From nearly giving up to welcoming a new beginning, British singer/songwriter Joe Hicks’ latest work encapsulates the emotional depth and optimism that characterize his music.
Stream: “Heart in Two” – Joe Hicks
After the loss of his father, there was a moment when Joe Hicks considered stepping away from music for good.
The singer/songwriter from Berkshire, UK, found himself questioning everything he had accomplished. Writing songs had always helped him understand the world, but for the first time, it felt devoid of purpose.
“I thought about quitting music,” he confesses. “I just didn’t see the point anymore, especially since I’d always imagined being able to share my music with Dad.”
You can hear this journey in Hicks’ latest single “Heart in Two,” which initially sounds like a love song, but delves deeper into the struggles of holding on when life becomes burdensome.
Joe Hicks © Emilie Cotterill
“It was written probably at my lowest point,” Hicks reflects. “It’s about feeling invisible, being far from where you're meant to be, yet still holding onto hope because you’ve chosen your path and are committed to it.”
His forthcoming sophomore album, Before It Gets Dark, scheduled for release in March 2026, showcases a more introspective and mature side of Hicks. More than just new music, it signifies a fresh start.
With production help from longtime collaborators Sam Winfield and Tom Millar, Hicks combines pop, blues, and folk influences alongside heartfelt lyrics that resonated with fans on his 2022 self-released debut, The Best I Could Do at the Time. This new work, however, explores the more complex emotions that are often left unaddressed.
Before It Gets Dark – Joe Hicks
One thing is certain: Hicks confronts the wreckage head-on.
“Over and Out,” featuring the lyric “Smile on a chain sitting proud on your chest / I got the same one, so I don’t forget,” honors his late father, while tracks like “Time is a Thief” closely examine the uncomfortable realities of aging, observing societal changes, and contemplating how – or if – one measures up.
“Ultimately,” Hicks states, “the album is about wanting to experience the world before it gets dark – about not allowing our time to slip away.”
A recognized figure in the UK grassroots music scene, Hicks gained broader visibility from touring with Sam Fender and James Walsh. His self-released 2022 debut album, The Best I Could Do at the Time, solidified his reputation as a songwriter who transforms personal and sometimes painful experiences into comforting moments for listeners. After taking time for self-reflection and rebuilding, Hicks feels more centered and eager to share the hard-earned lessons from Before It Gets Dark.
Atwood Magazine spoke with Hicks, who, like his music, carefully chooses his words, ensuring they carry the right significance. During our conversation, he discusses finding inspiration, releasing the pressure of social media comparisons, and navigating what he calls his “biggest reset.”
A CONVERSATION WITH JOE HICKS
Atwood Magazine: Huge congratulations on the new single “Heart in Two.” It’s both beautiful and powerful. Can you share the story behind it?
Joe Hicks: Thank you so much! It feels wonderful to see it released into the world. This song was written early in the album’s creation and flowed out in one sitting. The first verse came straight from a stream of consciousness and remained unchanged since that moment of inspiration. While the title suggests a love theme, at the time, I was grappling with the fallout from losing my dad, alongside my frustration with the world.
The lyrics explore the depths of feeling low while observing others seemingly leading perfect lives online and the mental health implications of feeling left behind as you scroll through their curated highlight reels, pondering what could have been had different choices been made. It’s about commitment, the sacrifices entailed, which become amplified online as you witness others doing what you might have pursued. It’s a sense of invisibility, of feeling far from your intended path, and continually playing catch-up.
Yet, amidst that, there’s hope and a sense of defiance, knowing you’re dedicated to your journey and have made peace with the sacrifices that come with it. Musically, it took time to finalize. The core arrangement came together quickly, but the chorus only clicked when Ed Broad added a human touch to the groove with his drumming, allowing me to find my entry into the lead guitar section. The verses remind me of David Gray, so we leaned into that with additional drum layers and ethereal synths layered over.
You mentioned that “Heart in Two” seems like a love song at first glance, but it's really about grief and frustration with the world. How have those feelings influenced the rest of the album?
Joe Hicks: Many songs on the album aim to articulate and
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British singer/songwriter Joe Hicks' latest work reflects the emotional richness and optimism that characterize his sound, illustrating his journey from the brink of giving up to welcoming a new chapter.