I chatted with Josh Radnor about his acting career and his blossoming music endeavors
Most people know you from playing Ted Mosby on “How I Met Your Mother.” How did your music career come about?
I started writing songs with my friend Ben Lee about a decade ago. We just did it on a lark for fun. We wrote a song we really liked. Then we wrote another song we really liked. So he suggested doing an album. We co-wrote all the lyrics and he played the guitar. About two years into the collaboration, I learned the guitar. I played the violin as a kid so I knew a couple chords, but I really wasn’t a player. I was fully playing guitar for the second record. Our friendship is still going strong, but the professional relationship wound down. I started putting out solo stuff because I was backlogged..I had written so many songs. It’s something I really enjoy and I’m just following it where it leads me.
Why did you name your double album “Eulogy?”
I didn’t know what I was going to call the record. I was working on it for two weeks and then I went away, and met my future wife. I came back to Nashville and another two weeks of recording. My wife is a Psychologist and her PHD thesis was about the connection between love and death. We had a deep conversation right away around these notions of love and death. I realized most of the songs on the record were about a physical death or metaphorical one.
Is there one song that you’ve written that stands out?
There are definitely songs that you notice yourself playing a little bit more or ring in your ear a little longer. There’s a song called “Learning” on “Eulogy 1” that I co-wrote with a buddy of mine. It’s really about learning how to sit with our uncomfortable emotions. I think everyone is somewhat afraid of that, especially men. I love the production on it. I love the content Kyle and I were able to capture. I’m really proud of that one.
What is your songwriting process?
I love co-writing. I wish I had time to do more of it. I love being in a room with someone whether I know them well or not. I love the conversation and plucking things from it to put on paper. I started a song on my honeymoon last April, and I finished it a day before I took it in the studio last month. So it was sitting around for a year and here and there I would mess around with it. Sometimes it takes a while to coax out.
Are there still times on tour when you get nervous going onstage?
Oh, every single time! I’ve talked with many other performers and it seems like nerves are part of the deal. I’ve had a number of people tell me that nerves are a good sign. It means that you care. I did a TV Pilot with Rob Reiner years ago and he told me that he was nervous. He said “If you don’t get nervous on the first day, it’s time to leave the business.”
I have a song that I use to open the show that helps me with my nerves. On some level, it’s about being nervous opening a show..it’s very meta. I have had to make peace with that I’m not a performer that has boundless confidence. I have to stare down the demons of stage fright each time; including when I’m doing a play. Underneath is excitement and eagerness to get out there and share. But I have to surf those waves for sure.
In 2012, you wrote, directed, produced and acted in the film “Liberal Arts.” What was it like doing all of the things?
Every creative project is different but I had some experience doing things in front of the camera and behind it at the same time. It’s ALWAYS overwhelming. I find I do my best work when that happens because it interrupts me from festering on something; I have to make quick decisions. I have to trust my gut. I love being in that space.
“How I Met Your Mother” ran for 208 episodes. What is it like being something that people still watch, quote, and are now passing down to their kids?
It’s humbling…it’s incredibly special. Mystifying in some ways because I’ve done other projects that I was equally passionate about. They may run one, two, or three seasons, but “How I Met Your Mother” just made such a cultural mark and it seems to just be sticking around. I’m doing a podcast with show co-creator Craig Thomas called “How We Made Your Mother.” We’re talking about each episode, talking to cast members, writers, talking to fans. My wife has never seen the show. She said that this was a huge chapter of my life that she wasn’t around for and wanted to experience it. I feel more than I have ever have..the scope of how and why the show means so much to people. I can step back now and be a fan of this thing that I helped create.
Wait for it..it’s a great show, Josh!
Thanks man.
If you had a super power, what would it be and why?
I would want to be one of those insane musical prodigies that can pick up an instrument and play it. I’m grateful for the amount of guitar I know, but I would love to be a musical virtuoso. Being fluent in music, being able to read it, change keys effortlessly..
Are you excited about bringing your show to Annapolis?
Absolutely! I have good friends coming which is always great. I’ve talked to a few singers I know and they absolutely love the venue as well.
Josh Radnor headlines Rams Head Annapolis 5/30! Buy tix