Meet Joshua Kuntz

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Kuntz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I grew up in a small town in Arkansas, a place where pursuing music as a career often felt like an impossible dream. In my community, music wasn’t typically seen as a viable profession, but thanks to the unwavering love and support of my incredible family, I was encouraged to never give up. They always reminded me that my dreams could become my reality.

Today, I’m living that dream—studying songwriting at Belmont University in Nashville and working toward a future in the music industry. Music has always been more than just a passion for me; it has been a source of comfort, a way to navigate life’s challenges, and, in many ways, a constant friend.

I want to inspire others to chase what they love, no matter the obstacles, because passion is what truly matters. As Harry Styles once said, “If you’re happy doing what you’re doing, then nobody can tell you you’re not successful.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since I was little, I’ve always dreamed of being an artist. Growing up watching Disney Channel, I was especially inspired by Miley Cyrus on Hannah Montana, which fueled my passion for music and performance. Songwriting has become my way of telling my story—sharing my journey through life in a creative and impactful way.

I write all of my music, and each song represents a piece of my personal experiences. For example, my song Colorblind reflects my journey of overcoming high school challenges, including bullying. My latest release, World War, explores the emotional weight of unreciprocated love. Through war-like imagery, the hook—”Our love wasn’t worth fighting for / You turned into a world war”—captures how someone else’s feelings can shape your perception of love and self-worth.

This past year has been a period of incredible growth for me as an artist. Although my journey into the industry has been a slow burn, I’ve developed so much creatively and personally, and I’m excited to share this evolution with the world. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that music is a powerful gift—it has the ability to create connection, even in moments of isolation.

Growing up, I often felt disconnected from my school community. I remember spending my lunch breaks alone in the yearbook room, immersing myself in interviews, videos, and music from my favorite artists. Their words and songs became a source of comfort and belonging for me. That’s the kind of impact I hope to have as JKPOPSTAR—to inspire kids everywhere and show them that their dreams, no matter where they come from, are valid and meaningful. My ultimate goal is to one day hear a fan say, “Your music helped me. It became something I could lean on.” That’s all I could ever hope for as an artist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Nashville for a week, I’d make sure they got the full JKpopstar experience—music, fashion, food, and fun! We’d kick things off with a shopping trip to Any Old Iron, my absolute favorite designer brand. Located right here in Nashville, this boutique is a dream for anyone who loves to stand out. Their bold, bedazzled, and beautifully crafted pieces make every outfit feel like a statement. It’s the reason “the sparkle in my eyes matches the sparkle in my clothes”—because when I step into an Any Old Iron jacket, I feel like a star.

After some shopping, we’d grab brunch at Elliston Place Soda Shop, a Nashville classic known for its retro diner vibes and delicious milkshakes. For dinner, we’d hit Martin’s BBQ, where the smoked meats and Southern sides are a must-try. Of course, no trip to Nashville is complete without live music, so we’d spend nights at The Ryman Auditorium for an unforgettable concert in the most legendary venue or Marathon Music Works for a cool, high-energy show.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible mom, Michale Kuntz, who has been the best ‘momager’ I could ever ask for. Her unwavering love, support, and countless hours of dedication have been instrumental in my journey. From driving me to rehearsals, shows, training sessions, and studio recordings, she has always gone above and beyond to ensure I have every opportunity to grow as an artist and as a person. Her guidance has helped me stay true to my most authentic self, both in my craft and in life. I am beyond grateful for everything she has done and continues to do for me.

Website: https://www.joshuahunterkuntz.com

Instagram: https://tr.ee/BJpyMBn9YZ

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvXCBxruKZJh9VSJ6_BHrpw

Other: https://tr.ee/SXc4MuXvib

Image Credits
1-3 Khloe Fitzjerrels and Emma Hermanson
4-8 Ben Burton