We recently featured the brilliant Joshua Curran, a rising talent who is shining with his latest single Runaway. As well as his own music, Irish-Czech Joshua has also worked with Armenian Eurovision Song Contest 2025 star PARG on his anthemic track Survivor. We caught up with Joshua to reflect on his own music, blending musical cultures, and his experiences as a Eurovision songwriter.
Thanks to Joshua for taking the time to chat. You can read the interview below. You can connect with him on Instagram, his website, and Spotify.
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Congratulations on the new single Runaway. What was the inspiration behind the track?
Thank you so much! The track came together very quickly—like a lot of my songs do. I usually write based on what I’m feeling, and when I wrote Runaway, I was going through a really difficult and chaotic time in my life. All I wanted was to leave everything and everyone behind, and escape to somewhere no one could find me. Of course, the song is written about a particular couple, as these kinds of fantasies often get romanticized—like running away with that one person you love the most, the one who makes you feel the safest. My favorite line, “We’re floating around just like waves—they come and go, come and go,” also reflects the ups and downs that usually come with committing to someone in a relationship.
You released your debut album Can We Still Dance last year. What are you most proud of about the album/experience?
Honestly, just getting to work with so many talented people. The whole process of writing that debut album was incredibly special to me—it was something I had always dreamt of, and it couldn’t have turned out more perfectly. I also learned a lot about the tougher side of making an album. It’s not always easy, and there were hard lessons along the way. But I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. It gave me amazing opportunities, and I love that album with my whole heart.
As an Irish-Czech artist—how do those two cultures shape your identity and sound as a musician?
Both the Czech Republic and Ireland are very music-oriented countries, which is amazing. There are many Czech artists I love and respect, but musically, Irish bands and artists feel closer to the kind of music I love and create. I draw a lot of inspiration from bands like Fontaines D.C. and Inhaler—I really love that whole scene and culture.
You’ve officially entered the world of Eurovision as a writer on Armenia’s 2025 entry Survivor from singer PARG. How did that opportunity come about?
I’m very lucky to have an amazing agent! She’s from Armenia and has a lot of great connections there, so she offered me a songwriting session with this artist named PARG, who was looking to apply for Eurovision. At the time, I never imagined it would actually work out the way it did!
Did you manage to immerse yourself in any Armenian culture or music to get yourself in the headspace of working on the track?
Not really. The reason they wanted me on the track was because they liked my own music, so I just wanted to give it everything I had—my perspective, my style, and my voice.
Do you find that your best musical ideas often come quickly and spontaneously, or is it usually more of a slow burn?
Almost all of my ideas come quickly and spontaneously. My two biggest songs, Ninety Five and Finish Line, were both written in one night. I believe that when you’re feeling something deeply and start putting it into words, the process just flows naturally and quickly.
Would you be interested in entering any national Eurovision finals as an artist?
That is definitely on the table for me, I am thinking of giving it a shot next year. I have been a huge fan of Eurovision ever since I was a kid and I would love to try it one day. It must be such an amazing thing and honor to represent your country in such a beautiful thing as music.
Ireland has such a strong Eurovision legacy. What do you think it will take for Ireland to clinch another win in the near future?
Ireland needs a killer song—something modern, something that feels like it belongs on the charts today, but with a spark that sets it apart. Not just a solid track, but a moment. And ideally, it should carry a bit of Irish identity—maybe not full-on traditional, but enough to make people go, ‘Oh, this is special.’
How would you describe the sound and themes that you are working on in your own upcoming music?
Right now, I’m experimenting with all sorts of different sounds. I’m in that phase after releasing my debut album where I’m just exploring. I love playing with old Britpop sounds and rock ‘n’ roll in general, but there’s also this more indie-pop side of me that I really enjoy. I’m trying everything I can to see what feels right—and so far, it’s just been a blast.
You’ve been honing your craft with a lot of live performances, have you learnt anything surprising about yourself as an artist from being on stage?
I absolutely love performing live—it’s one of the best parts of making music. I’ve learned that I can be completely free and uninhibited on stage, and I love being able to entertain everyone in the room. That connection with the audience is something really special.
Lead photo: Petr Jandoš