Singer-songwriter Joe Hicks presents his first full-length album, The Best I Could Do at the Time, out September 23rd!
Raised in the rural market town of Newbury; Joe Hicks blends pop, blues and folk influences, combining intricate guitar composition with classic pop song-craft. The Best I Could Do at the Time is an earnest collection of music, combining Joe’s exceptional songwriting and pop sensibilities with a boldness to wear his heart on his sleeve.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Joe about the upcoming album, musical memories, dream collabs and more.
Be sure to Pre-Save The Best I Could Do At The Time if you’re digging Joe’s sound and vibes!
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest single ‘One More Step’?
Well first off, it’s out now so please feel free to check it out on all digital music emporiums! The song was born out of the guitar riff that leads into the chorus. Musically the whole structure was dictated by that and my desire to get to play it as much as possible. Lyrically it’s inspired by the emotional rollercoaster that is pursuing a career in music. It’s about heading out into the world, working away at your craft and having moments where you wonder if it will all work out in the end
How does this album compare with your other past releases? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
This is the first time I’ve made an album, and so that in itself was the big challenge. How can I write 11 songs that all sound different and come together to form a cohesive body of work? It turns out the answer lay in embracing and running with the myriad of influences that I draw from. There are a lot of songs that come from guitar ideas that, in the past, I would never have fleshed out into full songs. The pressure of making an album forced me to not rule anything out, and as a result gave me some of my favourite songs on there.
What motivates you to create music?
For me, and I know this is not the case for every artist, I’m trying to make music that I want to listen to. I don’t think there’s any shame in making a recording that you love and want to blast at full volume in the car. Ultimately that will probably mean that there are others out there who will want to do the same. I’m motivated by the thought of my music accompanying people as they go about life, and whenever I hear stories of that it’s the most glorious feeling.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
I distinctly remember going to a pub with my parents around Christmastime when I was still in primary school. It was absolutely packed and all of a sudden people started bringing out musical instruments of all shapes and sizes. The ensuing jam session brought so much joy to everyone there and made a lasting impression on me that music can bring people together and make them happy. I think deep down that feeling has never left and is something I chase and try to channel into my live shows.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
There are so many people I could pick here, but I’m going to go with the great Paul Simon. When I was studying at Berklee I was part of the ‘Sting and Paul Simon Ensemble’ and got to learn the vast bulk of his catalogue. The depth of genius in the songwriting absolutely blew me away and I became a massive fan. Subsequently I saw a video of an interview Paul did on the Dick Cavett show in the 1970s where he talked through the conundrum he was having with a half-finished ‘Still Crazy After All These Years’ and I became even further enamored with the artistic prowess of the man. I think that while I’d probably feel massively inadequate around him, my god would it be fascinating to sit in a room and write together. That interview is available here for those interested.
What was the last song you listened to? And who are some of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
The last song I listened to was ‘Freddy Keuger’ by the band Reuben – one of my favourite bands as a teenager and this morning I felt like taking a trip down memory lane. That album ‘Racecar is Racecar
Backwards’ still sounds amazing 18 years later. In general, I’m drawn to artists that are able to combine
catchy, listenable pop songwriting with more complex underlying musical ideas: John Mayer, Sting, Carly Simon, Bombay Bicycle Club, Kings of Leon to name a few.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
You can find my social media accounts at @joehicksmusic and there are direct links to those and to all of my music, videos, live dates etc. at www.joehicksmusic.com
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
And I really appreciate the opportunity! Thank you to anyone who’s taken the time to read this and to
check out my music! Please feel free to reach out, and I hope to see you at a live show down the line.
