Local musician Joshua Graham is making his official debut as a singer-songwriter with the release of his first single, “Purpose.” The song, deeply personal and reflective, draws inspiration from a cherished childhood memory and the guiding influence of his grandfather.
Graham was inspired to write Purpose by an old photograph taken by his grandfather of him fishing in Black River as a young boy. Now, as an adult, the image serves as a symbol of growth and responsibility.
“The song kind of hits on being a little boy and growing up into the man I am now and ultimately wanting to be the old man taking the picture one day,” Graham said. “The title, ‘Purpose,’ is appropriate because that’s what I want my life to be—following in the footsteps of my grandfather, who was such a role model to me, and being the same for my own children one day.”
Graham wrote “Purpose” entirely on his own, crafting the melody first on his guitar before the lyrics naturally followed. The songwriting process, he shared, was seamless due to the deeply personal nature of the track. “It wasn’t a hard song to write because it wasn’t forced,” he explained. “It was just me talking about my experience, doing some introspection on what I wanted my life to be.”
Recording the track was an equally smooth experience. Graham worked with Southern Harmony Recording Studio in Florence, keeping the production simple with his voice and an acoustic guitar.
“I’ve had this song for about a year and a half, but I was patient in polishing it,” Graham said. “The recording process was really seamless. I played guitar and sang, so it wasn’t too stressful.”
As for the sound of “Purpose,” Graham describes it as a “ballad-style country song,” reminiscent of traditional country storytelling. He hopes to contribute to the resurgence of authentic songwriting in country music, emphasizing substance over commercial appeal.
With the release of his debut single, Graham is eager for listeners to connect with his music on a personal level. He expressed excitement about finally being recognized as a singer-songwriter rather than a cover artist.
“This song really means a lot to me,” he said. “People will get to know me—my values and the things I think about—through my music.”
Graham plans to continue writing and recording, with another single in the works for release later this year. His journey as an artist is just beginning, and he hopes to build a career rooted in meaningful storytelling.
Being from Kingstree, Graham also feels a deep connection to his local community, crediting his grandparents for encouraging him to pursue music.
“It means a lot to share this moment with my family, especially my grandfather, who was a big part of my inspiration,” he said. “If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue music the way I have.”
As “Purpose” makes its way to listeners, Graham hopes the song serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with growing up and the importance of being a positive role model. “I just want to highlight the responsibilities that men—young and old—have,” he said. “Having good values, working hard, and being there for their children.”
Graham’s debut single, “Purpose,” is now available on streaming platforms. Fans can stay updated on his music journey through his social media pages.
Stay tuned for more updates on Graham’s upcoming projects and performances.
