My Music Journey: From Village Dreams to Becoming an Independent Artist
Hi, I’m Joss Collen, and this is the story of how I started my journey as an independent artist, songwriter, and music producer.
Since childhood, I have always been crazy about listening to songs. Language was never a barrier—I would enjoy tracks in Hindi, English, or even other languages, reading translations and feeling a deep connection to the music. I admired every artist and wondered how they created such magic. In my mind, I thought they had big studios, expensive mics, editors, producers, and marketing teams—things that felt impossible for a boy like me.
I was born in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, from a lower-caste family where no one ever dreamed of becoming an artist. My relatives expected me to follow traditions, but I felt something different inside. Music was my escape, my way of defining my own future.
Becoming Joss Collen – An Independent Artist
Life had its own plan for me. With no studio, no mic, no big team, I started experimenting with music production on my own. I learned by failing, trying again, and slowly figuring things out.
Debut Song – “Echoes of You” (April 1, 2025)
My first ever song was Echoes of You. I recorded it with just vocals and a background instrumental. At that time, I didn’t even know about mixing, effects, or doubling vocals. I uploaded it directly to YouTube because I didn’t know about digital distribution. Platforms like TuneCore asked for money, and I couldn’t afford it. But I kept going.
Second Song – “Drama in Aisle Five” (May 18, 2025)
For this track, I discovered BandLab, my mobile studio. It was difficult at first, but I experimented with autotune, FX, and recorded hundreds of takes. I struggled with mixing and cried sometimes out of frustration, but I kept pushing myself. I distributed it through Routenote, finally reaching platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Latest Release – “Made of Maybe” (September 24, 2025)
My most recent track is Made of Maybe. It’s a soulful, emotional song about the uncertainty of life and the struggles I face as an upcoming artist. This time, I used everything I had learned—doubling, FX, chorus work, and better mixing. It feels like my most complete work so far.
Learning Without a Team
Everything I know today—whether it’s mixing, vocal layering, or music distribution—I learned through YouTube tutorials, research, and even ChatGPT guidance. I still don’t have a big team or a studio, but I’m proud of creating something from nothing.
Why I Keep Going
Being an independent artist is not easy, but it’s about passion, consistency, and never giving up on your dream. My goal is to inspire anyone from a background like mine—where resources are limited—that it’s possible to chase your dream if you truly love it.
My Discography (So Far)
1. Echoes of You – Released April 1, 2025
2. Drama in Aisle Five – Released May 18, 2025
3. Made of Maybe – Released September 24, 2025
Final Thoughts
This is just the beginning of my music journey. I want to keep improving, keep learning, and keep reaching people who can connect with my songs.
Question for you: Which of my songs should I experiment on more—should I focus on emotional tracks like Made of Maybe or upbeat vibes like Drama in Aisle Five?
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