Joshua Bellingham’s recent EP gaining traction on streaming platforms

Jesse Bonello - Staff Writer

Sioux Lookout song-writer Joshua Bellingham recently released his debut EP (extended play record), called Sea of Lights, on April 23.
Bellingham, a recent songwriting program graduate at Prairie College in Three Hills, Alberta, said the EP has been in the works throughout his post-secondary education career. He said he’s been blown away by the support he’s received, and the streaming activity he’s seen, to-date.
“The EP has been in process for about two years since I started my program at Prairie College and started writing songs seriously. It's absolutely amazing to see people finding it and listening to it again. I've gotten so many comments from people saying they love it. Honestly, I just have a sense of satisfaction having finished the final product and achieving my goal,” said Bellingham.
“The streaming activity has been much more than I expected. My first single just recently hit over a thousand plays on Spotify, and there was a pretty good spike when I released the whole album. It is really cool to see people coming back to the music, and not just listening to it once and then going back to whatever's in the Top 40. If people still want to check it out, my album "Sea of Lights" is streaming on all major streaming platforms,” he continued.
Bellingham said he started learning guitar from his dad, which eventually led him to join the guitar club while attending Sacred Heart School. From there Bellingham began playing music at church and other community events. He said music and his faith have been the two driving forces in his life, influencing his journey thus far.
“I've been playing guitar since I starting going to Mr. Legros' guitar club in grade four at Sacred Heart School. Eventually, it just became what me and my friends did for fun, playing in a band we called Compass and doing jam sessions. Since then I've gone on to get my diploma in songwriting and recording, and this album is the culmination of that experience,” he said.
“Music has honestly just been what I've always done and what I've always wanted to do. I think a part of me pursuing music in college was my dad suggesting I go do this program at the school he graduated in aviation from. It freed me to be able to see music as a real option and a professional option. Aside from that, there's just my faith in God that keeps me going. I believe that there is healing in music and that God wants to use my music for something even if I'm not making "Christian music", and that's a big drive to keep pushing forward,” he explained.
Bellingham said he’s already in the beginning phase of his next project, where he hopes to record a full length album in the near future.
“My next project is in early writing stages, but I'm hoping to release it at some point in the next two years. The main idea right now is attempting to rethink the love song. To wonder if love is something more than warm fuzzy feelings, and dopamine, but I'm not certain the direction that will take at this point,” he concluded.
For streaming links, social media links, and to purchase Sea of Lights, visit joshuabellingham.com.