In an age where vulnerability is both a badge of honor and a source of artistic inspiration, musician and actor Joshua Bassett shares insights into his journey that echo the cosmic dance of authenticity and self-discovery. As Mercury plays parlor tricks in retrograde, urging introspection and honesty, Bassett finds himself at a crossroads, balancing the creation of new music with the release of his deeply personal book, Rookie. With a touch of humor and a sprinkle of self-doubt—reminiscent of the greats who have faced their own moments of crisis—Bassett’s words remind us of the universal experience of navigating life’s ups and downs. Curious about what melodies might emerge from this creative renaissance? Read on for a peek into the mind of this evolving artist and the lessons he’s learned along the way. LEARN MORE.
Is there anything you can tell us about potential new music?
You know, I’m always working on music. I feel like I’ve struck gold in terms of my evolution and my sound — so right now, we’re trying to figure out the next steps. But currently, my main focus is definitely on my book.
You’ve described Rookie as your “most vulnerable and terrifying piece of work” to date. Where did the inspiration to write it come from?
So I was “no schooled.” I was homeschooled, I say in quotation marks, but really, I was “no schooled.” I spent my childhood just being creative. When I was 14, I taught myself how to play guitar when I got grounded. I also taught myself piano and ukulele, and just started writing. The first song I ever wrote was actually to ask a girl to homecoming.
I started going up to LA when I was 16. I lived in my car and started going to Hollywood events that I wasn’t invited to, but pretended that I belonged there. I realized that even the people invited feel a bit like frauds, and everyone’s kind of faking it.
Eventually I got cast in High School Musical [The Musical: The Series], and there was a day before we shot the finale in Season 1. I was having a mental breakdown and Tim Federle, the showrunner, pulled me aside and asked, “What’s going on?” I was like, “I’m a fraud. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. You guys hired me, and I’m supposed to deliver, and I don’t think I can do it.”
He told me, “Every day I show up on set, I’m worried people will find out that I have no idea what the hell I’m doing.” It made me realize, if he feels like that, then I’m fine, you know what I’m saying?
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