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Some artists stay in one lane their entire careers. Others, like Josh Prost—better known as Numba9ne—turn the entire musical map into a playground.
Coming out of Boston’s underground, this multi-instrumentalist, producer, and genre-bending visionary isn’t here to fit in—he’s here to stand out. Whether performing solo or alongside his project Octavate, Numba9ne is a reminder that authenticity and hustle still go a long way.
A Sonic Patchwork from Every Era
“I was built with all of them,” Numba9ne reflects when asked about his influences—and he means it. Raised on a chaotic blend of Led Zeppelin, early hip-hop, and 90s grunge, his sonic DNA reads like a genre buffet. But instead of picking favorites, he stacks them. You’ll hear jazz-funk rhythms tangled with metal riffs, or classic rock vibes laying underneath introspective rap bars. “Each one shaped who I am as an artist,” he says. “I don’t cling to one genre.”
It’s this freedom that defines his sound—raw, unpolished, and entirely intentional. You won’t catch Numba9ne chasing charts or mimicking trends. He’s busy crafting songs that speak to real moments and honest emotion.
Precision with Purpose
Think of Numba9ne as a one-man production house. Inspired by Trent Reznor and Dave Grohl, he’s hands-on with every step—from writing lyrics to playing instruments and mixing tracks in his basement studio. “Songs write themselves and beg me to bring them to life,” he says.
Whether he’s tackling political themes like climate collapse or tapping into collective anxiety, the music always starts with the message. “I know how to get dirty with a track and clean it up when I need to,” he adds. “But it starts with truth.”
Octavate: A Collective Force
In under a year, Octavate—what began as a solo outlet—morphed into a serious contender in the New England rock scene. The band was nominated for Best Hard Rock/ Metal Act at the New England Music Awards and invited to the legendary Boston Rock and Roll Rumble.
But what sets Octavate apart isn’t just recognition—it’s collaboration. Tracks like Zero Matter , co-written with SV, and Splitting Hairs , shaped by drummer David Jamison, show Numba9ne’s openness to building something bigger than himself. It’s not just a band—it’s a brotherhood of creative input.
No Gimmicks. All Weight.
While others chase social media virality, Numba9ne keeps his visuals gritty and abstract, matching the mood of his music. “Music is fun, but it’s not a joke,” he says flatly. That ethos has attracted attention from regional collaborators like Who.Iam: Lacy and Rexy Fortyfive.
His mission is rooted in expression, not performance. "I don’t care about what's cool this week," he says. “I care if it feels real. That’s how I know I’m doing it right.” His shows, whether intimate or large-scale, carry that same no-frills attitude: show up, be honest, play hard.
Conclusion
Numba9ne is only getting started. With his foot on the pedal and eyes set beyond the local scene, he’s hungry for the next chapter. “I’d love to connect with someone who can get my music out there worldwide,” he says. Until then, he’s staying true to what brought him here —passion, versatility, and a refusal to compromise.
In a world where algorithms try to dictate taste, artists like Numba9ne prove that genuine voices still cut through. You don’t need a formula when you’ve got fire.
