Released: September 21, 2025

Born with Keratoconus, a degenerative eye disease, legally blind musician and artist, SoulSeesBest turns his focus from his lack of vision towards sharpening his other senses. His newest release explores the world of alternative senses, calling focus to the auditory world, particularly, in its connection to the world of emotion and feeling. 

From WriterJoshua: “I’m grateful for what sight I have had, and still have, in my life. Contrary to what people might think, a ‘blind artist’ isn’t necessarily one that can only see pitch black. For me, the decline was slow. I began wearing glasses in elementary school and my vision deteriorated year after year. I was still able to play sports, and excelled in school, but it would eventually reach a point where glasses and contacts weren’t capable of restoring my vision. 

Even with a corneal transplant, my vision is still challenged. I’m grateful enough to be able to create the way that I do but, it often comes at a cost, and can be quite difficult. I think that’s why I’m drawn to somber tones, and heavier melodies. 

I wanted this one to have a sense of persistence to it. I still lean on the chords and notes that resonate with me but, I tried to add as much of a positive trajectory as possible. I read that, psychologically, the sounds of birds signing can be relaxing because it is a signal that there are no predators around. For a time, I carried my microphone with me everywhere. One of my favorite things to do was to sit in nature and record the sounds. I started with this clip, from beside a creek one morning, and built around it.

It can be quite mellow but, I hope someone listening to it can feel the pull through those hard times, and possibly find some light at the end of their tunnel. Especially if your vision isn’t cooperating, other senses can still be experienced and enjoyed, if you can learn to appreciate what still works.”