Former Marine and Country Artist, Josh Gracin, Talks Nashville Favorites and New Music in Exclusive Interview

Favorite Downtown Restaurant: Saint Anejo
Live music: Tin Roof 
Best BBQ: Martin’s
Best place for date night: Virago or Saint Anejo
Hot Chicken: Hattie B’s 
Tacos: Saint Anejo
Steak: Kayne Prime
Brewery: Yazoo 
@joshgracin Stopped in just for a bit…. The original and still one of my favorite places! @tinroofnashville #nashville #monday

Talk to us about the songs on your most recent EP “Nothin’ Like Us,” that released in February.

An energetic, lyrical journey through what I believe country music is to me. Country music has always been about the story! You can take any country song and apply it to a moment in your life. Ten years down the road you can hear those songs and remember exactly what you were going through.

Was “Nothin’ Like Us” born in Nashville or on the road?

It was born all over. We chose all the songs based on how I related to them. Life has made me who I am today so we tried to tap into my many situations good and bad when deciding the songs for the album.

“Redemption” was released in 2011 and your new EP “Nothin’ Like Us” came out earlier this year, What has changed in your life between then and now.. Was there a big difference in writing between these two.

Everything! I am happy inside and out! My wife truly saved me from a road of anger and regret. She is the reason I stood back up and fought to get of the bench and back in the game.

What made you want to become a musician?

When I was 10 years old and discovered I could sing. I’ve loved all types of music ever since I could remember, but my heart was Country the moment I was exposed to Garth Brooks.

You have played with a lot of artists in your career, who has left the biggest impact and why?

Honestly, they all have! The country community has always been great towards me whenever we cross paths on the road. From actual advice to open arms, the country music community tries to build up each other.

Anyone you would love to collaborate with?

Garth, Brett, Maren just to name a few!

What else is coming up for you for the remainder of the year?

Continuing to visit radio to setup the release of the single Jan 15th! I know the importance of getting back out to radio and letting them know I’m willing to do whatever is needed!

What’s the best thing to eat that’s deep fried?

Chicken Tenders lol! I’m a big kid!

What condiment do you always have in your fridge?

Ketchup!

What are your top three US cities for food?

New York City, Chicago, and Nashville

Favorite food to cook with that comes in a can?

Chilli! A lot of the ingredients come in a can, so I think that counts lol!

One junk food you know you could never give up?

Pizza!

If you could be on a reality cooking show, what would it be?

Anything on the Food Network!

Aside from your passion for food and music, what’s the one thing that really keeps you ticking?

My wife Katie and my children from my previous marriage. They keep me going, pushing me to go forward.

Website: http://joshgracinofficial.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshgracin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshgracin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshgracin
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/joshgracin

ABOUT JOSH GRACIN:
A Michigan native who grew up listening to country and R&B music, Josh Gracin catapulted to fame after auditioning for the second season of the hit television series American Idol. Josh, who was serving in the United States Marine Corps at the time, quickly became a fan favorite and won the hearts of viewers with his strong fourth place finish on Idol.
Following his appearance on the series and the completion of his military service (he was honorably discharged in 2004), Josh released his self-titled debut album that summer. Three Top Five singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart later, the Recording Industry Association of America certified the album gold. “Gracin Nation” was wanting more, and Josh delivered in the form of his sophomore album, We Weren’t Crazy, which was released in 2008. The album produced five more chart singles, including a top ten in its title track. Redemption, Josh’s third album, was released in 2011 and showcased his growth as a writer, artist and producer with the hit single “Long Way to Go” making its way up the adult contemporary charts.
Now, intermission is officially over. The Josh Gracin Drink It Gone Tour is rolling through the country playing sold out shows to fans from the East Coast to Down South. And when he’s not on stage, Josh is in studio — writing and recording the next generation of country music hits for his upcoming album. Dust off your boots. Get ready. Josh Gracin is back.

Thanks for checking out this article! To read more great content on food, brews, reviews, and music, please visit our interview section. If you are a artist and/or food blogger and would like to share your culinary knowledge with our audience, feel free to let us know by dropping us a line via maryann@batteredandbrewed.com

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