ASK JOSH TURNER WINNERS

1)    What inspired you to start writing music and did you have another career you thought you wanted to pursue before becoming a musician? 

Answer: Learning to play the guitar inspired me to start writing my own songs. I never really wanted to be anything but a musician.

 Kaylene Freitag (18)/ Olympia HS- Stanford, IL / Advisor: Mrs. Hapgood, Journalism teacher

 2)    What was the most significant event that influenced the new album? 

Answer: Writing South Carolina Low Country.

 Joe Buzzelli (16)/ Lake Zurich HS- Lake Zurich, IL/ Advisor:  Carolyn Wagner, Advanced Journalism Newspaper Production

 3)    What influence did your Southern upbringing have on the music you write and sing? 

Answer: Everything from the way I walk and talk, to food, to the way I treat people. Southern culture has a big influence on my music.

 Zach Cremeans (17)/ Zane Trace HS- Chillicothe, OH/ Advisor:  Martha Wiggins, Journalism

 4)    As an artist and composer, from where do you draw inspiration for your songs and motivation to continue when times get difficult and challenging? 

Answer: Real life experiences and relationships.

 Justin Hou / Wayzata HS- Plymouth, Minnesota/ Advisor:  David Motes, Journalism

 5)    I view the line between Rock and Country as being very thin, how close to the line do you think your music is?

Answer:  I think it’s moderately close but it depends on the song.

 Morgan Coziar (17)/ Roy HS- West Haven, UT/ Advisor:  Terry Sheffield, Journalism

6)    Do you think music has the power to cause significant change?  If so, how? 

Answer: Yes. Music influences people's opinions and the world. It is very powerful and can drive people to do positive and negative things.

 Ruby Corman (16)/ Jackson Liberty HS- Jackson, NJ/ Advisor: Eric Brodowski, Journalism

 7)    What was your biggest struggle in high school and how did you overcome it? 

Answer: Having to deal with people who didn't believe I would ever catch my dream. I overcame that by always looking at the positive side and staying true to myself.

 Casey Mitchell (15)/ Andover HS- Andover, MN/ Advisor:  Denise Klint, T.V. Journalism class

 8)    How has fatherhood affected your professional life, including touring, content of lyrics, and your family's future plans?

Answer: We love having our son on the road with us. As far as future plans go, we would love to have more children someday

 Karley Osborn (17)/ Creekview HS- Carrollton, TX/ Advisor:  Taylor Weir, Newspaper

9)    If you can perform for one last time, where would you perform at, who would you want your audience to be, and what would be the message in your final performance? 

Answer: Anywhere. Filled with high school students so I could give my testimony, encourage them to chase their dreams, and use their talent for God.

 Tian Qiu (17)/ Clayton HS- Clayton, MO/ Advisor:  Ms. Freeman, Newspaper Any stadium.

 10)Whats in your ipod right now? 

Answer: Flatts and Scruggs, Ralph Stanley and Randy Travis

 Gabriela Maresca (16)/ Scotch Plaines Fanwood HS- Scotch Plaines, NJ/ Advisor:  Mr.  McMeekan