Josh Hicks Unveils His Soulful Single "Honest"
- Tamara Jenna
- May 29, 2024
- 3 min read
Discover the emotional depth and smooth jazz influences in Josh Hicks' latest track "Honest"
Josh Hicks, a rising star in the Welsh music scene, is set to captivate audiences once again with his recently released fourth single, "Honest." Known for his soulful and captivating sound, Josh has been making waves with his contemporary yet timeless pop music, infused with soulful jazz influences. Drawing inspiration from legendary artists like Adele, Duffy, and Ella Fitzgerald, Josh's powerful and emotive vocals shine through in his latest release.
A Journey Through Music and Emotion
Having started his musical journey by working closely with Emeli Sandé in 2020, Josh Hicks has quickly become a prominent figure in the music industry. Bursting onto the scene in 2023, he gained recognition with his debut single "Self Seeking (The Highest Order of Selfishness)" and follow-up track "Everything About You," both earning coveted spots on BBC Radio Wales A-List and Apple Music's prestigious "New in Pop" editorial playlist.
Josh's live performances have further solidified his presence in the industry, mesmerizing audiences at venues throughout Wales and opening for Natalie Imbruglia. Fans have been quick to compare his unique voice to the likes of Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Sam Smith, while BBC radio presenter and TikTok sensation Bronwen Lewis noted similarities in tone to Ollie Alexander of Years & Years.
"Honest": A Song for the Voiceless
"Honest" represents everyone who’s lost their voice trying to please others, acknowledging that it doesn't hurt to communicate how you really feel. In simpler terms, it’s about not conforming to other people's visions of you. Sonically, this track is a fusion of pop, jazz, soul, and R&B. Josh Hicks brings a real sense of chilled, old soul vocals to a passionate subject, relaying the idea of acceptance and tranquility within oneself. The track is underpinned by a hip-hop drum rhythm and funky bass line, creating a serene soundscape that echoes the track's message of being true and speaking up for yourself.
As the title implies, "Honest" comes from an honest space in Josh's head and personality. He shares, “The song wrote itself before I even realized how I was feeling; the chorus just came out as soon as I laid down the hook melody. There and then, I realized I had to address some things about myself. Now, finding my voice and speaking out has significantly improved my confidence along with it.”
A Collaborative Masterpiece
Produced and co-written by ShatterJack, known for hits played across BBC Radio 1, Australia's Triple-J, and LA’s KCRW, "Honest" is a testament to Josh's dedication to his craft. ShatterJack's experience scoring films and TV shows like Bridget Jones, Lucky Man, and Sherlock Gnomes adds a polished touch to the single, ensuring it resonates with listeners.
2023: A Year of Milestones
Josh's debut single "Self Seeking (The Highest Order of Selfishness)" and follow-up "Everything About You" both went straight to the BBC Radio Wales A-List, accompanied by airplay across Wales and playlisting on Apple Music’s "New in Pop" editorial playlist. Josh continued to make a mark on the live scene, playing venues across Wales and gaining new fans as he opened for Natalie Imbruglia. With 2024 just begun, Josh managed to bag his third release "Home Is Where The Heart Is" on BBC Introducing with Adam Walton and Bethan Elfyn.
A Promising Future
After attending ACM in Guildford and winning the Open Mic UK competition in 2021, Josh has worked with Emeli Sandé through the assistance of MS Society. With a contemporary, classic pop sound that embodies soulful yet subtle jazz inclinations, Josh's lyrics reflect his personal experiences and surroundings. His latest single, "Honest," is set to be a hit among fans of alternative pop, commercial pop, jazz, and R&B.
Genres: Alternative Pop, Commercial Pop, Jazz, Contemporary R&B, Soul
Mood: Relaxing, Soulful, Reflective , Emotive
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