Josh Haskell

Director of Talent and Event Partnership

Josh stands at the intersection of sound and safety, driven by his deep-rooted passion for music and community. Working security in Austin's vibrant live music scene has afforded him the unique opportunity to connect with musicians from all over the world. He has had the privilege of interacting with and working alongside some of his favorite bands, yet his love for music is reignited each night as he witnesses the transformative power of live performance. His role goes beyond ensuring safety-he creates an environment where creativity thrives, and music becomes a catalyst for connection.

For Josh, music is more than sound— it's been his refuge, his way of understanding the world and building lifelong bonds. The raw energy of heavier music has always resonated with him. While many label this genre as "aggressive," Josh experiences it as pure passion—a force that mirrors the pulse of life itself. In the thrashing of guitars, the primal beat of drums, and the collective energy of a crowd, Josh finds community, healing, and a shared release of emotion.

His unwavering commitment to supporting artists and fostering spaces where music can be both expressive and healing makes him an essential part of our mission. Whether it's a quiet melody or a deafening roar, Josh believes that at its core, music is about connection. So, throw up the horns, scream, shout, mosh, and dance-and, as Quiet Riot once said, "BANG YOUR HEAD!"

Josh is a creator in the truest sense, weaving together lyrics, screenplays, and reflections, all crafted with an eye for the human story. His most immersive medium, however, is Lego—an art of patience and focus that transcends assembly into meditation. Late at night, in the quiet hum of sorting pieces, Josh finds solace, channeling his thoughts and creativity into structures that are both tangible and timeless.

His creative journey extends beyond building. While drawing once brought him joy, he considers returning to it, eager to explore every facet of his creativity. Though he doesn’t play traditional instruments, Josh’s life has always found a rhythm in words and voice. Raised in a single-parent household, he became resourceful, channeling his passion for music through writing and occasional vocals. Even with a playful twist, he’s taught himself the opening notes of “Concerning Hobbits” on a tin whistle, finding music in both familiar and unexpected places.

As a passionate advocate for the boundless world of music, Josh once confined himself to certain genres. Now, he revels in the vast, healing qualities of diverse sounds. From the introspective verses of Atmosphere, Aesop Rock, and Brother Ali to the electric pulse of Wu-Tang Clan, Tech N9ne, and Sevendust, his tastes defy boundaries, spanning hip-hop, rock, metal, and soul. Icons like Earth, Wind, and Fire, Remy Shand, and Chris Stapleton reveal his love for timeless resonance, while Lazerhawk and Immortal Guardian capture his affinity for atmospheric soundscapes.

To Josh, music is a pathway for healing and connection, an invitation to explore without the constraints of “guilty pleasures.” He finds beauty in every rhythm that resonates, viewing music as a bridge between souls. His life theme acknowledges the weight of struggle yet reminds us that we’re never truly alone. Music, to him, is a lifeline—an enduring way to feel heard, seen, and understood, binding us in shared resilience. His anthem, “Off With Their Heads” by Nightlife, captures this spirit, celebrating music’s power to uplift, connect, and inspire.

"That day we stop playing is the day we start getting old... Started watching the clock. Waiting for the days to hurry up and end. Counting the years. We always had something to look forward to. Another dawn, another day, another Summer. Another game of Kick the Can." - "Scatman" Crothers as 'Mr. Bloom' in Twilight Zone the Movie; 1983.