He looks like a man, sings like a man, and Gage Joseph conducts himself as a gentleman, so that’s why it is easy to forget he’s just 16 years old preparing for whatever his junior year at Shadyside High School will look like.
He’s a Tiger, too, and Gage anticipates being positioned on Shadyside’s offensive line this season IF Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine allows prep sports to take place this Fall despite a pandemic that has infected more than 80,000 Buckeye State residents and claimed nearly 3,300 lives. If not, the young man will simply move forward with chasing his real dream of becoming a blue-chip country singer here at home and far beyond.
That is why, even with mask mandates, social distancing requirements, and occupancy limits in place, Gage has released his first professionally recorded single, “Hammer Down,” a tune that tugs at the heart because it tells a personal story about overcoming great grief by turning it into triumph.
To him, at least so far, that’s what life is all about.
At what age did you realize you’re musically inclined?
I went to grade school at St. John’s, and they had variety shows each spring. My first solo was 5th grade, and seeing the response of that audience was all it took. I was hooked.
Is it awkward for you when you perform in a bar with most people consuming alcoholic beverages?
Not at all. I’ve honestly never had a bad experience at a show, and my parents are always with me. True story – I can’t tell you how many beers I’ve had to decline; people are always shocked to find I’m underage.
You are a member of the Shadyside football team, and the future seems uncertain at this time. Do you believe a season is still possible despite the pandemic?
I’m hopeful. I’m ready to play ball, but I understand there’s so much consideration involved. I do feel like someone needs to step up and make the decision soon, but at the same time I’m glad it’s not me.
You debuted your new single, “Hammer Down” on The Watchdog (98.1 FM WKKX and 97.7 FM WVLY) this week. Please offer the story about how that song came to be and what it means to you.
My parents took me to Nashville this past December for my 16th Birthday. I co-wrote the song with a songwriter by the name of Brett Taylor.
To me, “Hammer Down” is about dealing with losses in life, the process of digging down, remembering your roots, and eventually prevailing. We shot the video last weekend, and I think the storyline is amazing. We are actually using old family photos to help tell the story, so my great-great grandfather who passed away 30 years before I was born, will be in my video.
I think that’s pretty cool.
What’s your “dream come true” when it comes to you career in music? Please explain.
I know I will perform for the rest of my life, and I hope that someday it’s on a large scale. I know I have much to learn about songwriting, picking guitars, and perfect vocal runs, but I’m up for the challenge.
In the meantime, I’m having a great time, and my experiences thus far have been amazing. I have to say Ohio Valley musicians have been very kind. So many have offered words of encouragement, and many have handed over their guitars to give me opportunities on stages I would have never otherwise played.
Stay tuned folks; I’m just getting started.
