start there.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
You know, it is a wonderful story.
Speaker 7 (02:25):
You know, we had a mutual agent years ago during
the pandemic twenty twenty when the world shut down. You know,
she told me about this fantastic European country artist that
is writing some great songs and told me about him
and let me hear one of his songs called Georgia,
and I thought it was amazing. And I'm gonna turn
it over to Fox and tell his end of the story.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Yeah, so I was. I was new to the United States.
Speaker 8 (02:50):
I just maybe waited to Nashville and I met an
agent down there with a great buzz and a great
amount of people. And this agent called hearing new show.
I reached out her a couple of weeks after the
Awards show and said, hey, I would be very interested
now that I'm new to the States, I would be
very played a couple of shows, you know, open up
for a local act and so forth.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
And she put me in touch with Will Wesley.
Speaker 8 (03:14):
Is that I know just the guy. I know, just
the guy to team you up with. And she knew
we were going to be a great match. And that's
how it was. So we've been touring for four years.
Speaker 6 (03:23):
To get the now four years. That's amazing. And you
both have such a great partnership as well. I mean,
you can tell you guys are just friends. You guys
get along so well, which obviously makes going on the
road much easier.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
When you like the person, it.
Speaker 2 (03:36):
Works well, it does, you know, and especially when you
do what we've done this week, where you're driving ten
hours with a fella, you know, it's just been me
Fox and my manager and wife Star, you know, and
you know you couldn't have said it no more correctly.
Speaker 7 (03:49):
Where are the best of friends? Yeah, And it's a
growing partnership, so it's a win win.
Speaker 8 (03:54):
And sometimes I would even say, you know, I say
we're brothers from another mother.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
I think reflects in the songwriting too. I think, you know, I'll.
Speaker 8 (04:02):
Measure this song Georgia when I met you and Kara
Newca the agent, when she showed me a little bit
of Will's work that he had done, I realized he
had written the song about a very similar experience that
I wrote Georgia about.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
His song was called Leah, so we.
Speaker 8 (04:16):
Could immediately relate to each other and to each other
songwriting that was that was a big thrill box.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
I think we're giving these girls too much credit on
me songs.
Speaker 7 (04:26):
Awesome. I love it.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
I love it.
Speaker 6 (04:29):
Oh my goodness, that's amazing, you know, And with such
a rich global and regional, you know experience, how do
you guys balance your individual artistry while working together on
tours and creative endeavor? So how do you keep that balance?
You all doing your own separate thing, but then also
when you guys have to come together, you guys, come
together and make it work, you.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Know, speaking from my camp, a lot of it to
my wife and manager.
Speaker 7 (04:51):
She helps me keep things in line and keep things
moving and helps it also make sure I take out
the trash too.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
That's important, su, you know, you know, having a.
Speaker 7 (05:01):
Good team around me, you know, a good social media
team as well with I'm a finished pr and Dominique
Solitus is a great, great guy, you know, and just
the people that I work with to help things. You know,
there's a lot of work that goes into these tours,
and from my camp, I'd have to give a lot
of the responsibility to the great team I have around me.
Speaker 8 (05:21):
I'd have to say, you know, we have our we
both have our individual careers and and that's that's a
great thing.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
You know, we both have our identity as artists.
Speaker 8 (05:30):
But at the same time, I think we both profit
greatly from this prospect and from this opportunity, this very
unique opportunity of partnership which spans several continents, you know,
and and enhancements our experience both live but also collaboration
and recording together both in Europe and in the US.
So I'm bringing over will for one or two tours
(05:53):
every year to play in Europe, and Will does the
same for me in the States, and I think that's
that's just as as enriching as a partnership can be.
Speaker 5 (06:01):
Oh yeah, oh yeah, nothing better than that. That is
so cool.
Speaker 6 (06:04):
And then of course you guys are joining us at
the eleventh Daniel Josie Music Awards this year, which is
going to be very exciting. So what's is being a
part of that celebration for specifically independent music means to
each of you.
Speaker 7 (06:15):
Well, you know, this award show itself means the world
to me. To see everything that y'all are doing for
independent artists. I think I want to start by thanking
y'all for that, you know, to take the time to
care about independent artists the way you do. So I
think I think I speak for my friend as well
when I say thank you for that.
Speaker 5 (06:31):
Thank you, Oh well, thank you, that's so sweet.
Speaker 6 (06:33):
Absolutely, it's it's always, it's always a pleasure, especially with
incredible independent artists like yourselves.
Speaker 5 (06:39):
You know, you make the job easy and fun.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
Oh well, thank you.
Speaker 7 (06:42):
But you know it means the world to be nominated
this year, you know, in the categories that were nominated
in and to be a part of it.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
It's such a great experience.
Speaker 7 (06:51):
Last year was my first time there and I'm just
the people and the energy and y'all done a fantastic
job at how y'all do the performances and also along
with the just the whole red carpet experience was just great.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
So I'm over the moon to be returning this year.
Speaker 7 (07:06):
How about you, bo.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Well, I think I couldn't.
Speaker 8 (07:08):
I couldn't agree more will because you know, especially for
an artist who comes from overseas, it's just an incredible,
incredible honor and experience to to be nominated for for
multiple awards, and I think that's that's a huge prospect.
And also you know the performance we had last year
together at the c ma A theater, that means a
(07:28):
lot also for for Stuecred in terms of you know,
there aren't that many artists from Europe who have had
that honors, so it's it's a big step and I'm
incredibly excited for this, Uh for the awards this year.
Speaker 6 (07:40):
Oh, it's gonna be a go one, it really is.
And you know, for independent artists out there who might
be listening to the show, what advice would you give
to emerging artists who dream of performing internationally or collaborating
across borders like you two have. You know what would
be the best advice that you would give to those
artists out there?
Speaker 7 (07:59):
Never be afraid to be yourself. They're gonna be people
in this business who want to change who you are
and change what you do. But my humble opinion about
that is, if you stick to the music you love,
and you stick to the core beliefs of what you
believe in the music business, people will support.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
And follow you.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
So my advice is, always have the courage to be yourself.
Speaker 6 (08:24):
Well said, absolutely, very well said. I want to congratulate.
So both of you have some exciting news, so let's
start here. So, will you know congratulations on your recent
number one with twelve o'clock in Texas?
Speaker 5 (08:39):
Yes?
Speaker 6 (08:40):
Yes, So what inspired that track and did you anticipate
it resonating so strongly overseas?
Speaker 1 (08:45):
Well?
Speaker 7 (08:46):
You know this, this track going number one is something
beyond the grave for me. You know, twelve o'clock in
Texas was written about the brother, the death of my
brother Daniel, and it's a it's a testimony that you
know Daniel had a problem with a dick, and I
wanted to turn a dark experience into something that could
help people. You know, this is a problem in our
(09:07):
country and seeing people calling in and you know, I
think just as rewarding as the number one is getting
the messages from many supporters about how it has helped
them through their journey, and it makes me feel like
my brother's death was not all in vain.
Speaker 3 (09:21):
So for it going number one, I have to say
that one's from my brother Daniel.
Speaker 6 (09:25):
Right, absolutely, absolutely, and I love I love that you
put it out there because you know, there are so
many families that are dealing with the same thing that
you went through, and it feels you feels like you're
less alone when you are able to hear from someone
else who's been through the you know, through looking through
those lenses. So we really appreciate you putting out twelve
o'clock in Texas and it's doing really well.
Speaker 7 (09:45):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
Gloria, well, thank you so much.
Speaker 6 (09:48):
Yes, you're welcome, You're welcome. And then Florian, you're being
awarded the pre whalo. I hope I'm saying that right
live on Swiss National Television.
Speaker 5 (09:56):
Which is a huge honor. Yes, What did winning in
the country category mean to you?
Speaker 1 (10:04):
Oh, I can't describe, you know, the thrill this gave me.
Speaker 8 (10:08):
But not not just you know, in terms of a
recognition for what I've been doing over the last couple
of years. But I think the big message about this
is that country music has truly made a mark throughout
the world, not just in the US where it's big, big, big,
but also in Europe and Switzerland especially. I think Will
has had a great experience playing in Switzerland realizing what
(10:29):
a big scene, you know, what big numbers of fans
there are for American country music.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
And I think this recognition on.
Speaker 8 (10:37):
National TV means that country music really made made it
to the big screen. And that's something I'm incredible, incredibly
grateful for and very determined to grow even further.
Speaker 6 (10:48):
Well deserved, well deserved both of you. Congratulations. So I
wanted to start off there for sure, But then also,
you know, Will, I mean, you've toured through Europe in
Southeast Asia, playing everywhere from historical met museums to country
Music Hall of Fame. So what's been your most memorable
international performance so far?
Speaker 5 (11:06):
Can you? Can you choose one or I know that's hard.
Speaker 7 (11:11):
I have too, and one of them was with my
dear friends. Just last year, Florian was kind enough to
bring me in up let me perform with him on
the Trucker Fest out in switch On. I gotta tell
you how many thousands of people were on that festival.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
There were a lot. There was something between three and
five thousand people.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
Three and five thousand people.
Speaker 7 (11:31):
And I got to tell you, as my friend stated,
I've never seen such a love for pure country music,
pure American country music as I've seen over there. They
just they they were such an accommodating audience, a great
group of people. It will forever live as one of
my own fondest memories. And I think my second is
playing in Thailand.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
Yes, wow, you know playing there.
Speaker 7 (11:55):
My manager at the time, I was scared to death.
I said, you know, I said, Brian, what am I
going to do? I said, these people are great, but
they don't speak we don't speak the same language.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
They're not going to know the words to my songs.
Speaker 5 (12:07):
That would be concerned, right right.
Speaker 3 (12:09):
Very concerned.
Speaker 7 (12:10):
But when we got on the stage and started playing,
I was listening to these wonderful people screaming attitude, attitude.
They learned the lyrics to the songs based off ofurpening
to the songs, and I thought that was just a
heartwarming experience.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
So that would be my two experiences.
Speaker 5 (12:26):
That is so heartwarming.
Speaker 6 (12:27):
That's a really really cool experience for sure. Those are
both such great ones. And Florian, you know, this is
really cool. You co wrote True Love with Drake Milligan
and you even toured together. Can you show the story
behind that collaboration and the overall energy of performing that
one live True Love?
Speaker 8 (12:45):
Oh, that's that's such a great question, and I'm glad
you asked it because I think the collaboration with Drake
Milligan once again, you know you asked us before.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
How does how do these collaborations happen? Right? And a
lot of it is just pure luck.
Speaker 8 (13:01):
You know, in the sense of you you can do
a lot of put a lot of effort in, but
in the end it comes down to a little bit
of luck. And and as as it happens, my producer,
the guy who produced my albums here in Nashville, he's
the same guy who produced Drake Milligan way back when
he was on the series playing Elvis on TV, and
(13:22):
so he thought we were a great fin you know,
to co write a song, and he was Drake was
in town what I was saying to Nashville last year,
and so we sat down and wrote that tune true
Love and sort of a as a rendition to Roy Orbison,
you know that that kind of style of music, and
it's just great to see how Drake and my style
they matched very closely, and so we decided, you know,
(13:44):
he said, he told me, Drake told me I'm going
to be performing in Europe next year, which was this February,
February twenty five.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
I think, well, Drake, how.
Speaker 8 (13:53):
About we team up and do that tour through Switzerland, Germany,
had the Netherlands, and I can I can tell you
that was a blast. It was one of the biggest
experiences I've ever had, and I think the great thing
about it they also is to see how well Drake
goes over with these audience and how well we both
together have been able to promote traditional country music over there.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
That's that's a simply big, big point.
Speaker 5 (14:15):
That's huge. Yes, that is so cool. And also, Floria,
you know.
Speaker 6 (14:19):
During the pandemic, you took a bold step by recording
in Nashville with Chuck Mead and Johnny Cash's original band members.
What was that experience like, creatively and personally being able
to do that?
Speaker 5 (14:29):
That's pretty cool.
Speaker 8 (14:32):
Yeah, that was that was one of a kind, you know,
one of a kind experience.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
Especially I'd like to share one episode. Of course.
Speaker 8 (14:42):
I was completely, you know, completely amazed that Chuck Mead
would bring in somebody of the caliber of Dave Rowe
who played with Johnny cash Er, Charlie McCoy who played
on his Orange Blossom Special record, or even Kerrie Marx
who works the drinking with the Grandell operations with Johnny
cash tour players back in the nineties. And I just
(15:03):
you know, it's it felt unreal in a in a
world that was shut down and secluded, and I was
a guy absolutely new to to Nashville, and Chuck brought
in these these real cats. And I remember when Dave
roe walked in the studio and I had my knees
were shaken. I could tell you that he's got a
(15:24):
guyant mustache and walked in with his upright base. He
walked up to me and said, Hi, I'm Dave. It
just shook my hand. It was as simple as that,
you know, the giant, giant of a man terrifying simplicity.
Speaker 3 (15:38):
I love it that from now high, I'm Will Lesley.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
That's all you got to do?
Speaker 8 (15:46):
That's amazing.
Speaker 6 (15:49):
Wow, that is so cool. What a great what a
great experience to be able to have.
Speaker 5 (15:53):
And then I.
Speaker 6 (15:54):
Gotta tell I gotta say this because will you know,
I've seen that people people are calling you like a
modern day Bob Doing. How do you feel about that comparison? Like,
what does that, you know, the title Traveling Tributary mean
to you personally?
Speaker 3 (16:06):
That's insane a lot.
Speaker 7 (16:07):
It does mean a lot, you know, to be to
be compared to such a legendary songwriter that that that's
a bit breathtaking, you know. And and you know, I
do love the idea of the troubadour, you know, going
around from town to town playing and bringing the music
directly to the people has always been something that inspires me.
So for people to make this connection, you know what,
(16:29):
that's a I could be called a heck of a lot. Worse,
that's that is.
Speaker 6 (16:34):
A compliment, a huge compliment for sure.
Speaker 5 (16:38):
All that is so funny could be all wars aw Man.
I hear you absolutely absolutely no, that is too funny.
Speaker 6 (16:45):
That is really really cool and then your music has
reached global airwaves with songs like Ready to Ride and
Times Catching Up to Me? So what themes or stories
tend to drive your songwriting would you say?
Speaker 7 (16:57):
I would have to say real life experiences, you know,
all right, people. I write songs for people who look
at music as a therapy. I look at it as
something that saves people, you know. And what I try
to do is always be universal in the songs that
I write. I want to bring it to all different
people of this world. It's not limited to one culture
(17:18):
or one anything. I want to bring music because I
believe music brings people together. So my goal as a
songwriter is to have universal statements in our and my
songs that resonate with the people.
Speaker 5 (17:28):
Yes, oh it's so important, it really is. And you
succeed in that very well, very well. Yes, yes, very well.
Speaker 6 (17:35):
And I hope everyone goes and checks out both of
your music. So everyone please search will Wesley Florian Fox.
Please make sure you do that after this interview. I
promise you will not regret it. And Florian your sets
of headline The Country Night Gastad alongside big names like
Scotty McCrary, who's been on the Josie Show before We
Love Him. So, yes, how are you preparing for that
(17:58):
major event and what does it present for you as
an artist?
Speaker 8 (18:02):
Well, first of all, First of all, I think it's
a pre reunion and that in that sense for the Joses, right,
So I think it really shows what an impact the
Josie's and what a position that Josies have in this world,
right in the country music world. And I keep being
astonished at how small the world actually is, you know,
keep running into the same people and good people and
(18:23):
recognize people. And I think it's great that the Josies
recognize these artists, you know. I think that's a great,
great thing for specifically. You might call it the the
most classy country music festival in Europe, and it's high up.
You've got to imagine the scenery of this festival. That's
something that makes it absolutely unique. It's not just any festival,
(18:45):
but it's within the beautiful mountains the Swiss Alps, and
you got this nice clean air and three to five
thousand people flocking into this giant tint and it's very
much like the magic circle of country music in Europe.
And it's a big honor to be there. It's my
second time performing there, this time headlining the show on
the main stage and alongside with with Old Crow Medicine
(19:08):
Show and Scott McCrea. I think that's you can't describe
that I'm bringing Will out there to do it with me.
I think that's that's just that's the one of the
pinnacles of our collaboration.
Speaker 6 (19:19):
Yes, oh for sure, I'm gonna need some I'm gonna
need some photos of this.
Speaker 5 (19:22):
I need to see the scenery and I need to
see everything. So please post, if you can.
Speaker 7 (19:28):
A postcard from over there, over the ocean right on
your door.
Speaker 5 (19:34):
Still listen, anything you gotta do, carry your pigeon.
Speaker 6 (19:37):
I don't care. Oh, man of I would love to.
I would love to be there one day for sure.
Bucket list. And also another thing that I wanted to
talk about is the upcoming documentary, uh, The Last Troubadour.
Speaker 5 (19:51):
So what sparked that idea first off?
Speaker 6 (19:54):
And what do you hope viewers take away from the interviews,
including with Georgette Jones and way Jenning.
Speaker 7 (20:01):
You know, The Last Troubadour is a very personal, passionate
project for me, and what it is is it's talking
about the you know, it's really talking about the evolution
of the music business, how it's becoming a more and
more difficult for singer songwriters and troubadours to you know,
not only make a living in the business, but technology
is progressing. We got Ai it's technically writing songs at
(20:23):
times for people, so you know, talking about the rise
of these things, but also how it's an evolution and
how songwriters are finding new ways to bring the music
to the people. It's it's going to be a very
interesting documentary with some great names it's attached to it,
and I'm just so excited to be bringing this project
to the people. I really, I'm hoping what people take
(20:45):
away is that the singer songwriter never dies, they just evolve.
Speaker 5 (20:49):
That's right.
Speaker 6 (20:50):
We're excited, as you know, we are thrilled to death
to even be you know, a small part of it.
I mean, it's just gonna be so cool, you know,
being able to hear from these great artist of course,
and then just hearing everybody's insight, you know, on how
independent artists and music is kind of ever changing, you know,
it really is. So I think I'm just really looking
forward to this last troubadour. I'm really looking forward to it,
(21:12):
and I think you both are just incredible, incredible artists.
And I'm so excited to see y'all at the Josei
Music Wars here coming up in November, and I hope
everyone goes and checks out both of your music right
here after the show. Before you guys go, though, can
you please give out your websites?
Speaker 1 (21:31):
Sure? Can?
Speaker 7 (21:32):
You can find everything you need on me at will
Wesley music.
Speaker 8 (21:35):
Dot com, Glorianfox dot com.
Speaker 5 (21:38):
Easy enough. I love that perfect.
Speaker 6 (21:41):
Everyone, please make sure you go and check out both
of these incredible artists. And thank you all so so
much for joining me on the Josie Show.
Speaker 5 (21:47):
It was a pleasure.
Speaker 7 (21:49):
The pleasure is all ours. Thank you for having us.
It was such a wonderful interview.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
Every time, a thank you, thank you very much. What
agreed on?
Speaker 5 (21:59):
Oh thanks, thank you so much. Thank you for tuning
in to The Josie Show. Probably presented by the Josie
Music Network. This program and its contents are the property
of the Josie Music Association. All rights are reserved.
Speaker 6 (22:13):
Any reproduction or rebroadcast without written consent is strictly prohibited
until next time.
Speaker 5 (22:19):
Stay inspired, stay original, and keep supporting independent music, See
you again soon.
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