It’s 2006, and Disney has just opened the doors to East High. Little did they know that this low-budget TV movie would ignite the hearts of millions with what would become the most treasured “dream boy” of the 00’s.
_High School Musical_ became the theme of millions of birthday parties and any functioning human could sing along to the soundtrack.
With [Joshua Bassett](https://www.instagram.com/joshuatbassett/?hl=en), the kids who never experienced _HSM_ were finally able to understand the overwhelming feeling of having a crush on Troy Bolton, the character that catapulted Zac Efron to eminent stardom. For the ones who had his posters plastered on their walls, it’s blissful nostalgia.
_High School Musical: The Musical: The Series_ isn’t a continuation of the movies, but instead an homage to the joyful spirit and connectivity it brought to people all over the world.
With a love for singing, writing music and acting, Joshua Bassett, playing the role of Ricky (modern-day Troy Bolton), is living the dream. Through the show, we are introduced to his talented vocal skills and good moral character. His undeniable gift with music has won the hearts of many and will continue to do so.
Flaunt had the pleasure of getting to know about his experience on _HSMTMTS,_ his passion for music, and his goals for the future. Check it out below.
Joshua Bassett wears [**BERLUTI**](https://www.berluti.com/en-int/homepage/) vest and shoes, [**COS**](https://www.cosstores.com/en_usd/index.html) shirt, [**DAVID YURMAN**](https://www.davidyurman.com/) bracelet and rings, and [**BVLGARI**](https://www.bulgari.com/en-us/) rings.
**What characteristics of Ricky do you relate to the most?**
When I read the description of the role, I was actually worried that someone had been following me around and documenting my life because everything in the description was exactly like me so I was like, “Alright this is going to be easy.” So I was just trying to be as close to myself as I possibly could. I think for me relating to Ricky is that he’s kind of all over the place and always wants to do the right thing; he doesn’t know what he’s doing and he’s figuring it out as he goes.
**Throughout the show, _High School Musical: The Musical: The Series_, Ricky goes through some hardship, but slowly starts to find himself and gain confidence, how does his character continues to grow throughout the series?**
I think one of the fundamental things for Ricky in this season is that he’s forced to grow up. When Nini says “I love you” he kind of backs up and when we find out his parents are getting a divorce, his immediate reaction is to disappear and detach himself from the situation. Through all of his trials, he matures as a person and is forced to grow up in various different ways.
Joshua Bassett wears [**MARCELO BURLON COUNTY OF MILAN**](https://www.marceloburlon.eu/en/US) coat, [**MSGM**](https://www.msgm.it/en/) shirt and shorts, [**KKCO**](https://www.kkcostudio.com/) socks, [**DAVID YURMAN**](https://www.davidyurman.com/) rings, and [**BVLGARI**](https://www.bulgari.com/en-us/) rings.
**I’ve seen you dance on the show, is dancing something you’ve pursued before?**
I was not anticipating to dance when I came in for the show. I didn’t really think about it. My sisters are all dancers so I never really took that up; I let that be their thing. But when we started production for the show they said, “Alright, dance rehearsal on Monday,” and I was like, “What? Dance rehearsals?” So, Matt Cornett (who plays EJ) and I were taught how to dance over the course of the season. I won’t spoil anything but there is a bigger dance moment for me in the season. So, yeah, I definitely learned how to dance over the course of the season through lots of trial and error, but we got there.
**I love how _High School Musical: The Musical: The Series_ isn’t trying to recreate the original movies, but instead pay homage to them. What is your favorite song from the movies and what is your fav song from the show?**
“You Are The Music In Me” from the second _High School Musical_ and for _High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,_ it’s a close tie between “Wondering” from episode 2 and “Born to Be Brave” in episode 5.
Joshua Bassett wears [**DIOR**](http://dior.com) shirt, [**CALVIN KLEIN**](https://www.calvinklein.us/en) tanktop, [**COS**](https://www.cosstores.com/en_usd/index.html) pants, and [**DAVID YURMAN**](https://www.davidyurman.com/) necklace.
**How was co-writing the song “Just For A Moment” with Olivia Rodrigo? What were you guys trying to portray with the song?**
It was actually a really unique experience because rarely do actors in the project get to write a song, especially at our age (18 and 16). That’s not really heard of, so when they gave us the opportunity, it was kind of magical. It was challenging in a way but it was pretty seamless because we were writing from an honest place and we were able to pour that into the song. The fact that they picked it to be in the series was mind-blowing and I still can’t quite believe it or wrap my head around it. But, it was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in my career. I’m very excited for future opportunities of writing for the show.
**What does the process of writing music look like for you?**
There’s no formula for me. Often I will be at Target and get a good idea for a song or my friend and I will be having a conversation and I will think, “There’s a lyric in there somewhere” and I’ll write it down on my phone or I’ll just be noodling around on my piano. With the song “Common Sense,” on my Instagram, I wrote that while I was driving in my car and I came up with the whole thing, voice recorded it and then parked at the Westfield mall and hammered it out on the guitar. So, it varies from song to song.
Joshua Bassett wears [**TRIPLE RRR**](https://triplerrr.com/) suit and shirt, [**SALVATORE FERRAGAMO**](https://www.ferragamo.com/shop/us/en) top, [**MARCELO BURLON COUNTY OF MILAN**](https://www.marceloburlon.eu/en/US) shoes, and [**DAVID YURMAN**](https://www.davidyurman.com/) rings.
**Do you prefer playing the guitar or the piano?**
Oh man! I really can’t pick, it changes all the time. I’ll play the piano nonstop for a few weeks and then realize I haven’t learned anything new on the guitar and will be hooked on playing my guitar. So, I can’t pick my favorite child. They both really are my favorite.
**It looks like you are already developing a fan base for your vocals, can we expect to see more music coming from you?**
Lots of exciting stuff is on the way. It’s been a journey; I’ve been trying to get this stuff together for a while, but I think it’s better to wait and let it happen the right way instead of rushing it for the sake of getting it out there. But, people can expect a lot of exciting things that they have never seen or heard yet.
Joshua Bassett wears [**DIOR**](http://dior.com) suit, [**KKCO**](https://www.kkcostudio.com/) sweater, [**CONVERSE**](https://www.converse.com/) shoes, [**DAVID YURMAN**](https://www.davidyurman.com/) bracelet, and [**BVLGARI**](https://www.bulgari.com/en-us/) rings.
**What are you most passionate about right now?**
Recording/producing my music! I've spent so many years writing, and I'm just getting into the art of recording. I'm learning so much about taking the song from the page and really bringing it to life.
**Where were you a year ago? What were you up to a year ago?**
Rehearsing and recording in preparation for Season 1 of HSMTMTS in LA.
**Where do you hope to be in a year? What do you hope to be doing a year from now?**
I hope to be performing my original music for whoever will have me! (The dream is Harry Styles!)
**What advice do you have for your past self?**
Learn your lessons well! Take advantage of everything life is teaching you. Certain things that don’t make sense now will in such a short amount of time. Also, trust the process and don’t take everything too seriously.
**What is a goal of yours?**
I want to make an album - from start to finish - that I am proud of. One that I can pour my heart and soul into and genuinely be happy to show the world. I want to give it 110% and know that whatever happens, I gave it everything I have.
* * *
Photography: [Filip Milenkovic](https://instagram.com/filip.milenkovic).
Styled by [Bin X. Nguyen](https://instagram.com/binxnguyen).
Creative Direction: [Faith Picozzi](https://www.instagram.com/faithpicozzi).
Grooming: [Colleen Guzinski](https://instagram.com/colleendominique) using [Weleda Skincare](https://www.weleda.com/best-sellers) and [Oribe Haircare](https://www.oribe.com) at [Exclusive Artists](https://www.eamgmt.com) .
Produced by [BJ Panda Bear](https://instagram.com/bjpandabear).
Styling Assistant: [Kaela Uy](https://instagram.com/kaelauy).
Location: [KkCo Studios](https://www.kkcostudio.com).
