Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua “JKPopStar” Kuntz.
Hi Joshua , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Murfreesboro and Nashville, Arkansas, and from an early age, I had a deep passion for music and so much I wanted to say. Music was always playing in my household, and it quickly became something I didn’t just enjoy—I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I started singing in church at the age of three, and by ten, I was playing in a youth blues band. From the very beginning, I just wanted to be on stage, performing for anyone and everyone.
At 15, I auditioned for American Idol, and I was completely blown away that a kid from the middle of nowhere in Arkansas was given the opportunity of a lifetime to perform on national television. My brother, the incredibly talented Lil’ Skinny, and I went on the show together, and it truly felt like a dream come true. Even though I didn’t make it to Hollywood or get shown on the show, it was an eye-opening experience. I learned so much about who I was as an artist and what I wanted to say, and it lit a fire in me that has continued to fuel my musical journey.
After that experience, I came back to Arkansas with one big question: “What now?” I often felt out of place, like I needed to be somewhere my music and my authentic self could truly be heard. But instead of letting that feeling stop me, I started focusing on what I could do with the time and resources I had to build my career and discover who JKPOPSTAR really was. At the time, I was only a vocalist, so I taught myself how to play piano, started taking three vocal lessons a week, and began writing songs. When I started songwriting, something truly clicked—I finally felt heard and seen through the words I was putting on paper.
During that time, I performed anywhere I could. With my love of theatre, the stage quickly became my second home. I performed across Arkansas with different companies and fell in love with musical theatre—the ability to tell someone else’s story while slowly discovering my own. It helped shape me not just as a performer, but as a storyteller.
Growing up in the South, music sometimes felt impossible and isolating, especially when not everyone understands the desire to dream beyond what’s in front of you. I found comfort and connection in artists like Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray, Joshua Bassett, Harry Styles, Elton John, and so many others. Through their music, I felt seen and understood, and in a way, I found friendship in their art.
I later graduated high school a year early and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend Belmont University and be part of its incredible songwriting program. Now, I’m able to put my biggest and wildest dreams onto paper while continuing to hone my craft with guidance from some of the best mentors in the industry, gaining hands-on experience in what the music world truly looks like.
I recently released my debut EP, If You Saw My Name on a Marquee, which feels like my true introduction to the music industry and everything I’ve always wanted to say. The concept centers around the question: if you saw my name on a marquee, would you walk in and listen to my story? Through an introspective lens, the project explores love, life, and the highs and lows of chasing a dream. It’s not just about connecting with an audience—it’s also about connecting with my younger self and asking if he would be proud of who I’ve become.
The EP consists of seven tracks, beginning with the intro, “Popstar’s Prelude,” which sets the scene as the curtains rise, and ending with “The Fool,” a moment of honesty as the curtain falls. It captures every side of who I am and wraps it all into a theatrical experience—like a show that tells my story from start to finish.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say nothing is ever a smooth road—everyone’s life is made up of so many highs and lows. As an artist, there’s naturally a lot of doubt and self-comparison, but it’s really about continuing to move forward and believing in yourself and the music you’re creating, rather than listening to the negative voice in your head.
Growing up in the South, it was challenging to have such big dreams while being in a community that didn’t always fully understand them. That can feel isolating at times, but I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have an amazing family and group of friends who have supported me every step of the way. Their belief in me has made all the difference in continuing to chase what I love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At my core, I’m a storyteller. Everything I create is rooted in honesty and emotion—I write and perform music that feels like a conversation, pulling from real experiences and turning them into something people can see themselves in. I specialize in blending pop with a theatrical edge, building songs that feel cinematic and intentional, almost like scenes in a larger story. That’s something I’ve really leaned into, especially with my debut EP If You Saw My Name on a Marquee, where each track plays a role in a bigger narrative.
What I’m most proud of is the growth I’ve had as an artist—not just in my sound, but in my confidence and identity. Teaching myself piano, diving deeply into songwriting, and putting out a full project independently that truly represents who I am feels like a huge milestone. It’s not just about releasing music, it’s about finally saying everything I’ve always wanted to say in a way that feels authentic.
I think what sets me apart is my perspective and my commitment to storytelling. I approach music with a strong sense of concept and intention, influenced by my background in theatre. I don’t just want to make songs—I want to create experiences. I want someone to press play and feel like they’re stepping into a world, seeing the visuals, and connecting not only to me, but to their own story as well.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support me is honestly just to be a part of the journey. Listen to my music, come out to shows, and experience it all in real time with me—that’s what means the most. Every stream, every ticket, every person in the crowd helps bring the vision to life.
I’m always open to collaborating as well, whether that’s songwriting, performing, or building creative concepts together. I love working with people who are passionate about storytelling and pushing boundaries in music.
At the end of the day, just showing up, listening, and growing with me as an artist is the biggest way anyone can support what I do.
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jkpopstar/1623058212
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joshuahunterkuntz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkpopstar/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvXCBxruKZJh9VSJ6_BHrpw
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4bkWhA2Jvh2qlfK4o0hhUX
