Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Ammann.
Hi Josh, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been writing stories since I was nine, which turned into writing songs around sixteen. My friend Jesse and I started jamming on guitars together in 2015. In the late summer of 2019, I met Jake, our banjo player. He, Jesse, and I started jamming together. We wanted a drummer, so we asked our friend Carter if he wanted to play with us. The four of us were the earliest version of the band: me on vocals and lead guitar, Jesse playing rhythm, Jake on Banjo, and Carter on the drums. No bass player.
We wrote and practiced a few songs and played our first show in December. Fast forward to March 2020 and we’ve played three more shows, but then COVID shot down any chance of having shows for a while. We took it in stride and used the time to write more songs and tighten up our playing. Our friend Anthony also joined on bass. Now the band was complete! We did a few Livestream events with the La Crosse Local team and played an outdoor festival called “Who Gives a Fest”. Fast forward again to December 2022. We’ve played festivals, local events, and bar gigs alike. We’ve traveled throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota and met a ton of new friends. We’ve played with the regional newgrass powerhouse band Them Coulee Boys.
And we’ve added a sixth member: James Grenier on the pedal steel. What started out as a bluegrass-influenced folk rock band is now fully countrified with a punky edge, a wholesomely dark sense of humor, and an undying love for Hamm’s beer. We’ve got some great gigs booked and are getting ready to record some music for widespread release.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like anything, there have been difficult times. We’ve had heartache, arguments, job stressors, and all the typical life problems. I moved to Madison last summer.
I build bridges around Wisconsin, fish off them, write songs, and call my girlfriend.
Jesse and his girlfriend had a kid, and Banjo Jake got married. Through all the major life events, we’ve kept the music and our friendship alive and well.
What’s next?
We’re looking forward to playing more shows, recording an album, and getting our music out to a wider audience. We love having the opportunity to hang out and play music together and we want to keep it up as long as we can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/kneehighjuly
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knee_high_july/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KneeHighJuly/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxxAIrnJAE0uQwKdJCYCMKA
- Other: https://knee-highjuly.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits
Smouseinhouse, Mike Makes, and Katrina Achili
