I had the incredible opportunity to engage in a conversation with Josh Holiday, a multi-talented individual serving as a producer, songwriter, and the creative force behind Elevation Rhythm. With a tenure of over three years at Elevation, Josh dedicates his creative energy to Rhythm, where he oversees musicians and worship leaders, fostering a vibrant creative community. His passion lies in utilizing his talents within the church to contribute to the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Following their significant Easter event, I had the privilege of gaining refreshing insights from Josh.
The inception of Elevation Rhythm traces back to Davide Mutendji and Tiffany Hudson, the youth worship leaders at Elevation. Initially driven by their innate songwriting abilities, they transitioned from performing existing youth-oriented songs to crafting original compositions. Their pastor recognized their potential and encouraged them to showcase their creations during Wednesday night gatherings, setting the stage for what would later become a renowned entity within church circles.
Josh Holiday’s involvement commenced approximately a year and a half later, coinciding with the production of the track “Quiet.”
Quiet
Josh’s unique contribution to the project stemmed from his expertise as a producer and his adeptness at creating conducive environments. His role involved providing structure and guidance to the creative process, facilitating broader participation and collaboration. While not a vocalist himself, Josh’s approach brought a fresh perspective to Rhythm, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a community of diverse creatives encompassing songwriters, producers, singers, and musicians.
For Josh, the essence of Rhythm transcends mere song creation; it embodies the essence of community building. The symbiotic relationship between creativity and community raises intriguing questions about their interplay—does creativity foster community, or is it the other way around? Josh’s experience underscores the significance of authenticity derived from a dynamic and supportive community, essential for meaningful artistic endeavors. Despite the inherent tension of relinquishing artistic ownership, Rhythm excels in embracing collaboration as a means of enriching their musical tapestry.
Rhythm’s collaborative spirit extends beyond internal partnerships, as evidenced by their successful ventures with external artists such as Andy Mineo, Aaron Cole, Lecrae, and Forrest Frank.
Back Then
Josh elucidated on the collaborative process, emphasizing the value of diverse artistic inputs in enriching the storytelling aspect of their music. Collaborations with artists like Aaron Cole and Forrest Frank brought new dimensions to their compositions, infusing vibrant hues into their creative palette. The exchange of ideas and perspectives through collaboration amplifies the narrative depth and artistic richness of their work, transcending conventional boundaries and norms.
The organic connection with Forrest Frank, initiated through a social media post featuring their song “Praises,” blossomed into a profound collaboration rooted in shared values and artistic integrity.
The seamless collaboration with Forrest underscored the importance of aligning not just artistically but also on a deeper, spiritual level. Josh’s discernment in selecting collaborators based on shared values and vision reflects his commitment to authentic and purposeful artistic partnerships.
Praises
Josh’s journey into music production, originating from his early experiments with hip-hop beats, equipped him with a unique skill set that continues to influence his work. His affinity for 808s, honed through years of experience, proved invaluable during his collaboration with Lecrae on the CC4 Tour. Reflecting on the electrifying energy and creativity of the tour, Josh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to open for Lecrae—a dream come true for him and his team.
Looking ahead, amidst the post-Easter hustle, Josh hinted at upcoming projects, including the release of “Goodbye Yesterday” in May. Embracing a fluid and exploratory approach to songwriting, Rhythm is currently immersed in a prolific phase of creative output, exploring diverse avenues and possibilities. Josh’s parting advice encapsulates the essence of creative freedom—embracing chaos, experimentation, and youthful imagination before distilling brilliance from the creative tumult.
The profound impact of Josh Holiday and Elevation Rhythm’s collaborative endeavors serves as a testament to the transformative power of artistry and community, resonating with audiences far and wide.