“A thoroughly fantastic debut album from Start Forward.”

— Obscure Sound

Press & Playlists

Since the release of Start Forward’s early singles, the music has begun to resonate through independent press, editorial blogs, and curated playlists. Below is a verified selection of coverage and placements.

Praise for Breathing Under Water

“Breathing Under Water is an album that resists the urge to shout over the noise by instead speaking clearly about what it means to keep going when you’re not entirely sure how. And if that’s not punk in its own way, I don’t know what is.”
“With this ambitious debut under the Start Forward name, Joshua Sturtevant marks his return in spectacular fashion — and we can’t wait to see what his new project has in store next.”
“Fusing effervescent allure with powerful alt-rock passion, Breathing Under Water showcases both dreamy atmospheric intrigue and fervent, heart-on-sleeve intensity... a thoroughly fantastic debut album from Start Forward.”
""[Breathing Under Water] uses the full expanse of the mix to build anticipation and atmosphere, then delivers with...cathartic bursts of distortion and harmony."

About

Bio

Start Forward is the creative project of Joshua Sturtevant, a Miami-based multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter with roots in Michigan and two decades immersed in New York City's vibrant music culture. Blending the energy of 90s alternative rock and grunge with atmospheric textures and layered production, Start Forward’s sound channels influences like Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots and Radiohead. 

Following a long creative hiatus, Joshua returns with Breathing Under Water, an album that explores themes of growth through adversity, rediscovery, and transformation—marking his first release under the Start Forward name.

With Breathing Under Water's July 2025 release, Start Forward is looking to connect with new listeners through new music and the broader creative work that surrounds it.