In this candid interview, singer-songwriter Josiah Queen opens up about his unexpected journey—from a janitor mopping floors to millions of people hearing his music about Jesus. You’ll hear how one viral song changed everything, how his love for the local church never faded, and why going “all in” for God looked like letting go of the spotlight.
From childhood piano lessons to TikTok flops to full-blown tours—Josiah shares what fame didn’t satisfy, and what keeps him grounded even when the numbers stop growing.
View this video with Josiah Queen, and other interviews with JOY FM artists videos on the JOY FM YouTube Channel.
Josiah Queen’s Testimony
Josiah didn’t just grow up in the church—he loved the church. His parents were pastors, and even as a kid, he begged to go early on Sunday mornings just to be there. But it wasn’t just the programs or routines that shaped him. It was the moment, around age 9 or 10, when he encountered Jesus as a friend—not just a concept.
That friendship changed everything. Suddenly, the piano lessons he once hated turned into a desire to worship. He didn’t want to just sing songs; he wanted to write them. Songs that said what was really on his heart. Songs that pointed back to the One who had always been there for him.
So he started writing. And posting. For years, Josiah uploaded songs to TikTok with little traction. But then came a moment he didn’t expect—he wrote and posted a stripped-down performance of a song called “I Am Barabbas.”
The next morning the video had exploded. Millions of views. Thousands of comments.
What looked like a random viral moment was actually the fruit of years of faithfulness. Quiet obedience. And a heart that kept writing about Jesus even when no one was listening.
And though Josiah’s journey now includes stages, tours, and streaming charts, that same heart—anchored in friendship with Jesus—is still what drives everything he does.
The Bigger Mission Behind the Music
Josiah is quick to say he’s not just a performer. He’s a songwriter first—and a follower of Jesus above all.
He told us where his writing comes from. “I think it all comes out of my relationship with God it’s like it’s the most interesting thing in my life.”
Even when he was teaching in kids’ church, Josiah was already living what he now sings about—leading people into deeper understanding of God’s Word. The viral moment with “I Am Barabbas” didn’t come from trying to chase a trend. It came from finally writing music he personally loved—music that felt honest, biblical, and bold.
“I might not be able to be an artist forever you know,” he said, “but I could be a songwriter till I’m dead.”
What Josiah’s Story Shows Us About God
There’s a moment in Josiah’s story where he gets fired from his church janitor job—and shortly after, his music takes off in a way he never could’ve planned. The timing? No accident.
This whole journey reminds us that sometimes God has to close a door to release us into something new. And sometimes, the waiting seasons—those years of songwriting with no audience, the TikToks that didn’t go anywhere, the late nights cleaning up church hallways—are exactly where God prepares your heart.
Josiah’s story also reminds us that success isn’t the goal. Jesus is. That joy doesn’t come from views or streams—it comes from staying connected to the One who called you in the first place.
So if you’re in a season of obscurity, or if your efforts feel unseen… take heart. God sees you. And His timing is still perfect.
Finding JOY every day
Whether celebrating and singing along on the good days or getting a pick-me-up and encouragement on the hard days, let JOY FM be your soundtrack to bring JOY to your day. You can take JOY with you wherever you go by streaming right now by clicking here to listen. Or you can easily bring JOY with you by downloading the JOY FM App.
What can you expect from listening to JOY FM?
You’re going to hear a lot of great music. Music with meaning…but you’re still going to want to sing along with the songs.
You’re going to hear on-air personalities that are real people. Laughing. Having fun. And being honest about life.
And you’re going to notice that JOY FM leaves you feeling a little better about life in general. A few minutes of listening should leave you feeling uplifted…encouraged…refreshed…ok, we’ll say it…more JOYful!
