Singer songwriter's music video shot in and around Newbury

On Thursday, singer songwriter Joe Hicks released a new double a-side single One More Step/Make It Home. It follows hard on the heels of shooting his first video, which features some familiar locations.

With more than three million Spotify streams, the rising Newbury musician only recently released Mirror Mirror - the first instalment from his upcoming debut album, out later this year, and the promo video was shot over three days in Ashampstead, Thatcham and Newbury. The footage features local businesses Mug and Brew, Willow and Blooms, Air Hair Co, Mr Moo Juice and Studio 91.

"It meant a lot to be able to feature a number of excellent independent Newbury area businesses run by friends of mine that kindly gave up their time and premises to accommodate the filming," said Joe.

You can link into the music video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dhEDU8AsdY

"It’s the first time that I’ve made a proper music video for one of my songs and so it felt right to do it in the town I’m from that was a big part of nurturing my love of music growing up."

The "brilliant" Bradley Bowers of BCB Media (Southampton) filmed and edited the video, Sam Carter assisted, Will and Laura Carter provided their "lovely bathroom" and Nick Strong of Air Hair Co came up with the concept.

Initially, when Joe started writing new music back in 2020, he was intending to release another EP, but with some persistent encouragement from producer Sam Winfield (Amber Run, Fickle Friends, Robin Trower, Only Sun), he soon gave into the challenge of writing his first full-length album, despite how daunting that commitment felt.

In the past, Joe admits, if an idea didn’t quite fit ‘his sound’ he would move on, not exploring it further. But with Mirror Mirror this wasn't the case. The single’s rocky intro riff was one of these ideas, but rather than shoot it down, Joe was intrigued to see what could come of it. “Once I started singing over it, I didn’t stop until I had the whole thing mapped out melodically, and I’m so glad I did as it’s one of my favourite songs on the album.

“Lyrically it’s about reassurance. It’s about when you’re feeling beaten down by the world, acknowledging your fears and giving yourself a damn good talking to in the mirror. Figuring it all out.”

After not being able to play live for over a year, Joe was given a lot of time to think... and also overthink. “I don’t think I’m a massive worrier, but when you’ve chosen a somewhat fragile career like music you get a lot of opportunities to wonder where it’s all going. This song is about one of those moments.”

Showcasing Joe’s stunning guitar textures alongside the brilliance of Ed Broad’s drumming technique, Mirror Mirror feels optimistic - the track’s somewhat sombre dwellings presenting themselves as assured, melodic displays despite the introspection of its narrative. A soundtrack many could adopt, Mirror Mirror "makes light of the scrutiny we can all be guilty of putting ourselves under and there’s a comfort to be had from that", said Joe.

Raised in Newbury, Joe blends pop, blues and folk influences, combining intricate guitar composition with classic pop song-craft. Having made a name for himself as a session guitarist, he released his first solo single at the start of 2017.

Soon after he was made BBC Introducing Artist of the Week, receiving extensive radio play across the UK and also a CLASH Track of the Day feature. Since then he’s built up a sizeable online following, helped on by extensive support from BBC Introducing and touring the UK and Europe, including appearances at CarFest, The Big Feastival, Are You Listening? Festival, Pub in the Park, over 30 Sofar Sounds shows and slots supporting Sam Fender, James Walsh and Starsailor.

Tickets for Joe's Arlington Arts gig on November 26 are now on sale.

"Following my sold out show last year, I’m very excited to be returning to a full capacity Arlington Arts with my band to celebrate the release of my debut album".

Pictures: Sam Carter, Bradley Bowers