AboutCountry Staff: If you could do a duet with any person living or dead, who would you choose and why?
Josh Turner: Randy Travis.
AboutCountry Staff: Did you have your own booth at Fan Fair for 2003? Was it your first time attending as an artist?
Josh Turner: No, but maybe this year (2004).
AboutCountry Staff: Do you prefer smaller or larger venues? Or doesn't it matter?
Josh Turner: If the crowd is lively and attentive, it doesn't matter!
AboutCountry Staff: How old were you when you decided you wanted to be a country artist?
Josh Turner: 15 or 16 years old.
AboutCountry Staff: Do you have any advice for any aspiring singer/songwriters?
Josh Turner: Sing from your heart, write from your heart. Take advice and be open to criticism, but don't let anybody change who you are.
AboutCountry Staff: How do you go about writing your songs? Do you sit down and think about what you want to write or do songs just come to you?
Josh Turner: The best ones come to me...words and music all at the same time.
AboutCountry Staff: I recently read that your album has sold over 200,000 copies so far. How does it feel to know that there are that many people out there who like your music?
Josh Turner: It makes me feel like I've done a great job with my record!
AboutCountry Staff: What inspired you to write the song "Long Black Train?"
Josh Turner: I had a vision of a long black train roaring down the tracks out on the plains at night with people watching it go by. They were, of course, trying to decide whether or not to get on the train.
AboutCountry Staff: What was it like filming the video for "Long Black Train?"
Josh Turner: A lot of fun! We spent a day down in Chattanooga and enjoyed every minute of it.
AboutCountry Staff: Would you like to include a Gospel-themed song on your next album?
Josh Turner: If I find the right song, you bet I would.
AboutCountry Staff: Who are some of your favorite songwriters?
Josh Turner: Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Sr., Lyle Lovett, Kris Kristofferson.
AboutCountry Staff: What do you think about TV Shows like American Idol and Nashville Star?
Josh Turner: I don't watch 'em if that tells you anything.
AboutCountry Staff: Do you think you'd apply for Nashville Star if you weren't already on a label?
Josh Turner: Probably not.
AboutCountry Staff: Are you going to let Nashville and the suits change you to suit their idea of formula music, or stay true to your clear real country sound?
Josh Turner: I think you know the answer to that question!
AboutCountry Staff: Do you think country music should re-gain that stronger traditional sound?
Josh Turner: Traditional or not, country music needs more artistry. It needs artists that are identifiable and real instead of just singers that sing songs. There is a difference!
AboutCountry Staff: How long have you been playing guitar and singing? What guitar(s) are your favorites?
Josh Turner: I've been singing my whole life, but I started on guitar at 17 (a late bloomer!). My favorite guitars, other than the one I own, are the ones that sound good!!
AboutCountry Staff: What do you like coming out in the music scene, mainstream and independent, right now?
Josh Turner: I haven't heard much lately that really knocks my socks off (unfortunately.)
AboutCountry Staff: What don't you like, same areas?
Josh Turner: I don't like "country" boy bands singing soft rock songs.
AboutCountry Staff: Do you have any pets?
Josh Turner: I have a dog that I acquired when I got married!!
AboutCountry Staff: What would you like to say to all the fans reading this interview?
Josh Turner: Thank you for reading the whole thing! Thank you for loving your country! And thank you for all your support and enthusiasm!!