I am very competitive person. For me, every show is a challenge. Performing live is both stressful and rewarding. The stress comes from always wanting to give the best show I can. The reward is seeing the crowd’s reaction to the performance. Nothing compares to feeling like you can hold a room in your hands. I perform for many reasons, and that fan reaction is a big part of it. However, my children are my biggest and greatest fans, and I do this to give them the life they deserve. I truly believe that my music is a talent God gave me, and I plan to use it as long as I am capable.
Music has driven me since I was a child. I started playing guitar at the age of 7, but it wasn’t until my teens when I really started to excel. I was playing at clubs by 16, though I often had to sneak in to make that happen. I’ve been playing in the Roanoke area since 1995. I’ve been in various bands from Trancendent, Shakedown, Burning Bridges, The Worx, Cowboy: The Kid Rock Tribute Band, and the list goes on.
While I do play bass and drums, the guitar is still my main instrument, other than my voice. Normally, I rely on my Line 6 James Tyler Variax system for most of my shows. I have two back up Fender Strats for my full shows. If I’m playing solo, I use my Fender Acoustic.
What’s on your personal playlist right now?
I’m listening to artists that make up Long Story Short’s current set list so Metallica, Bon Jovi, Journey….fan favorites. I’m always doing my “homework”. Long Story Short is my baby, and while personnel changes and scheduling issues caused it to take a brief hiatus, after our most recent show at Billy’s Barn (March 19), I am ready to make this band a force to be reckoned with!
Scott Joshway on stage at Billy’s Barn.